If you are looking for a quick way to cut off all power coming from your battery, the battery disconnect switch is the quick and easy way to do it. This switch in your travel trailer completely shuts off power flowing from the battery to your Airstream.
When should the battery disconnect switch be “On”?
If you want to use your outlets, the battery disconnect switch should be in the “on” position. The “on” position is also a way to charge your battery when you are connected to shore power or hooked up to a generator.
When should the battery disconnect switch be “Off”?
The battery disconnect switch should be off when storing your Airstream or when boondocking or dry camping. Before storing your Airstream, turn the switch to the “off” position to conserve battery. However, we recommend charging your battery at a minimum of every 30-60 days to preserve battery life. You never want your battery to drop below 12V.
To charge your battery, plug in your Airstream to shore power or a generator. If you have a manual battery disconnect switch, you’ll need to turn the battery disconnect switch to “on,” and allow it to charge. If you have an electronic battery disconnect switch, the battery will charge in both the “on” and “off” positions. You can keep an eye on the battery power level through Airstream’s SeeLevel monitoring system, located under the galley inside the cabinet on Classic models and above the galley on the wall on all other models.
When the battery is charged, simply disconnect power if you have an electric battery disconnect switch or turn the battery disconnect switch back to the “off” position for models with manual switches.
Manual Battery Disconnect Switch Instructions for Bambi and Basecamp
Note that the solar system, and plugging into the vehicle’s charge line (or 7-way cable) will charge the battery in either position.
Electronic Battery Disconnect Switch for traditional Airstream Travel Trailers
With the electronic battery disconnect feature, the batteries will charge with any source in both the "on/use" or "off/store" position.
For models manufactured before model year 2022 (July 2021), use the following electronic battery disconnect switch instructions.
For models manufactured after model year 2022 (July 2021), use the following electronic battery disconnect instructions.
Classic and Pottery Barn specific models.
Touring Coaches
Atlas
Interstate 24
Interstate 19