Battery Maintenance - Winnebago Sunflyer Manual

SECTION 6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Lead -acid type batteries are electro-chemical
devices for storing and releasing electrical
charge. As such, they are simply an electrical res-
ervoir, not an electrical source. As soon as energy
is removed from the battery, it should be replaced
by the engine alternator or the RV converter sys-
tem.
If a battery sits unused for 30 days or more,
especially during warm weather, it can develop a
deposit of sulfate crystals on the metal plates in-
side the battery. This conditions is called sulfa-
tion or sulfating, and prevents the battery from
either releasing or accepting a charge. If this con-
dition occurs, the battery must be replaced.
If a battery does not contain at least 80%
charge during freezing temperatures, the electro-
lyte can freeze and crack the battery case.
The two best defenses against sulfating and
insufficient charge are to:
1) turn off the Auxiliary Battery switch to avoid
parasitic discharge (the trickle discharge caused
by directly connected components like LP gas
detectors or digital clock displays in the range
hood or radio, etc.), and
2) check the battery and recharge as necessary at
least once a month during long storage periods.
Turn the Aux. Batt. Switch off to avoid elec-
trical arcing when attaching or detaching charger
clamps.
NOTE: We do not recommend leaving the shore-
line plugged in continuously during stor-
age periods because the batteries can
lose electrolytic fluids and become dam-
aged from continuous charging without
periodic use. We recommend following
regular battery inspection and mainte-
nance, especially in cold weather.
Futher precautions are:
· Remove the battery from the coach.
· Store it in a cool place on a wooden or rubber
pad to inhibit conductive transfer.
6-10
· Check the state of charge periodically to
avoid discharge or sulfating.
· Make sure the batteries always remain se-
curely clamped in the battery tray.
· Make sure battery cable clamps are tight on
the terminal posts and are free of corrosion.
· Neutralize corrosion buildup or acid film on
top of battery by washing with a baking soda/
water solution. Rinse with clear water.
NOTE: Make sure vent caps are on securely to
prevent baking soda solution from enter-
ing the battery and contaminating the
electrolyte fluid.
WARNING
Before removing any battery cables or
battery, make sure all 12-volt equip-
ment in the motor home is off and the
power cord has been disconnected.
Replace any damaged cables at once.
Always remove jewelry and wear pro-
tective clothing and eye covering
when checking or handling batteries.
· Clean and tighten battery terminals and have
the specific gravity checked at least once a
year.
· Every two months, or more often in hot
weather, check the battery fluid level. If nec-
essary, fill with distilled water to approxi-
mately 3/8 inch above the plates. DO NOT
OVERFILL. If water is added during freez-
ing weather, either charge the battery or drive
the motor home several miles to mix water
and electrolyte to prevent freezing.
· Fluid level check may be omitted if equipped
with maintenance-free batteries.