SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
6-8
Further Information
Refer to the converter manufacturer’s informa-
tion provided in your Owner InfoCase for addi-
tional information about your power converter
system.
BATTERY INFORMATION
AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY ACCESS
The automotive (starting) battery is located in
the engine compartment.
COACH BATTERY ACCESS
The coach battery is located in an interior
battery storage compartment for convenient
access for periodic inspection or maintenance.
The compartment is located in the floor of the
cab, in the aisle area behind the front seats.
BATTERY STORAGE AND
MAINTENANCE
Lead -acid type batteries are electro-chemical
devices for storing and releasing electrical
charge. As such, they are simply an electrical res-
ervoir, not an electrical source. As soon as energy
is removed from the battery, it should be replaced
by the engine alternator or the RV converter sys-
tem.
If a battery sits unused for 30 days or more,
especially during warm weather, it can develop a
deposit of sulfate crystals on the metal plates in-
side the battery. This conditions is called sulfa-
tion or sulfating, and prevents the battery from
either releasing or accepting a charge. If this con-
dition occurs, the battery must be replaced.
If a battery does not contain at least 80%
charge
during freezing temperatures, the electro-
lyte can freeze and crack the battery case.
The two best defenses
against sulfating or in-
sufficient charge are to:
1. disconnect the batteries by removing the
ground (-) cable to avoid
parasitic discharge
(the trickle discharge caused by directly con-
nected components like LP gas detectors or
digital clock displays, etc.), and
2. check the battery and recharge as necessary
at least once a month during long storage
periods.
Further precautions are:
·
Remove the battery from the coach.
·
Store it in a cool place on a wooden or rubber
pad to inhibit conductive transfer.
·
Check the state of charge periodically to
avoid discharge or sulfating.
Battery Maintenance
To ensure that the battery will always accept
and hold a charge, some minor maintenance prac-
tices should be followed:
·
Make sure the battery always remains secure-
ly clamped in the battery tray and the cable
clamps are tight on the terminal posts and free
of corrosion.
·
Remove and neutralize any corrosion buildup
on the battery by brushing with a solution of
baking soda and water, and then rinsing with
clear water. The water will drain through the
bottom of the compartment. Rinse the inside
of the battery box with clean water also after
rinsing the battery.
NOTE: Make sure vent caps are on securely to
prevent baking soda solution from enter-
ing the battery and contaminating the
electrolyte fluid.