Electrical System; Batteries - Fleetwood Jamboree 1985 Owner's Manual

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The electrical systems in your motor home are de-
signed and built in accordance with all regulations,
codes, and standards in effect at the time of man-
ufacture.
There are three distinct electrical systems in your
motor home.
• Chassis system. This is the vehicle electrical
system. It includes the stop, tail, turn signal,
clearance lights, and instrument panel ac-
cessories.
• 12 volt DC living system. All 12 volt lighting
fixtures and convenience outlets, 12 volt
powered vents, fans, motors, and 12 volt ac-
cessories are included in this system. The
fresh water pump and any 12 volt entertain-
ment equipment are connected to this sys-
tem. The 12 volt power source is a (two in
some models) deep-cycle 12 volt lead-acid
storage battery located in the battery com-
partment. Twelve volt power is also pro-
vided by an
AC/DC
converter. Battery charge
is maintained by the motor home engine al-
ternator, or by the charging circuit included
in the converter.
• 115 volt AC system. This system provides
grounded electrical service for appliances
such as air conditioners, TV, blender, etc.
The 115-volt system also provides a power
source for the converter. Your motor home
is equipped with a heavy duty power cord
to connect to an external 115 volt, 30 amp
AC service. The cord and connector are
molded together to form a weatherproof
27
cable assembly. Do not cut or alter the cable
in any way. Do not remove the ground pin
in the cable connector, or defeat the ground
circuit in the motor home. If you have to use
adapters 'to plug into an electrical service,
be sure the gound is maintained.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THE 115 VOLT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WITHOUT A PROPER
GROUND.
BATTERIES
The auxiliary battery(s) used in your motor home
is designed especially for RV use. Although it may
look like a regular automotive battery, a "deep-
cycle" type is recommended that can tolerate the
wide fluctuations in charge conditions encountered
in recreational living.
Battery condition can be checked on the optional
Monitor Panel. To check the battery charge:
1. Unplug the 115 volt AC power cord to turn
the power converter off.
2. Press "BATTERY" rocker switch on the
panel.
3. Turn on a light or any 12 volt appliance. The
battery must be checked with a load.
4. Read battery condition on the meter. Red is
poor, yellow is fair, and green is good.
Battery Inspection and Care
WARNING: DISCONNECT THE 115 VOLT ELEC-
TRIC CORD AND THE POSITIVE TERMINAL
FROM THE MOTOR HOME BATTERY BEFORE
WORKING ON EITHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
WARNING: REMOVE RINGS, METAL WATCH-
BANDS, AND OTHER METAL JEWELRY BE-
FORE WORKING AROUND A BATTERY. USE
CATUION WHEN USING METAL TOOLS. IF THE
TOOL CONTACTS THE POSITIVE BATTERY
TERMINAL OR METAL CONNECTED TO IT,
AND ANY OTHER METAL ON THE MOTOR
HOME, A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR
WHICH COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY OR
FIRE.
Check the external condition of the battery periodi-
cally. Look for cracks in the cover and case. Check
the vent plugs. Replace them if they are cracked or
broken. Keep the battery clean. Accumulations of
acid film and dirt may permit current to flow be-
tween the terminals and discharge the battery. To
clean the battery, wash it with a diluted solution of
1-