No lights on the charge controllerUpdated 21 days ago
When you plug the black charge controller of the AIR GEAR Portable Solar Kit to the trailer's Solar Port (or 7-way cable, if you're using that adapter), some lights on the black box should go on. If not, follow the instructions below:
If you are using the factory-installed Solar Port
1. Check for a blown fuse on the Solar Port wiring.
Replacing the fuse is very simple. Please download these instructions, which include images to show you where the fuse holder is in the Airstream's battery box. We recommend replacing the fuse with a 20-amp rating.
2. Check the voltage and polarity at the Solar Charge Port with a voltage meter.
Put the red lead of a voltmeter in the positive terminal of the Solar Charge Port, and the black lead in the negative terminal of the Solar Charge Port.
Your meter must show more than +10.6 volts.
If the meter shows less than +10.6 volts, the batteries are dead and need to be replaced. The Portable Solar Kit can’t charge batteries that are extremely dead.
If the meter shows negative voltage (for example, -12.6 volts) then the wiring has been reversed. You'll need to correct this (or buy a polarity reversing plug) before you can use the Portable Solar kit. If you choose to buy a polarity reversing plug, any brand will do, as long as it's an SAE solar port plug.
It's common for the Solar Port wiring to be disconnected or altered by technicians when they do other work on the trailer. If you take the two steps above and still can't get a voltage reading at the Solar Port, this may be your issue. Click here for more information on this.
If you are connecting to the 7-way plug on the trailer
1. Check the voltage and polarity of the 7-way plug with a voltage meter.
Put the red lead of a voltmeter in the "Aux 12 Volt + (Black)" terminal of the 7-way cable, and the black lead in the "Ground (White)" terminal, as shown below.
Your meter must show more than +10.6 volts.
If the meter shows less than +10.6 volts, the batteries are dead and need to be replaced. The Portable Solar Kit can’t charge batteries that are extremely dead.
If you can't get a reading:
- Note that 2023 and later Trade Wind models will always show zero voltage, because they have a battery isolator installed. You can't use the AIR GEAR Portable Solar Kit with the 7-way plug on these models. Connect to the Solar Port instead.
- Make sure you are making good contact with the metal tabs inside the plug, with both leads of the voltmeter, at the same time.
- The connectors on the 7-way plug may be corroded or dirty, and unable to transfer electricity as they should. The connectors should be cleaned in this case.
- Consult a qualified RV electrical technician.