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.
Do not allow the battery fluid to contact your skin, eyes, fabric, or painted surfaces. The fluid could cause
serious personal injury or property damage. Wear eye protection when working with any battery.
The batteries should be removed and stored in a warm place when not using your motorhome for an extended period of
time. Mark the cables, positive and negative, for easy identification. Batteries are not to be stored on concrete floors.
The
batteries require periodic charging during storage. If the motorhome is to be stored for a long period of time, it is
recommended that all of the batteries inside the unit be removed from clocks, radios, smoke alarms, etc. This will
prevent
unnecessary drain and corrosion of the batteries. The coach batteries are 6 volt RV/Marine deep cycle batteries.
This type of battery consumes water and must be filled periodically. Please be sure to check the battery water level on a
regular basis. Consult the owner’s manual supplied by the battery manufacturer.
Replacing Your Batteries
Replacement batteries should be the same as was replaced.
Any time one battery in a set of batteries is to be replaced,
it is important to have all the batteries in the system tested to assure all are okay.
If one defective battery is replaced,
while leaving another weak or defective battery, lowered performance, or ultimately damaging the new or good batteries
can be the result.
Charging batteries give off gasses as the fluids inside boil. Because of this, it is critical to check the battery
fluid levels regularly, particularly after extended periods of heavy use. Be sure to top off any battery that is
showing signs of depleted fluid levels.
Battery Disconnect Switch
The switch is used to disconnect the battery when the unit is stored for any period of time. Pressing downward
disconnects the coach batteries, not the chassis batteries. This is done to prevent the coach batteries from being
drained during storage. It disconnects most of the 12 volt circuitry from the batteries, with the exception of the LP
detector and various memory features. When taking the unit out of storage, press upward to reconnect the batteries.
This will make the 12 volt system ready for use.
Depending on the chassis of the coach, diesel pusher motorhomes may be equipped with a second disconnect switch
strictly for the chassis batteries. If equipped, this “Master Kill Switch” may be located in the rear engine compartment or
chassis battery compartment. This switch disconnects all power to the chassis so that the engine cannot be started. It is
used to prevent accidental ignition when the engine is being serviced.
For More Information
Refer to the product manufacturer's owner's manual and links, as well as the "Battery Basics" article to learn more about
your coach's batteries.
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