Jayco 2008 Octane ZX, Owner'S Manual

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The best protection against carbon monoxide
entry into the RV is a properly maintained
ventilation system and an active carbon
monoxide
detector. To allow for proper
operation of the RV ventilation system, keep
the ventilation inlet grill(s) clear of snow,
leaves or other obstructions at all times.
12-
VOLT
DC S
YSTEM
The majority of your RV lighting is powered by
12-volt electricity. The 12-volt DC system is
composed of components that will operate
when the following conditions are met:
0
Power is supplied by the tow vehicle
alternator when the engine is running and
the 7-way trailer plug is connected. This
powers the RV’s running lights, brake
lights, turn signals and brakes.
In addition, the 7-way trailer plug provides
a common ground and a 12-volt charge
line to charge the auxiliary battery.
0
The converter will supply interior 12-volt
DC power when the power cord is plugged
into campground power. The converter will
also charge the auxiliary battery in most
situations.
0
The auxiliary battery powers many interior
12-volt components including the lighting
fixtures, water pump, 12-volt motors,
12-volt appliances, etc. It also powers the
breakaway switch.
A
UXILIARY
B
ATTERY
(C
USTOMER
S
UPPLIED
)
Your RV has many 12-volt DC loads. When
combined, their total is more than the
converter can produce. High demands for
12-volt power can be met by an auxiliary
battery for limited periods of time. The 12-volt
DC electrical system is designed for usage
with a Group 27, deep cycle battery.
Dry camping
Consider the charge condition of the auxiliary
battery when dry camping. If the auxiliary
battery is not being recharged and power is
being
drawn from it, it will eventually
discharge. A battery will discharge at a faster
rate as its energy level becomes depleted. It is
recommended you plan your electrical usage
accordingly. For accuracy, test the auxiliary
battery
voltage using a volt-ohm meter
(customer supplied).
A fully charged auxiliary battery will read 12.7
volts DC and 1.265 specific gravity at 80°F
(32°C). The auxiliary battery is considered
discharged at 11.8 volts DC by electronic
standards; when voltage drops below those
levels,
permanent damage may occur.
Typically, a deep cycle battery has an
amp-hour rating of 75-100 amps. If you run the
furnace and refrigerator simultaneously, you
will be using approximately (12.0 + 3.0) 15.0
amps per hour. This does not include any
12-volt lights, water pump or any other 12-volt
component.
If the furnace and refrigerator in the
above example operated constantly, a
75 amp-hour battery would become
fully discharged in 5 hours (75ah / 15a
= 5h).
The auxiliary battery should be installed in
parallel with the battery in your tow vehicle.
When the 7-way trailer plug is connected, both
batteries power the RV so it is important not to
discharge your tow vehicle battery below the
level required to start the engine. To prevent
this from occurring, disconnect the 7-way
trailer plug or install a battery isolator. When
the tow vehicle engine is operating with the RV
connected, the tow vehicle charging system
will charge both batteries.
Replacement and maintenance
Some equipment in your RV will draw small
amounts of current even when turned OFF. To
prevent the auxiliary battery from being
discharged when your RV is not connected to
shore line power, disconnect the auxiliary
battery negative cable at the battery. During
storage, it is important to check the voltage
monthly and recharge the auxiliary battery as
needed. If you remove the auxiliary battery
from your RV, store it in a dry, cool area per the
OEM instructions.
41
SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – 30 AMP