American Coach American Allegiance, Owner'S Manual

Page: 76 / 114

07-3
Electrical Systems
charged from a different charging source, please
follow these safety guidelines :
• Battery disconnects are to be in the “on”
position.
• Leaving a charger connected to a battery
for an extended period of time can shorten
battery life.
• Do not smoke near batteries being charged
or which have been recently charged. Please
note that batteries are being charged while
you drive, and while you are connected to
120-volt AC power through the converter/
charger circuit.
• Do not break live circuits at the terminals
of the battery. Use care when connecting
or disconnecting booster leads or cables.
Attaching booster cables, and poor
connections are a common cause of
electrical arcs which can cause explosion.
• As required and depending on the type
check and adjust the electrolyte level
before charging. Fill each cell to the
indicator with distilled water.
• Always remove all vent caps (if equipped)
before charging the battery.
• Do not charge the battery at a rate that
causes the electrolyte to spew out.
• In cold temperature storage conditions,
batteries may freeze if not properly charged.
• Some motor homes are equipped with
maintenance free batteries. Examine the
batteries and identify which type they are
so that they can be properly maintained per
the appropriate manufacturer’s instructions.
• Some motor homes are equipped with a
switch to set the battery charge pattern.
The setting can vary depending on the type
of battery. Consult your inverter manual
included in the Owner’s Information
Packet for additional information on
battery charge pattern settings.
• Plugging your motor home into “house
hold” 120 Volt power may not sufficiently
charge your batteries.
Solar Panel
(If Equipped)
Your new motor home may be equipped with
an optional solar charger. The solar charging
panel installed on the roof of your motor home
is designed to “trickle-charge” your battery
system. It is not intended to be a fast charger. It
also cannot supply large amounts of current to
operate 12-volt DC electrical equipment. When
the sky is clear and under bright sun, the solar
panel will help keep your batteries “topped-up”.
Do not try to operate 12-volt DC appliances with
the output of the solar panel.
Selecting a Replacement Battery
When the battery requires replacement, always
choose a battery with the same physical
and electrical characteristics as the original
equipment. Your dealer or an authorized
American Coach Service Center can advise you
on proper battery selection.
WARNING
Remove rings, metal watchbands, and other metal
jewelry before working around a battery. Use cau-
tion when using metal tools. If a tool contacts a bat-
tery terminal or metal connected to it, a short circuit
could occur which could cause personal injury,
explosion or fire.
!
WARNING
Do not allow battery electrolyte to contact skin, eyes,
fabrics, or painted surfaces. The electrolyte is a
sulfuric acid solution which could cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage. Wear eye protec-
tion when working with batteries.
!
WARNING
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric
spark. Chemical action in the battery generates
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Do
not allow battery electrolyte (acid) to contact skin,
eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces.
!