12-Volt Coach System; Auxiliary Battery; Battery Inspection And Care; Battery Charging - Fleetwood Bounder 1986 Owner's Manual

12-volt Coach 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'l 2-voltentertainment equipment are
connected to this system. The 12-volt power source
is a special deep-cycle 1 2-volt lead-acid storage b2t-
tery located behind the front bumper. Twelve volt
power is also provided by an AC/DC converter. The
battery's charge is maintained by the motor home
engine alternator, or by the charging circuit included
in the converter.
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The converter is the nerve center of the 12-volt DC
(as well as the 1 20-volt AC system.) Fuses for the
12-volt DC circuits are located at the converter panel.
These fuses are glass, automotive type and should
always be replaced with the same type and amperage
rating.
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL 12-VOLT FUSES
WITH AMPERAGE RATINGS GREATER THAN
THAT SPECIFIED ON FUSEBOX.
Auxiliary Battery
The auxiliary battery is the primary source for nor-
mal living-area needs. Sensing and switching circuits
perrnit the vehicle alternator to charge all batteries as
required and prevent the living area 12-volt re-
quirements from depleting the vehicle battery. The
auxiliary battery used in your motor home is designed
especially for RV use. It is a "deep-cycle" type that
can tolerate the wide fluctuations in charge conditions
encountered in recreational living.
NOTE: All living area radios and tape decks draw from
the auxiliary battery, and extended usage may
discharge it.
Battery condition can be checked on the Monitor
Panel. To check the battery charge:
37
1. Unplug the 1 20-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 120-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 BEFORE
WORKING AROUND A BATTERY. USE CAUTION
WHEN USING METAL TOOLS. IF THE TOOL CON-
TACTS THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL OR
METAL CONNECTED TO IT, A SHORT CIRCUIT
COULD OCCUR WHICH COULD CAUSE PER-
SONAL INJURY OR FIRE.
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW BATTERY ELECTRO-
LYTE TO CONTACT SKIN, EYES, FABRICS, OR
PAINTED SURFACES. THE ElECTROLYTE IS A
SULFURIC ACID SOLUTION WHICH COULD
CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY ORPROPER-
TY DAMAGE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN
WORKING WITH BATTERIES.
Check the external condition of the battery periodical-
Iy. 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 between the terminals and
discharge the battery. To clean the battery, wash it with
a diluted solution of baking soda and water to neutralize
any acid present, then flush with clean water. Acid foam-
ing around terminals or on top of the battery is normal
acid neutralization. Avoid getting the soda solution in the
battery. Be sure the vent caps are tight. Dry the cables
and terminals. Don't use grease on the bare metal inside
the cable terminals to prevent corrosion. Grease is an
insulator. Electricity will not flow through it. A plastic
ignition spray will protect the terminals after you have
cleaned and reinstalled them.
To prevent the battery from shaking in its carrier, be
sure the hold-down strap is properly installed. Check it
often. Keep the carrier and cover clean and free of cor-
rosion and chemical accumulation.
If you ever have to remove the auxiliary battery,
remember that it is removed from under the front of the
motor home. The battery is very heavy. Before you
loosen or remove the battery carrier bracket bolts, sup-
port the battery carrier tray with a floor jack.
Battery Charging
Normally the battery will be kept charged by either
the motor home charging system while on the road,