Thor Motor Coach 2011 Avanti Owner's Manual page 57

Periodic maintenance and cleaning of your recreational vehicle is necessary to retain the
dependability, safety, and appearance that will provide you with many miles of trouble
free operation, as well as protecting your investment.
Make sure you read and follow all the maintenance tips and schedules that appear not
only in this manual, which for your convenience we have provided for you; (reference
pages 73 - 75), but also in the manuals provided by the chassis manufacturer and various
component manufacturers. Keep good records of maintenance functions performed, and
make sure you perform all owner obligations as may be required to keep your warranty
in force.
It is also important to note that operating conditions will affect service timetables. Driving
in extreme conditions such as heavy dust, continuous short trips, or start and stop heavy
traffic means that service durations will be shortened. Discuss service timetables with
both your dealer and chassis service representative. Preventative maintenance will pay
for itself many times over by catching or preventing problems before they occur. Many
repair costs are greatly increased due to the fact that a small problem can begin to affect
other parts and systems of the motorhome if left unattended.
If a situation arises involving maintenance or cleaning activity for which you are not
sure of the proper procedure, do not hesitate to contact your dealer, or chassis service
representative for information.
The chassis battery is a 12 Volt automotive battery, which provides power for all vehicle
requirements. Have these batteries serviced when servicing other vehicle systems.
Auxiliary battery (house battery) for motorhomes are a single auxiliary 12 Volt battery to
provide living area power requirements. Have the battery serviced when servicing other
vehicle systems.
When operating properly, the motorhome alternator will be able to handle normal
vehicle driving requirements and also recharge the batteries in a reasonable time when
on the road.
• Every 30 days check battery mounting. Tighten battery cables and clean terminals if
necessary.
• Check and recharge as necessary. Keep connections clean and covered with a light
coat of grease.
• Check the water level weekly and add distilled water if necessary.
Vehicles left in storage for extended periods of time require further
provisions to maintain a proper state of charge of the vehicle batteries.
Parasitic loads (drains) from the radio, clock, powertrain control module, courtesy lights or other
accessories will discharge a battery if the vehicle is not used for an extended period of time.
A discharged battery can actually freeze in temperatures of 32 degrees F (32°F), resulting in
permanent damage to the battery. Batteries may also be permanently damaged if allowed to
stand for long periods of time in a state of discharge.
To alleviate battery discharge, during periods of storage of two weeks or less, disconnect
the battery by pressing the battery disconnect switch located by the entry steps to
the store mode. For extended periods of time the battery should be disconnected by
removing the negative cable from the battery.
A disconnected battery may also self-discharge, especially in high ambient
temperatures, therefore every disconnected battery should be checked periodically and
recharged if necessary.
Chapter 10 - Care and Maintenance
GENERAL INFORMATION
BATTERIES
Chassis Battery
Auxiliary Battery
57