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AUXILIARY BATTERY (CUSTOMER SUPPLIED)
(See page 53)
The combined 12-volt DC loads in your recreation vehicle can become
more than the power converter is able to produce. This demand can
be met by using an auxiliary battery for a limited period of time. The
12-volt system is designed for usage with a Group 27 or 31, deep
cycle battery. If the RV came with a solar package installed, then the
unit may have been equipped with a lithium battery for this purpose.
For info, see "SOLAR PACKAGE (IF EQUIPPED)" on page 52.
A charged auxiliary battery must be installed before the RV is towed.
The auxiliary battery powers the emergency braking system used to
automatically activate trailer brakes in the event the trailer becomes
disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Dry Camping
The auxiliary battery should be fully charged prior to dry camping.
If the auxiliary battery is not being recharged and power is being
drawn from it, it will eventually discharge. Plan your electrical usage
accordingly. You can test the auxiliary battery voltage using a volt-ohm
meter (customer supplied).
A fully charged lead acid or AGM auxiliary battery will read 12.7-volts
DC and 1.265 specific gravity at 80°F (32°C). The auxiliary battery
is considered discharged at 10.89-volts, and dead at 10.65-volts. If
the voltage drops below those levels, irreversible damage can occur.
Typically, a deep cycle battery has an amp-hour rating of 75-100
amps.
If you run the furnace and refrigerator simultaneously, you will be
using approximately (12.0 + 3.0) 15.0 amps per hour. This does not
include any 12-volt lights, or any other 12-volt component. If the
furnace and refrigerator in this example operated constantly, a 75
amp-hour battery would become fully discharged in 5 hours.
The auxiliary battery should be installed in parallel with the battery
in your tow vehicle. When the 7-way trailer plug is connected, both
batteries power the RV. Do not allow it to discharge your tow vehicle
battery below the level required to start the engine. To prevent this
from occurring, disconnect the 7-way trailer plug or install a battery
isolator. When the tow vehicle engine is operating with the RV
connected, the tow vehicle charging system will charge both batteries.
Replacement and Maintenance
Some equipment in your RV will draw small amounts of
current even when turned OFF. To prevent the auxiliary
battery from being discharged when your RV is not
connected to shore line power, disconnect the auxiliary
battery negative cable at the battery. During storage, it is important
to check the voltage monthly and recharge the auxiliary battery as
needed. If you remove the auxiliary battery from your RV, store it in a
dry, cool area per the manufacturer's instructions.
ELECTRICAL
When it is time to replace the auxiliary battery, Group 27 or Group 31
true deep cycle batteries are recommended to increase run time
of electrical components while dry camping (operating solely on
battery power).
Do not reverse the positive and negative battery cables (doing so will
blow the reverse polarity fuse(s) that protect the power converter).
Please contact the battery manufacturer for additional information on
the auxiliary batteries.
Battery Isolator For Your Tow Vehicle (customer supplied)
You may want to consider the installation of a battery isolator on your
tow vehicle as a convenience feature:
•
It receives current from the tow vehicle alternator and controls
distribution of energy to both the RV auxiliary battery and the tow
vehicle battery.
•
It serves as a check valve to prevent energy from being drawn
from your tow vehicle chassis battery (so you can start your tow
vehicle engine).
Your dealer can assist you with the selection, purchase and
installation.
DC to DC Power Converter (Customer Supplied)
If installing lithium batteries in the recreation vehicle, install a DC to
DC power converter between the tow vehicle battery charge line and
the trailer lithium battery(s) to prevent lithium battery damage.
DISCONNECT SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED)
The fuse panel disconnect switch is typically located in an enclosed
exterior compartment. The style of the disconnect switch may vary per
model. This switch DOES NOT shut off all power, but only shuts off
the 12-volt DC power to the main 12-volt fuse panel, and the interior
of the vehicle. Batteries can still be trickle charged by the converter,
and there will still be power to some devices.
Rotating Dial Disconnect Switch
When this switch is ON, there will
be a green area showing a "1" along
the top of the switch. To turn the
switch OFF, turn it counter-clockwise
until you see the red area along the
left side of the switch showing a "0"
(zero).
Lever Type Disconnect Switch
U
Y
To operate this switch,
NIVERSIT
turn the lever counter-
clockwise to turn off all
12-volt DC power to
the fuse panel in the
RV. The lever can be
removed when off.
Switch On
Switch Off
Rotating Dial Disconnect Example
Lever Disconnect Examples
Page 49
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