Tiffin Motorhomes 2014 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual

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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –PHAETON® Chapter 7 ELECTRICAL FEATURES
Since accumulations of dirt and acid residue around the battery
terminals may provide an electrical path for discharging the battery,
the area around the terminals should be cleaned periodically. One
can use an old toothbrush and a sparse amount of a diluted
solution of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and water (distilled or
de-ionized, preferred; tap water, acceptable) to clean and
neutralize any acidic build-up around the battery terminals. If this is
done and there is any foaming on the top of the battery, this
indicates that acidic residues are being neutralized.
Rinse the cleaned areas thoroughly with distilled or de-ionized
water (tap water is okay, too). Avoid getting the baking-soda
solution into the battery fill plugs to each battery cell; this would
drastically reduce the effectiveness of the battery (by neutralizing
the sulfuric acid in the battery cells) or, worse, “kill” the battery.
Dry the battery cables and terminals to prevent corrosion; to protect those terminals
further, use a plastic ignition spray on the terminals. Do not use grease on the terminals,
especially on the metal-to-metal connections, as grease may act as an insulator and keep
the battery electrical power from entering the cables.
If the Phaeton is to be stored for an extended period of time, the 12 VDC battery system
should be disconnected—this will prevent unnecessary drain and corrosion of the batteries
and their terminals. To disconnect batteries, simply turn the house battery switch to “off.”
You will also find this switch located in the battery compartment box.
Additionally, the batteries will, over time, lose some of the water used with the sulfuric acid
in the batteries. Following manufacturer’s recommendations as found in the Owner’s
Information Package, periodically check the fluid levels in all the cells of the batteries (be
sure to use safety eyewear during this process) and fill those that are low with water
(distilled or de-ionized water is preferred; tap water is okay). Don’t overfill the cells; follow
the filling directions exactly. This battery checkup should be done on a regular basis to
realize the fullest service possible from the batteries over the longest time possible.
The batteries are installed on a sliding tray (Figure 7-6) which allows you to extend out
of the compartment to check battery and water levels. Located inside the compartment
is a handle (Figure 7-7) that must be pulled in order to release the slide tray.
7-5
CAUTION
NEVER ALLOW BATTERIES TO FREEZE! When not using the motor home,
keep the batteries charged. Fully charged batteries will not freeze.
Allowing the batteries to freeze will void the battery warranty.
Figure 7-5.
12 VDC Battery Supply (Compartment)
Figure 7-6.
Batteries on Slide Tray
Figure 7-7. Handle