Thor Motor Coach CLASS B, Owner'S Manual

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E L E C T R I C A L S Y S T E M
C U S T O M E R C A R E | 8 7 7 . 8 5 5 . 2 8 6 7
be a maintenance-free, sealed type battery. Do not open or
break seals on maintenance-free batteries.
1. Keep the battery mounted securely. Routinely check the
battery terminals for loose battery clamps. Tighten when
necessary.
2. Keep battery hold downs and trays clean and free of
debris and corrosion.
3. Check the electrolyte level of the coach batteries at regular
intervals. Keep each cell filled to just above the plates with
DISTILLED water only. Once the plates have dried out,
they cannot be reactivated, and the capacity of the battery
is reduced in direct proportion to the area of plate sur-
face that has become dry. This kind of damage can occur
quickly. If the fluid level is low, simply add distilled water.
4. Be cautious when removing battery fill caps. Pry off caps
carefully. Forcing caps off can cause the electrolyte solution
to splash. Electrolyte solution can burn, and even small
amounts can damage eyes and skin. Always use proper per-
sonal protective equipment when working with batteries.
5. Keep the battery terminals clean. Corroded terminals
make poor electrical contact and will prevent normal
operation of the 12 volt system. Battery terminal cor-
rosion occurs when the battery has been standing in a
discharged condition over a long period of time, or when
the battery has been operated continually in a state of par-
tial discharge. Use a baking soda solution to neutralize the
corrosion on the battery terminals and cable clamps. Do
not allow the soda solution to enter the battery. Make sure
the vent caps are secure. Flush with water. Thoroughly
dry all cables clamps and terminals, reinstall, and use a
battery terminal protecting spray or compound, available
at automotive parts or auto service centers.
6. Check the outside condition of the battery. Look for
cracks in the case or vent plugs. If the case is cracked, the
battery must be replaced. If the vent plugs are cracked,
they must be replaced.
7. Keep the battery in a full-charged condition. This will help
prolong its useful life and help maintain its charge-hold-
ing capacity.
8. Watch for overcharging. Three indications of overcharg-
ing are:
a. Active material on the vent cap (heavy deposit of black
lead-like material on the underside of the vent cap)
b. Excessive use of water or water escaping at vent caps
c. Abnormal voltage regulator output
9. When removing a battery, disconnect the ground battery
clamp first. When installing a battery, always connect the
grounded battery clamp last.
Battery Maintenance: Lead Acid Type
• DO NOT SHORT ACROSS THE BATTERY
TERMINALS. The spark could ignite the gases. Do
not wear metal jewelry, such as rings, watches, or
metal wrist bands when working on a battery.
• Before doing ANY work on electrical system,
disconnect battery cable and the 120 volt power cord.
Do not reconnect the cables until all work has been
completed. This will avoid the possibility of shorting
or causing damage to electrical components or
shock to the servicing person.
• Battery electrolyte is a corrosive, poisonous, sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing, or any
painted surface.
WARNING WARNING
ALWAYS WEAR SPLASH PROOF SAFETY GLASSES
OR FACE SHIELD AND USE ACID-PROOF RUBBER
GLOVES WHEN HANDLING AND WORKING WITH
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES.
WARNING WARNING
• Do not allow battery electrolyte (acid) to come into
contact with skin, eyes, fabric or painted surfaces.
Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution that could
cause serious personal injury or property damage.
• If your hands, eyes, clothes or the painted surface
of your motorhome are exposed to electrolyte, flush
the exposed area thoroughly with water.
•
If electrolyte gets in your eyes, immediately flush them
thoroughly with water and get prompt medical attention.
•
Keep sparks, cigarettes and flames away from the
batteries as the hydrogen gas they create may explode.
• Do not connect a booster battery or other power
source that outputs more than 14.2-volts DC to the
motorhome batteries.
• Use adequate ventilation when charging or using
batteries in an enclosed space.
• Remove metal jewelry and always wear eye
protection when working around batteries.
WARNING WARNING
Proper battery maintenance is important in order to ensure
the battery retains its power delivery capacity while pro-
longing its useful life. Listed here are a few instructions for
maintaining and servicing batteries. These instructions apply
only to batteries which are NOT maintenance-free, or sealed
batteries. The coach batteries supplied with your motorhome
may not be the sealed type, however, the chassis battery may