Dry Camping; Battery Inspection And Care; Battery Storage Instructions; Battery Replacement - Jayco Swift Owner's Manual

Dry Camping

House auxiliary and chassis batteries should be fully charged prior to dry camping. When
disconnected from 120-volt shore or generator power (i.e., while dry camping or tailgating)
all electrically operated appliances and accessories must be used sparingly. Typically, a deep
cycle battery has an amp-hour rating of 75-100 amps.
During this period these appliances and accessories are being powered by the house auxil-
iary batteries directly, and/or indirectly through the inverter/charger. If excessive amounts
of power are drawn from the house auxiliary batteries, they will become deeply discharged.
Permanent battery damage will occur after repeated deep discharge cycles.

Battery Inspection and Care

Have a qualified Service Technician periodically inspect the batteries for the following:
Check the level of electrolyte in each battery cell once a year.
Add distilled water as needed to reach the split-level marker on each battery.
Check the external condition of the batteries periodically for cracks in the cover
and case.
Make sure battery vent caps are tight and replace them if cracked or broken.

Battery storage instructions

To prevent house auxiliary battery discharge when your motorhome will not be connected
to shore power for extended periods of time, it is recommended you turn "off" the 12-volt
battery disconnect switch, or "main power switch," and disconnect each battery bank at the
negative battery cable running to the chassis frame.
During storage, it is important to check battery voltage at least every two weeks and to re-
charge them as needed. If you remove the batteries from your motorhome protect them from
accidental shorting and keep them in a cool, dry, well ventilated area.

Battery Replacement

If house auxiliary batteries need to be replaced, only deep cycle batteries of the same
size and type should be installed.
NOTE: Battery replacement and maintenance should only be done by a
qualified Service Technician.
Do not reverse the positive and negative battery cables. Doing so will blow the reverse
polarity fuses that protect the power converter.
For more information
Contact the battery manufacturer for more information on the house auxiliary batteries. \
Refer to your Chassis Guide for information pertaining to the chassis batteries.
12-Volt Battery Disconnect
The 12-volt battery disconnect switch is typically located on the bed
or cabinet base inside the side sliding door. This momentary switch
controls a solenoid which connects or disconnects the house batter-
ies. The switch lights up red when turned on.
When engaged the battery disconnect solenoid supplies battery
power to all accessories connected to the house 12-volt fuse panel.
The solenoid must be engaged for the 12-volt house electrical sys-
tem to operate.
Maintenance Record
Section 6: Electrical System
Table of Contents 47