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The combined 12-volt DC loads in your recreation vehicle become more than the converter
can 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, deep cycle battery.
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. A battery
will discharge at a faster rate as its energy level becomes depleted. Plan your electrical usage
accordingly. You can test the auxiliary battery voltage using a volt-ohm meter (customer
supplied).
A fully charged 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 11.89 volts, and dead at 11.65
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 manufac-
turer's instructions.
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 polar-
ity fuse(s) that protect the converter).
For more information
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 ve-
hicle chassis battery (so you can start your tow vehicle engine).
Your dealer can assist you with the selection, purchase and installation.
Battery Disconnect Switch (if so equipped)
The Battery 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,
Maintenance Record
Section 6: Electrical System
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