Jayco 2011 pinnacle, Owner'S Manual

Page: 45 / 97

SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - 50 AMP
In addition, the 7-way trailer plug provides
a common ground and a 12-volt charge
line to charge the auxiliary battery.
□ 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.
□ 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.
12-V
OLT
B
ATTERY
D
ISCONNECT
(I
F
S
O
E
QUIPPED
)
Your RV has a battery
disconnect switch. To avoid
draining the battery power, turn
this switch off when the RV is
not being used for a period of
time.
When the battery disconnect switch is off the
12 VDC electrical system WILL NOT
PROVIDE power to the propane alarm. To
function correctly, the propane alarm must be
connected to a constant 12 VDC power
source.
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.
Before purchasing a battery, measure your
battery tray to determine which size battery
will fit.
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).
Fig. 6.1
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.
Battery storage instructions
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.
When it is time to replace the auxiliary battery,
replace it with a Group 27 deep cycle battery
only. Contact the battery OEM for further
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