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BATTERY
The motor home has two or more batteries on board. Both are maintained in the same manner. Check the
electrolyte fluid levels on a regular basis, especially during hot weather conditions. Refill as necessary with either
distilled water or clean tap water in an emergency. DO NOT ALLOW THE FLUID LEVELS IN THE BATTERIES TO
FALL BELOW THE INTERNAL BATTERY PLATES. DAMAGE TO THE BATTERIES MAY RESULT AND SHORTEN
THE LIFE OF THE BATTERIES.
When charging the batteries, do not charge at such a fast rate as to cause spewing of the electrolyte from the cells.
However, do charge the battery with the cell vent caps off. Some vehicle applications use maintenance free batteries,
and therefore this section may not apply.
WARNING: NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME AROUND BATTERIES. AVOID MAKING ELECTRICAL
SPARKS. FUMES FROM THE BATTERY ARE COMBUSTABLE. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR CORROSION
ON THE BATTERY TERMINALS. CORRODED TERMINALS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF AVAILABLE POWER
AS WELL AS CUT DOWN ON THE EFFICIENCY OF THE CHARGING/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS
COULD LEAD TO A SITUATION WHERE THE BATTERY ISN’T CHARGED ENOUGH TO START THE
VEHICLE.
If your batteries have problems prior to the end of their warranty period, consult the nearest representative of the
battery manufacturer.
When it is time to replace the batteries, be sure to replace them with quality batteries of equal electrical and physical
properties. Contact your nearest dealer for advice in the selection of new batteries.
BATTERY TYPES AND CHARGING
Only similar batteries should be connected together in one bank. Do not connect old and new batteries, or wet and
gel cell batteries together. Deep-cycle batteries are usually rated in Amp-hours, which is based on a 20-hour
discharge rate. Therefore, a 100 amp-hour battery can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours. Deep-cycle batteries can be
discharged about 80% of capacity before damage occurs. Shallow cycling (50%-60% drain before recharge) will result
in much longer battery life. To find out how long your batteries will last when using various equipment in your coach,
research the amperage of the items in use, and use that number to gauge what size amp-hour battery you think you
need. Keep in mind that you should recharge your batteries when they are 50% discharged, so only half of the amp-
hour rating is actually used.
Completely charging wet cell deep-cycle batteries requires the battery voltage to be raised beyond what is known as
the gassing point. This is the voltage at which the battery begins to bubble and gas is given off. If charging stops
short of this point, sulfate is left on the plates and deterioration of the battery begins. The gassing point will vary with
battery temperature. At 77 degrees F, the gassing point of a 12-volt battery is about 14.0 volts.
ON-BOARD AUXILIARY POWER GENERATOR (OPTIONAL)
This unit provides 110-volt power to the converter as well as charges the RV battery. Read over the manufacturer’s
owner’s manual for the unit’s operation and care/maintenance.
The unit runs on gasoline, LP gas, or diesel fuel depending on your chassis and the model generator selected. BE
SURE TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL OF THE GENERATOR AT REGULAR INTERVALS. Most generators require
monthly exercising to prevent internal damage. Again, due to the many different generator options, we recommend
that you fully review the generator manufacturer’s owner’s manual for the unit’s operation and care/maintenance and
proper use.
INVERTER
Inverters are much like converters, only they perform the exact opposite functions. Inverters take 12-volt DC battery
power and invert it to 110-volt AC power. Using the inverter can drain a fully charged battery in as little as two (2)
hours, depending on what appliances are being used. Therefore, inverters are usually used sparingly. The inverter
switch should remain in the “off” position on the inside panel, unless using the inverter mode. The inverter/converter
will still charge your batteries when in the “off” position and the coach has 110 volt shore power. If the switch is left
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