Holiday Savoy LX 2006, Manual

Page: 141 / 154

Savoy SL & LX 5th Wheel & Travel Trailer 2006 Electrical Systems — Section 8 • 141
Testing the Battery
There are several ways to test and monitor a battery. The recreational
vehicle uses a monitor panel that shows the status of the house batteries at
a quick glance. By pressing and holding the test button the power level will
display on the battery scale. The illustration shown explains in more detail
the scale and indications.
A more efficient way of testing the batteries is to check the electrolyte solution. The
only way to test a battery electrolyte solution is with a hydrometer. Many styles are
available, from types with cylinder graduation (shown here) to types with floating balls.
Hydrometers can be purchased from most auto parts stores.
The hydrometer tests the battery electrolyte solution which is measured in specific
gravity (sulfuric acid to water ratio). Distilled water has a specific assigned gravity
of 1,000. The hydrometer is calibrated to this mark. Pure sulfuric acid has a specific
gravity reading of 1,840. The acid is 1.84 times heavier than water. The electrolyte
solution is about 64% water to 36% acid (fully charged battery). Hydrometers
with cylinder graduation are graphed and the exact state of specific gravity can be
determined.
Temperature and recent battery activity (charging or discharging) affect the
hydrometer readings. It is best to check the battery when it has been at rest for at least
three hours, although readings taken at other times will give a “ball park” figure. Using
the hydrometer, draw the electrolyte solution up into the tube. Allow the hydrometer to
attain the same temperature as the electrolyte solution. Note the reading for that cell.
Complete the same test for the rest of the cells on that battery bank.
Chart readings are taken at 80° F. Temperature affects the hydrometer readings. The
higher the electrolyte temperature, the higher the specific gravity reading. The lower the
temperature, the lower the specific gravity reading will be. Add or subtract four points
for each 10° variance from the 80° F chart. Readings between cells should not vary
more than 50 points.
If one cell in a particular battery bank being tested is at a 50% state of charge while
the others are fully charged, charge that battery to see if the low cell will come up. At
the same time, do not over charge the “healthy” cells. If the low cell does not come up after charging,
this battery can damage the rest of the battery bank and should be replaced. An accurate digital volt meter + - .5%
will also give an indicator of the battery state of charge.
Another test is to put the battery(s) under a specified load for a predetermined length of time for that particular
battery rating. This machine is usually an adjustable carbon pile that can vary the load applied to the battery(s)
while monitoring voltage to see if it will perform to specific rated capacities.
NOTE:
See chart for temperature compensation. Liquid levels should be even between the cells of
the battery being tested as it will affect the accuracy of the test.
030856B
On Inside Wall
030837d
On Range Hood
030815