Airstream batteries: trailers and touring coaches

Airstream traces its history to Wally Byam's trailers of the early 1930s, and is known for its riveted aluminum travel trailers built in Jackson Center, Ohio. Airstream has been part of Thor Industries since 1980. Besides travel trailers like the Flying Cloud, International, Globetrotter, Classic and Basecamp, Airstream builds touring coaches (Class B vans) such as the Interstate line, and the Atlas (a Class C). Note: Airstream's Interstate touring coach has nothing to do with Interstate Batteries.

Battery locations

On many Airstream travel trailers, the batteries sit up front on the tongue, under a cover. On touring coaches, house batteries are usually under the floor or in a dedicated compartment, and the chassis battery is with the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

Lithium and solar on Airstreams

Airstream has offered solar and lithium packages on many recent trailers and its touring coaches. If yours has a factory lithium system, any replacement should match how that system charges and monitors the batteries.

What we see in Florida

Tongue corrosion. The aluminum shell holds up to salt air well. The battery terminals on the tongue don't.

Storage drains. Airstreams often sit between trips, and small loads drain the batteries. Use the disconnect. See Florida storage.

Touring coach lithium shutdowns. A lithium bank that protects itself by shutting down can look like a dead RV.

Upgrades

Many Airstream owners with lead-acid move to lithium. It is also worth checking the converter's lithium setting.

Fitment note: Battery locations, tray sizes and electrical packages vary by model, floor plan and model year. Treat this as a general guide, not a fitment guarantee. We confirm what your RV has before anything is installed.