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12-volt DC system
The 12-volt system provides power for the following components:
Electric Jacks
Interior Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Water Pump
Refrigerator
Alde System
Stereo/CD/DVD Player
TV
Systems Panel Monitor
Fantastic Fan
Accessories plugged into 12-volt outlet
Battery and Compartment
Maintenance of your 12-volt battery(s) is essential for carefree travel. Be sure to use a heavy-
duty, minimum 75 amp/hr. RV/Marine deep cycle battery. Certain models can accommodate
two batteries. Ensure that they are both the same size and type battery. Check the battery(s)
frequently with the condition meter located on the monitor panel. Also check the water level
often. The use of a hydrometer is required to test for the specific gravity of the battery acid.
Hydrometers are available through an auto parts store.
NOTE:
The 12-volt battery(s) is not supplied with the camper by the manufacturer.
Battery Terminology
Deep Cycle Batteries
The term “deep cycle” refers to a battery that has the capability of deeply discharging hundreds of times.
How it differs from an automotive starting battery is that the automotive battery is manufactured to specifically provide a quick burst
of energy thousands of times while only being able to deeply discharge less than 50 cycles during its lifetime. A Cycle refers to one
batter discharge and recharge.
Battery Ratings and Specifications
Marine/RV deep cycle batteries have rating specifications which include cold cranking amps (CCA), marine cranking amps (MCA),
reserve capacity (RC), and ampere hours (Ah). RC and approximate Ah ratings may not be listed on the battery decal. However, they
should be available through your local battery distributor.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
The amount of current (amps) a battery at 0°F (-17.8°C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts on
a 12-volt battery).
Marine Cranking Amps (MCA)
The amount of discharge current a battery tested at 32°F (0°C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at least 1.2 per cell (7.2 volts
for a 12-volt battery).
Reserve Capacity (RC)
The amount of time a battery can deliver 25 amps at 80°F (26.7°C) without falling below 1.75 volts per cell (10.5 volts on a 12-volt
battery). An approximate Ah rating can be attained by multiplying the battery’s RC rating by 0.6. Example: 180 RC x 0.6 = 108 Ah.
Ampere hours (Ah)
Tested at 80°F (26.7°C). It is the amount of current (in amps) a battery can deliver, multiplied by the amount of hours, without falling
below 1.75 volts per cell (10.5 volts in a 12-volt battery). Most marine/RV deep cycle batteries are rated on a 20-hour discharging rate.
Example: a 100 Ah battery can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours (amps x hours = Ah). The Ah rating is important when determining the
type and amount of battery(s) required to meet your specific component needs.