Table of Contents
Advertisement
Batteries, Chassis and Auxiliary
Each motorhome chassis is built with a battery to provide energy to start the engine and supply
energy for other components in the chassis. This battery is located under the hood. Ford Motor Co.
uses a "Motorcraft" battery, serviced and warranted by Ford.
An auxiliary battery is included in each motorhome for storage power when 120-volt energy is not
available. When drawing energy from storage battery, remember there is limited power available
until the battery needs to be recharged. This auxiliary battery is located in the "house portion" of
your motorhome.
All auxiliary batteries require an "in-line" fuse or a 12-volt breaker placed within 18" of battery for
your protection.
ISOLATORS
When an auxiliary or "house" battery is installed in a recreation vehicle, it's the nature of parallel
circuitry to draw energy from both batteries. A device called an "isolator" must be installed for two
purposes. First it receives current from the alternator and controls distribution of energy to house
and chassis batteries. Secondly, it serves as a check valve to prevent energy from being drawn from
the chassis battery when the engine is not running. Energy in the chassis battery is now preserved
and can be used to start your engine if needed.
Your motorhome has a solenoid (isolator) located on the cowl of the chassis under the hood.
MASTER BATTERY SWITCH
Located near the motorhome entrance door is a master battery switch. This master battery switch
controls all 12 volt power supplied to the "house portion" of the motorhome. This switch must be
"ON" before any electrical current will be supplied to the appliances, outlets, and lights. During
storage of your motorhome, it is important to have this switch in the "OFF" position.
NOTE: Make sure the master battery switch is in the "OFF" position during storage of the
motorhome to avoid draining current from the battery.
AUXILIARY START SYSTEM
Your motorhome can momentarily connect both batteries should the chassis battery become
discharged for some reason. Press the round gray button located on the left side of the steering
column, and hold. Now use the ignition switch to start the engine. Release the button after the
engine has started.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance is a normal requirement on all batteries for maximum performance.
1. Keep all terminals clean and tight.
2. Keep the battery filled with water as cells without water cannot hold a charge of energy. A
battery used in daily operation will consume water.
3. The charging system must be in good operating condition to maintain your battery.
4. Keep the battery mounted securely. Vibration causes early failure of many batteries.
5. Check the outside condition of the battery. Look for cracks in the case or the vent plugs. If
there are cracks in either, they must be replaced.
The Systems
41
Advertisement
Table of Contents
