Winnebago Journey 34Y Owner's Manual page 87

The two best defenses against sulfating
and insufficient charge are to:
1. Turn off the House/Coach Battery Disconnect
switch to avoid parasitic discharge (the trickle
discharge caused by directly connected
components like propane gas detectors or
digital clock displays, etc.)
2. Check the battery and recharge as necessary at
least once a month during long storage
periods. Turn the House/Coach Battery
Disconnect switch off to avoid electrical
arcing when attaching or detaching charger
clamps.
WARNING
California Proposition 65 Warning:
Battery posts, terminals, and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds, chemicals known to the
state of California to cause cancer and
reproductive harm. Wash hands after
handling.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the
shoreline plugged in continuously during
storage periods because the batteries
can lose electrolytic fluids and become
damaged from continuous charging
without periodic use or maintenance.
We recommend following regular battery
inspection and maintenance, especially
in cold weather.
Further precautions are:
• Remove the battery from the coach.
• Store it in a cool place.
• 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
maintenance practices:
• Make sure the batteries always remain
securely 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
entering the battery and contaminating
the electrolyte fluid.
WARNING
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 disconnected. Be sure to
replace the battery terminal boot, if
supplied, back onto the positive terminal
after servicing. Care must be taken to
avoid pinching the cable between any
metal parts. Should the cable be
damaged, a short circuit could result in
personal injury or damage to equipment.
Replace any damaged cables at once.
Always remove jewelry and wear
protective clothing and eye covering
when checking or handling batteries.
• Clean and tighten battery terminals and have
the specific gravity checked at least once a
year.
• Check the battery fluid level every month, or
more often in hot weather. 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
electrolyte to prevent freezing.
• Fluid level check may be omitted if equipped
with maintenance-free batteries.
SECTION 6 –
ELECTRICAL
6-13