Chassis Alternator; Battery Access; Battery Charging - Thor Motor Coach CLASS B Owner's Manual

Chassis Alternator

The 12 volts DC chassis alternator supplies power to both the
automotive systems as well as the auxiliary batteries while the
motorhome's engine is running. The alternator compensates
for electrical usage in the vehicle, the power drawn by lights,
fans, and other 12 volt powered items, as well as charging of
the automotive and auxiliary batteries.
When driving, if the alternator is not keeping pace with the
draw on your motorhome's electrical system, it means it is
working in a negative mode; more power is being used than
the alternator is capable of supplying. If you draw too much
power from your batteries there may not be enough power
left to start the motorhome or run the 12 volts DC appliances
when you stop for a break or for the night.
The alternator will charge at a higher rate right after the
motorhome has been started, replacing the power used to
start the vehicle, but the charging should quickly drop back
to 'normal' and hold its own even when you turn on lights or
appliances.
If the alternator shows a discharge while the vehicle's engine
is running, turn OFF appliances and lights to see if a charge
comes on or if the alternator indicates 'neutral.' Then apply a
load (turn ON a 12 volt DC appliance) on the system to see if a
discharge returns. If a discharge persists, your alternator may
not be working correctly; contact your dealer.
NOTE: If your motorhome is equipped with the op-
tional Re(li)able Battery Power System, there is an
additional alternator installed on your vehicle that is
specifically designed to charge the lithium-ion battery
system.

Battery Access

CAUTION CAUTION
Due to the mounting position of the auxiliary batteries,
they may be subject to damage due to road hazards or
other travel-related issues.
Regularly inspect the batteries for damage. Be
extremely cautious of leaking batteries and loose or
damaged electrical connections.
Do not use the 12 volt battery system if any battery damage
is detected and until proper repairs are performed.
The auxiliary batteries are located underneath the vehicle,
secured by mounting brackets. The vehicle must be raised to
access the batteries. Always secure a raised vehicle with jack
stands or other devices. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer's
owner's manual for proper jacking procedures.
For long battery life, it is important to keep your motorhome
batteries fully charged as much as possible. Turn OFF lights
and other 12 volts DC components when they are not being
used. Connect the motorhome to a 120/220 volts AC power
source (shore power) whenever possible.

Battery Charging

It is important to keep the auxiliary battery(ies) in a condi-
tion of full or near-full charge. Doing so will ensure you will
have enough stored 12 volt DC energy when needed. Battery
charging is accomplished by:
• Automatic charging through the converter (shore power
or generator);
• With the vehicle engine running, auxiliary battery(ies)
are charged via the chassis alternator (when Master
Battery Disconnect Switch is ON);
• Auxiliary battery charging via solar charging system
(equipped as standard, optional, or customer installed).
Take time to turn off all lights or other 12 volt accessories
when not in use. Connect the motorhome to a 120 volt AC
external source or run the generator whenever possible. Doing
so will keep the auxiliary batteries charged.
The auxiliary batteries are a deep-cycle type and are capable
of being deeply discharged and rebound to full capacity when
recharged. Due to their large energy storage capacity, the auxil-
iary battery(ies) may take up to 24 hours to completely recharge.
If for any reason, you recharge a auxiliary battery with a
charger or power source other than what was supplied as part
of the motorhome's original electrical system, make sure to
follow all battery maintenance and safety instructions from
the battery and battery charger manufacturers.
NOTE: The Master Battery Disconnect Switch must
be ON in order to charge the battery(ies) by any on-
board method described in the following sections.
T H O R M O T O R C O A C H
E L E C T R I C A L S Y S T E M
| M A D E T O F I T
8
55