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ELECTRICAL
Checking The Fluid Level and
Adding Fluid
A serviceable battery needs to have the fluid level
checked, as they consume water and must be filled
periodically. Please be sure to check the battery water
level on a regular basis.
CAUTION
!
Use only distilled water to fill flooded / liquid lead
acid batteries. Non-serviceable (AGM, Gel Cell)
batteries do NOT require the addition of ANY liquid.
Adding liquid to non-serviceable AGM or Gel Cell
batteries will result in damage to the batteries and
will not be covered under warranty.
1. A serviceable battery needs to have the fluid level
checked. AGM batteries do not require additional
fluid. If the battery has removable vent caps, they can
be twisted or pried o
ff
with a flat-head screwdriver.
Once removed, the individual vent wells can be seen.
Look down into each individual cell to make sure that
the water is covering the lead plates and is at the
proper level.
2. Add water to any cells that are low on water. Ideally,
the water level should be 1/8” below the bottom of
the tubes (there are six tubes in a 12 Volt battery) that
go down into the battery. To avoid damage to the
battery, make sure the fluid level never drops below
the tops of the lead plates in each of the cells. Always
use distilled water to fill the battery to prevent battery
contamination.
3. Do not overfill battery cells. Adding too much water
may result in acid overflow and damage around
the battery. In addition, warmer weather may cause
natural fluid expansion, forcing excess electrolytes
from the battery.
This article provides information about how and when to replace coach batteries.
Battery Replacement
Preventing Corrosion
Newmar sprays the battery connections once they are
tightened with a battery protector and sealer to help
prevent corrosion. When performing battery maintenance,
you should reseal the battery terminal connections. The
following measures may also prevent future corrosion:
Use a small bead of silicone sealer at the base of the
post where it meets the battery case. Place a felt battery
washer over the post and into the bead of silicone. Coat
the washer with high temperature grease or petroleum
jelly (Vaseline), then place the cable on the post and
tighten. Coat the exposed cable end with the grease. The
gas condensation on metal parts of the battery cause
most corrosion issues.
Storing The Batteries
Remember that when batteries are not used for an
extended period of time, they may lose their charge.
Periodic charging of the batteries during storage of
the unit will increase the life of the battery. Check the
external condition of the battery periodically. Look for
cracks in the cover.
The batteries should be removed and stored in a warm
place when not using your motorhome for an extended
period of time. This will prevent unnecessary drain and
corrosion of the batteries. The coach batteries are 6 volt
RV/Marine deep cycle batteries. Mark the cables, positive
and negative, for easy identification. Batteries are not to
be stored on concrete floors.
Replacement batteries should be the same brand and
capacity as the originals. Any time one battery is replaced,
it is important to test the rest of the batteries in the
system to make sure they are still functioning properly
and e
ffi
ciently. If one defective battery is replaced, while
leaving another weak or defective battery, lowered
performance, or ultimately damaging the new or good
batteries, may result.
A battery wiring label is located inside of the battery
compartment and shows how the batteries are wired
together. Replacement batteries must be wired according
to the diagram shown.
Summary of Contents for Canyon Star 2021
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