Maintenance; Motorhome Battery - Swift Motorhomes 2013 Owner's Service And Warranty Handbook

M OT OR HOME B ATTERY

MOTORHOME BATTERY

WARNING: Use precaution when removing
or replacing the battery, as batteries contain
acid liquids which can cause severe injuries
and damage when handled incorrectly. Refer
to the cleaning and maintenance section.
Your motorhome has been fitted with one
or two leisure batteries depending on size of
vehicle and expected electrical loads. The
battery is housed in a special compartment
designed to hold the battery securely and
to contain any electrolyte (acid) spillage.
An additional soft tray is used on some
vehicles to contain any electrolyte spillage.
The compartments are either under the floor
or in a side opening Thetford battery box
opening to the outside of the vehicle. Under
floor compartments are sealed from the
habitation compartment and a breather pipe
is fitted to ensure any build up of explosive
gases (hydrogen) is vented to the outside. If a
breather pipe is fitted it is important to ensure
that replacement batteries are also fitted with a
breather pipe.
The battery or batteries should only be
positioned in the appropriate compartment,
which is vented to the outside, and be properly
secured before travelling
It is recommended that a good quality
leisure battery is always connected when the
motorhome electrical system is in use.
Leisure batteries are a deep cycling
rechargeable heavy duty 12v battery designed
to provide power for lights and other electrical
appliances. Replacement batteries should
be a proprietary brand leisure battery with a
minimum 85amp - 110 amp capacity.
Note: Replacement batteries should be
checked dimensionally before purchasing, to
ensure fitment within the battery compartment,
as brands vary in size.
It should be remembered that batteries
suitable for the electrical demands of a
motorhome differ in design from those for use
with a car, and whilst the system may operate
with a car battery it is strongly recommended
that only a rechargeable leisure type battery,
80
maintained in good condition is used. The
battery should be kept topped up at all times.
If two leisure batteries are fitted additional care
is needed, as one battery deteriorates this can
reduce the lifespan of the other.
WARNING: When connecting the battery,
ensure that the correct polarity is observed
(black is negative and red/brown is positive)
and that the terminals are securely fastened.
Under normal circumstances it should not be
necessary to remove the battery other than for
routine inspection of terminals and 'topping
up'.
WARNING: Explosive gases may be
present at the battery. Take care to prevent
flames and sparks in the vicinity.
Your motorhome has been fitted with an in-line
20 amp fuse between the battery terminal and
the power supply unit. Do not use a higher
rated fuse as this may cause damage to your
motorhome.
WARNING: Switch off all appliances and
lamps before connecting or disconnecting
the battery.
Smoking is prohibited around the battery
compartment.
To preserve the life of your leisure battery and
charger please observe the following:
i) Do not leave all 12v lights powered at the
same time as this will drain your leisure
battery more rapidly.
ii) If all 12v lights must be powered together,
ensure the battery is 'in-circuit' and that
the battery charger is turned on.
iii) For optimum performance use the
transformer/charger unit with a leisure
battery attached.
Please note the auxiliary battery or batteries
supplied with your motorhome may not be fully
charged and should be charged for a minimum
of 24 hours before use.
Battery performance may be affected
by a number of things such as ambient
temperature, age, state of charge etc.