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There is a monitor panel located above the main entrance side doors. In this panel is the carbon monoxide sensor,
water heater control switch, generator control switch (optional) and the water pump control switch which also monitors
the black water, gray water, fresh water, LP gas and battery levels.
12-Volt Battery Disconnect Switch
There is a red key, 12-Volt disconnect switch located on the driver’s side of the coach, in the door located on the
driver’s bench face. When the key is in the “ON” position it will be locked in place. When the key is in the “OFF”
position it can be easily removed, which will stop all 12-Volt power supplied to your coach.
NOTE:
Disconnect from
the auxiliary battery if you are not going to be plugged into 110-Volt or if you are not using the vehicle because the LP
detector and the CO detector will draw your auxiliary battery down over a prolonged period of time.
Auxiliary Battery
Your motorhome is equipped with a Dodge factory installed auxiliary battery besides the chassis battery in order to
provide 12-Volt power to your interior components (and to not create a drain on the chassis battery). The chassis
battery is not tied into the living coach area system in order to provide constant starting power for the engine.
The Dodge Sprinter chassis is equipped with a charging system that allows both batteries to be charged when the
engine is running, but will not allow the chassis battery to discharge when there is a demand from the living area
system. The time required to charge it completely will depend on how low the battery is. The auxiliary battery will
charge at a slower rate when you are using driving lights, chassis air conditioning, etc. The auxiliary battery will also
be charged when plugged into shore power or when operating your generator.
NOTE:
The chassis battery is only charged through the alternator when the motor is running.
Battery Care
Your auxiliary battery must be regularly cleaned and maintained at least once a month in order to provide a reliable and
constant power source to your Motorhome. To ensure satisfactory battery performance, battery terminal cleanliness is
essential.
NOTE:
Please see the DODGE manufacturer’s instructions for detailed maintenance recommendations.
Warning:
Batteries give off explosive gases that can cause severe personal injury. Do not smoke in or around the
battery and keep open flames and other sources of ignition well away from the battery
. Remember, batteries can and
do, EXPLODE! Be very careful.
Battery electrolytes can cause severe eye damage and skin burns. Always wear
protective equipment (goggles, rubber gloves, a protective apron, etc.) when working with batteries.
Generator
If your unit is equipped with a generator, it will be located under the vehicle in front of the spare tire. Access to the
generator is from underneath the chassis. There is no access through the interior as to prevent exhaust gases from
seeping into the living compartment. The generator will provide an added source of power to run the electrical system
when you are not plugged into a 110-Volt power source. To start your generator you will see an Onan start/stop switch
located on the monitor panel. Simply hold the button down until the generator starts, it may take a few seconds initially
for it to start. Your generator draws its gas supply from your LP gas tank. Once the generator is running, it supplies
power to the entire electrical system, just as if your unit were plugged into a 110-Volt power source. You will have to
balance your electrical consumption as you have a limited number of watts available.
Please refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for complete operating instructions and maintenance procedures.
NOTE:
If your unit is equipped with a generator, it is essential that you run your generator at least ½ hour a month
under load (microwave, AC, coffee maker, etc.) to keep the generator fuel from damaging the carburetor.
NOTE:
For your safety and protection, all generator or generator-ready units are equipped with an automatic transfer
switch that will allow your coach to receive power from either shore power or your generator.
