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EARTHBOUND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE TRAILER OWNER'S MANUAL
Section 7 -‐ Electrical
ELECTRICAL OPERATION
The major portion of electrical power in your Earthbound RV is 12-‐volt. The 12-‐volt current powers the fans,
furnaces, water pump, and water heater ignition. The exceptions would be the air conditioner and
microwave oven.
If you replace a blown fuse and it immediately blows again, do not replace the fuse again until a qualified
service technician can correct the problem.
If the replacement fuse holds for a week or more and the gap in the fusible metal is barely melted apart it
usually indicates an overload condition. Reducing the number of lights or appliances used on that particular
circuit at the same time could prevent any further fuse failure.
The charge in the 12-‐volt batteries is replenished when towing from the tow vehicle alternator through the
7-‐way cord, and/or through the converter charger that is active when you have the trailer plug into 30 amp service.
BATTERY
CAUTION
: A normal battery can discharge by itself in 30 to 40 days when not in use, therefore, IT
IS NECESSARY TO PERIODICALLY CHECK THE BATTERY AND CHARGE IT AS IS NECESSARY.
We suggest checking the battery at least every two weeks in freezing weather. The temperature at which a
battery will freeze depends on the condition of its charge. Neglect is expensive. Care costs little. Check your batteries
regularly.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN BATTERY TOP AND CHECK TERMINALS AND CABLES FOR TIGHTNESS
AND CLEANLINESS. A dirty battery will dissipate its charge through surface contamination. Clean
battery top with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly. The terminals should be tight and free of corrosion. To clean
terminals, neutralize with a solution of baking soda, rinse in clear water, and dry.
Note:
Care must be used to make sure soda is not allowed to enter battery cells.
To insure maximum battery capacity on the charge and the discharge, the battery terminals and the
inside portion of the cable connector should be scraped or brushed until both of these surfaces are
shiny bright. The cable connectors should then be reconnected to the battery and tightened. The
complete assembly, battery post and cable connector should be coated with heavy body mineral
grease, petroleum grease or petroleum jell.
CAUTION
: RECONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE CORRECT BATTERY POSTS.
The black cable should be connected to the negative (-‐) post and the red cable to the (+) post.
CAUTION
: Do not fill battery above the split ring in filler opening. DO NOT MEASURE
SPECIFIC GRAVITY IMMEDIATELY after adding water. The water must mix with the electrolyte
by charging or by driving a few miles.