Jayco 2016 Jay Series Owner's Manual page 62

SECTION 6 – ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
A B
UXILIARY ATTERY
Your RV has many 12-volt DC loads. When combined, their total is more than the
converter can produce. High demands for 12-volt power can be met by an
auxiliary battery for limited periods of time. The 12-volt DC electrical system is
designed for usage with a Group 27, deep cycle battery.
Dry camping
Consider the charge condition of the auxiliary battery when dry camping. If the
auxiliary battery is not being recharged and power is being drawn from it, it will
eventually discharge. A battery will discharge at a faster rate as its energy level
becomes depleted. It is recommended you plan your electrical usage accordingly.
For accuracy, test the auxiliary battery voltage using a volt-ohm meter (customer
supplied).
A fully charged auxiliary battery will read 12.7 volts DC and 1.265 specific gravity
at 80°F (32°C). The auxiliary battery is considered discharged at 11.8 volts, and
dead at 11.65 volts.
When voltage drops below those levels, permanent damage may occur. Typically,
a deep cycle battery has an amp-hour rating of 75-100 amps.
If you run the furnace and refrigerator simultaneously, you will be using
approximately (12.0 + 3.0) 15.0 amps per hour. This does not include any 12-volt
lights, water pump or any other 12-volt component.
If the furnace and refrigerator in the above example operated constantly,
a 75 amp-hour battery would become fully discharged in 5 hours
(75ah / 15a = 5h).
The auxiliary battery should be installed in parallel with the battery in your tow
vehicle. When the 7-way trailer plug is connected, both batteries power the RV so
it is important not to discharge your tow vehicle battery below the level required to
start the engine. To prevent this from occurring, disconnect the 7-way trailer plug
or install a battery isolator. When the tow vehicle engine is operating with the RV
connected, the tow vehicle charging system will charge both batteries.
Replacement and maintenance
Some equipment in your RV will draw small amounts of current even when turned
OFF. To prevent the auxiliary battery from being discharged when your RV is not
connected to shore line power, disconnect the auxiliary battery negative cable at
the battery. During storage, it is important to check the voltage monthly and
recharge the auxiliary battery as needed. If you remove the auxiliary battery from
your RV, store it in a dry, cool area per the manufacturer's instructions.
When it is time to replace the auxiliary battery, replace it with a Group 27 deep
cycle battery only. Contact the battery manufacturer for further information. Do not
reverse the positive and negative battery cables (doing so will blow the reverse
polarity fuse(s) that protect the converter).
B I
ATTERY SOLATOR
You may want to consider the installation of a battery isolator on your tow vehicle
as a convenience feature:
□
It receives current from the tow vehicle alternator and controls distribution of
energy to both the RV auxiliary battery and the tow vehicle battery.
□
It serves as a check valve to prevent energy from being drawn from your tow
vehicle chassis battery (so you can start your tow vehicle engine).
Your dealer can assist you with the selection, purchase and installation of this
aftermarket part.
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