Understanding Airstream Solar Power. How To Properly Use And Monitor Your Solar System

[@Eireannach]

We ordered our Caravel two weeks ago. We live in Orlando and we weren’t able to swing by Colonial Airstream because you’re over 1,000 miles from our house. We’ve been watching a lot of your videos just to be more familiar with the Airstream brand, even older videos with long hair Patrick. Just yesterday I was searching to get info about the Airstream solar. Today I was recommended this video and it is PERFECT. Thank you Joe!

[@colonialairstream]

Glad it was helpful.

[@superyachtchef]

Why do all other van conversion youtubers make this aspect to van so bloody complicated. Mate these micro - how to sessions are off the chart fantastic 💪🎖🎖🎖

[@colonialairstream]

Good point

[@Winter-zv1dv]

Joe, 2024 International. Volt meter shows 0 on the external SAE (or is it Zamp) port. Is there a fuse between the external solar panel port and the battery?

[@colonialairstream]

yes, if the coach has lithium that Zamp port might not be attached. Most dealerships prefer a charge controller between that port and the lithium batteries to protect them. If it is attached the fuse is in the battery box.

[@Winter-zv1dv]

@@colonialairstream thank you. Also the battery heater switch is not labeled. Is “on” towards the trailer or towards the hitch?

[@HartMontgomery]

I’m still confused about the solar panel display. What is the reading where it tells you if your battery is dangerously low (lithium battery in Basecamp REI model)? I was told that the battery shouldn’t go below half charge. The display doesn’t display % , or does it and I haven’t found it? None of the display is very intuitive for me, a new owner.

[@colonialairstream]

unfortunately, the display will not show the percent remaining. Lithium batteries will shut off at 20% charge to protect them. We typically recommend a Victron shunt for monitoring the batteries.

[@jerrymiller3320]

Like you Joe. Keep it up. Still thinking about that 16ft.Caravelle. Retireing soon. Don't know where I'm going but doesn'tatter

[@colonialairstream]

You can do it.

[@jos1062]

Just bought a 16' caravel for me & my 2 dogs. Retired and dont know where im going either. Love my little caravel. I took the awning and solar pkg, glad I did too.

[@Eireannach]

Is there a way to prevent the tow vehicle from charging the Airstream batteries while traveling down the road? From what I understand the solar panels will charge the batteries until they are “full“. Do the solar panels also charge the Airstream batteries while hooked up to a vehicle going down the road? I ask because we have an electric vehicle and would rather not pull energy from the vehicle to charge the Airstream batteries while traveling. Thank you.

[@colonialairstream]

You can add a 7-way disconnect so it doesn't pull from the vehicle.

[@Eireannach]

@@colonialairstream THANK YOU so much 🙂

[@edrumsas5420]

Good video

[@colonialairstream]

Thanks for the visit

[@ma.guadalupemedinaandrade9561]

WOW, GRACIAS , ES LO QUE DESEABA, LASTIMA QUE AQUÍ EN MÉXICO NO TENGAMOS ÉSE PRIVILEGIO DE TENER ÉSTAS CAMPER'S !!!

[@colonialairstream]

Thanks for checking this one out.

[@chasinspring]

What brand lithium battery does Airstream provide factory?

[@colonialairstream]

Battleborn on models it comes standard on.

[@lindamartin2045]

👍👍🤔😊

[@colonialairstream]

Thanks for watching

[@jdhdavis]

Is there a simple way to determine what percent charge is on the batteries ?

[@colonialairstream]

Add a Victron Smart shunt.

[@juanarbona1149]

I just purchased a 2023 International 23fbt with solar package. I will like to use my Jackery portable panels to supplement power. Do I need a controller between my panels and the connection on the Airstream or the connection goes to the controller and no directly to the batteries?

[@johnchisolm4033]

I want a 1000 watts of solar.

[@colonialairstream]

Its possible on aftermarket.