ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Doc No:
21906532
Rev: 07
Copyright © Roadtrek Motorhomes Inc. 2010
E - 4
AUXILIARY BATTERIES AND SEPARATOR:
The standard auxiliary batteries are 6-volt group GC-2 AGM (effective June, 2010). The auxiliary batteries are
located behind the passenger side access door found ahead of the rear wheel, (see section on Auxiliary Battery). To
access the batteries refer to the auxiliary battery section found in the Daily Living section.
The auxiliary batteries are automatically charged through the separator by the engine’s alternator while the engine
is running. This batteries are also automatically charged by the inverter / charger when:
1.
The battery disconnect switch on the monitor panel is set to the “ON” position prior to connection to an
outside electrical power source.
2.
The breaker for the inverter/charger in the distribution panel is in the “ON” position.
3.
Or while the generator is in operation, (if so equipped).
A disconnect switch, located on the monitor panel, provides a disconnect for the auxiliary batteries from the 12V
system while the vehicle is not in use.
Since the auxiliary batteries are deep-cycle type, they may be deeply discharged and recharged without damage,
however AGM batteries will lose some capability if discharged completely too many times. The auxiliary batteries
should never remain in a discharged state and should be recharged immediately to prevent damage. When not in
use, the auxiliary batteries will slowly discharge on their own.
Accordingly, if the batteries are not being used, they should be
recharged weekly
by connecting to an outside
electrical power source or operating the generator, (if equipped) for at least 12 hours, or by running the vehicle’s
engine for a minimum of 2 hours (preferably more). With the Tripp-Lite Inverter/Charger, you can leave the unit
plugged in full-time without damaging the batteries.
The
separator
is located under the hood in the engine compartment. The separator allows the alternator to charge
both the automotive and auxiliary batteries when the engine is running and also when plugged into shore power,
and it will prevent your vehicle’s 12V motorhome equipment, (interior lights, water pump, exhaust fans, furnace
blower, etc.) from draining the automotive battery.
AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY:
The automotive radio and computers in your vehicle will exert a draw on the automotive battery to maintain the
time and preset stations and to run system checks. This can deplete the chassis battery in ten to fourteen days. The
vehicle should be driven at least once during that period for several hours, or plugged in to shore power overnight
at least once every two weeks.
To prevent the battery from being completely discharged, the radio should be disconnected from the
automotive battery when your vehicle will be out of service for 2 months or more. Failure to do this may risk
voiding the warranty.
The radio can be disconnected by removing the 10 amp. radio fuse from the automotive fuse block, located at the
left underside of the dash, or by disconnecting the negative automotive battery cable. See Automotive Owners
Manual for full radio operating instructions.
INTERIOR CAB LIGHT :
The interior 12V cab light located on the underside of the cab ceiling panel has 3 bulbs and a multipurpose
switching system. This switching system utilizes the switch on the light itself and the dash mounted headlight
switch, located to the left of the steering wheel. The center light bulb is wired to the automotive time delay circuit,
and the outboard bulbs are on the auxillary (motorhome) battery circuit.
Refer to the Chevrolet’s Owner’s Manual for complete operation instructions.
WATER HEATER :
The Roadtrek is equipped with a water heater. The water heater operates on propane, but does require 12V power
for the electronic circuitry. Please refer to the Suburban Owner’s Manual for complete operation instructions.
