Winnebago Suncruiser 1999 Owner's Manual page 72

SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
If a battery does not contain at least 80%
charge during freezing temperatures, the
electrolyte can freeze and crack the battery
case.
The two best defenses against sulfating and
insufficient charge are to:
1. turn off the Auxiliary Battery switch to avoid
parasitic discharge (the trickle discharge
caused by directly connected components
like LP gas detectors or digital clock dis-
plays, etc.), and
2. check the battery and recharge as necessary
at least once a month during long storage
periods. Turn the Aux. Batt. Switch off to
avoid electrical arcing when attaching or
detaching charger clamps.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the shore-
line plugged in continuously during
storage periods because the batteries
can lose electrolytic fluids and become
damaged from continuous charging
without periodic use.
We recommend following regular bat-
tery inspection and maintenance,
especially in cold weather.
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.
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-
6-10
ing the battery and contaminating the
electrolyte fluid.
WARNING
Before removing any battery cables or
battery, make sure all 12-volt equip-
ment in the motor home is off and the
power cord has been disconnected.
Be sure to replace the battery terminal
boot back onto the positive terminal
before sliding tray in after servicing.
Care must be taken when sliding the
battery tray back in, to avoid pinching
the cable between the tray and the ve-
hicle frame. Should the cable be dam-
aged, a short could result in personal
injury or damage to equipment. Re-
place any damaged cables at once. Al-
ways remove jewelry and wear
protective clothing and eye covering
when checking or handling batteries.
Reinstall the retainer bin when return-
ing the tray to the storage position.
• Clean and tighten battery terminals and have
the specific gravity checked at least once a
year.
• Every two months, or more often in hot
weather, check the battery fluid level. Fill to
approximately 3/8 inch above the plates. DO
NOT OVERFILL. If fluid is added during
freezing weather, the motor home should be
driven several miles to mix water and electro-
lyte to prevent freezing.
• Fluid level check may be omitted if equipped
with maintenance-free batteries.