Winnebago 2004 Meridian Itasca Owner's Manual download pdf (Page 82)

SECTION 6

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

6-10

HOUSE BATTERIES

The house batteries supply current to all 12-

volt equipment located in the living area of the

coach. This includes interior lights, range ex-

haust fan, furnace fan, water pump, water level

and holding tank gauges, 110-volt generator

starting, refrigerator and bath roof vent fan. The

house battery may also be used to start the engine

if the automotive battery is dead. Refer to “Aux.

Start Switch.”

The house batteries are automatically charged

by the engine alternator while the engine is run-

ning.

House Battery Storage

The batteries are also located in the battery

compartment with the chassis batteries. See

“Chassis Battery Storage” for access instruc-

tions.

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, es-

pecially during warm weather, it can develop a

deposit of sulfate crystals on the metal plates in-

side the battery. This condition is called sulfation

or sulfating, and prevents the battery from either

releasing or accepting a charge. If this condition

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 either sulfating

or insufficient charge are:

1. To disconnect the battery cables to avoid any

“parasitic” discharge, and

2. to check the battery and recharge as neces-

sary at least once a month during long

periods of storage.

A further precaution is to remove the battery

from the vehicle and store it in a cool location on

a wooden or rubber pad, checking charge period-

ically to avoid discharge or sulfating.

To ensure that the battery will always accept

and hold a charge, follow these simple mainte-

nance practices.

· Make sure the batteries always remain se-

curely clamped in the battery tray.

· Make sure battery cable clamps are tight on

the terminal posts and are free of corrosion.

· Neutralize corrosion buildup or acid film on

top of battery by washing with a baking soda/

water solution. Rinse with clear water.

NOTE: Make sure vent caps are on securely to

prevent baking soda solution from enter-

ing the battery and contaminating the

electrolyte fluid.

Lift Battery Tray Retainer Latches

Before removing any battery cables

or battery, make sure all 12-volt

equipment in the motor home is off

and the power cord has been discon-

nected.

Replace any damaged cables at once.

Always remove jewelry and wear

protective clothing and eye covering

when checking or handing batteries.

WARNING

1 2 ... 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 ... 147 148

Comments to this Manuals

No comments

Winnebago 2004 Meridian Itasca Owner's Manual Page 82

Comments to this Manuals