Solar Panel (If Equipped); Selecting A Replacement Battery; Auxiliary Start System (If Equipped); 120-Volt System - Fleetwood 2003 Southwind User Manual

o
Check and adjust the electrolyte level
before charging. Fill each cell to the indica-
tor with distilled water.
o
Always remove all vent caps before charg-
ing the battery.
o
Do not charge the battery at a rate that
causes the electrolyte to spew out.
o
In cold temperature storage conditions, bat-
teries may freeze if not properly charged.
WARNING
Remove rings, metal watchbands, and other metal
jewelry before working around a battery. Use caution
when using metal tools. If a tool contacts a battery ter-
minal or metal connected to it, a short circuit could
occur which could cause personal injury, explosion or
fire.
WARNING
Do not allow battery electrolyte to contact skin, eyes,
fabrics, or painted surfaces. The electrolyte is a sul-
phuric acid solution which could cause serious per-
sonal injury or property damage. Wear eye protection
when working with batteries.
WARNING
Never expose the battery to open flame or electric
spark. Chemical action in the battery generates
hydrogen gas which is flammable and explosive. Do
not allow battery electrolyte (acid) to contact skin,
eyes, fabrics, or painted surfaces.
Solar Panel
(If Equipped)
Your new motor home may be equipped with an
optional solar charger. The solar charging panel
installed on the roof of your motor home is
designed to "trickle-charge" your battery system.
It is not intended to be a fast charger. It also can-
not supply large amounts of cunent to operate
12-volt DC electrical equipment. When the sky
is clear and under bright sun, the solar panel will
help keep your batteries "topped-up". Do not try
to operate 12-volt DC appliances with the output
of the solar panel. A light on the air conditioner
indicates when the solar panel is operating.
Electrical Systems
Selecting
a
Replacement Battery
When the battery requires replacement, always
choose a battery with the same physical and elec-
trical characteristics as the original equipment.
Your dealer or an authorized Fleetwood Service
Center can advise you on proper battery selection.
Auxiliary Start System
(If Equipped)
You can use the Auxiliary Start System to start
the motor home engine with the house battery if
the chassis battery is discharged. The Auxiliary
Start System has no effect on the vehicle except
to aid in starting the motor home engine. If the
vehicle alternator is operating properly, the bat-
teries will be charged while driving.
To use the Auxiliary Start System:
I. Be sure the motor home is stopped. Shift
the transmission to N or P and apply the
parking brake.
2. Press and hold the Auxiliary Start switch
on the instrument panel.
3. Start the engine with the ignition switch.
4. Release the Auxiliary Start switch.
120-VOLT SYSTEM
This system provides grounded 120-volt AC
electrical service for appliances such as air con-
ditioners, TV, microwave ovens, etc. This system
includes:
the generator
the main electricUl power cord ("shore chord")
Your motor home is equipped with a heavy duty,
power cord. It is commonly called the "shore
cord:' This cord is used to connect to extemal120-
volt AC service. The cord and connector is molded
together to form a weatherproof 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.
To connect the power cord to external service,
push the plug straight into the receptacle.