Chassis Battery Bank Example
The Chassis Battery Bank supplies power to everything a
customer requires to drive the unit. Currently, Newmar's
chassis batteries are all Liquid Lead Acid. Spartan and Ford
chassis have serviceable batteries and Freightliner chassis
batteries are sealed. The type and brand of chassis battery
may vary depending on coach year, make, and model.
Chassis batteries may need to be disconnected and
removed from the coach to maintain proper electrolyte
levels or perform routine battery maintenance. House
batteries may be either serviceable Liquid Lead Acid/
Flooded or AGM/Sealed Cell.
The chassis batteries on your motorhome are installed and
warranted by the chassis manufacturer. The coach (or
house) batteries on your motorhome are installed by
Newmar Corporation, but warranted by the battery
manufacturer. These batteries are used to operate the 12
volt items that are not a direct part of the chassis.
Depending on the coach, the batteries may be located in
the front of the coach under the front cap or on a pull out
tray in an outside compartment.
CAUTION
Do not use the motorhome with the coach batteries disconnected.
The chassis batteries are recharged by the vehicle’s electrical system whenever the engine is running, with added BIRD,
BIM, or Charge bridge solenoids the vehicle's charging system will also charge house batteries if parameters are met. A
decline in the coach battery voltage may be noticed while the chassis batteries are being charged.
The converter will automatically charge the coach batteries when the unit is connected to a 120 volt outside power
source. The chassis batteries are isolated from the coach batteries, however with certain parameters met the BIRD,
BIM, or Charge bridge will activate and allow charge to the chassis battery also. This prevents the chassis batteries from
being drained by the interior 12 volt equipment, allowing ample voltage for engine ignition.
BATTERY INSPECTION & CARE
WARNING
Remove rings, metal watch bands, and other metal jewelry before working around batteries. Use caution when
using metal tools. If a tool contacts a battery terminal or metal connected to it, a short circuit could occur
which could cause personal injury, explosion or fire.
CAUTION
Disconnect the 120 volt electrical power cord and the negative terminal from the coach batteries before
working on the electrical system.
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.
Check the vent plugs and replace them if they are cracked or broken. Keep the battery clean. Accumulations of acid film
and dirt may permit current flow between the terminals, which could drain the battery.
To clean, wash the batteries with a diluted solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid present. Rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Foaming around the terminals or on top of the battery is a sign that acid is being
neutralized. Avoid getting the baking soda solution in the battery. Secure all vent caps. Dry the battery cables and
terminals to prevent corrosion. Do not use grease on the bare metal inside the cable terminals. Grease can act as an
insulator, and electricity will not flow through it. A plastic ignition spray will protect the terminals after they have been
cleaned.
© 2018 Copyright Newmar Corporation. All rights reserved. For the most up-to-date version of this content, and for more product-specific information, please refer to Newgle.
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