Motorhome Battery - Swift Motorhome Owners Service Manual

M OT OR HOME B ATTERY

Motorhome battery

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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. The
compartments are either under the floor
or in a side opening 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 80 amp - 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,
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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'.
Note: The batteries fitted to your
motorhome must be kept upright.
!
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:
1. Do not leave all 12v lights powered at the
same time as this will drain your leisure
battery more rapidly.
2. If all 12v lights must be powered together,
ensure the battery is 'in-circuit' and that the
battery charger is turned on.
3. 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