SECTION 6 –
ELECTRICAL
6-8
To ensure that the battery will always accept
and hold a charge, follow these simple
maintenance practices:
•
Make sure the batteries always remain
securely 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
entering the battery and contaminating
the electrolyte fluid.
•
Clean and tighten battery terminals and have
the specific gravity checked at least once a
year.
•
Check the battery fluid level every month, or
more often in hot weather. Fill to
approximately 3/8 inch above the plates. DO
NOT OVERFILL. If fluid is added during
freezing weather, the motorhome should be
driven several miles to mix water and
electrolyte to prevent freezing.
•
Fluid level check may be omitted if equipped
with maintenance-free batteries.
Chassis Battery
If your coach is going to be unoccupied for
two weeks or more, Winnebago Industries
®
recommends disconnecting the chassis battery in
your coach to avoid battery discharge.
Disconnect the ground cable on the chassis
battery (located under front hood) to disconnect
battery.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND
FUSES – HOUSE 12-VOLT DC
All 12-volt circuits and equipment in the
coach area of the motorhome are protected by
either a fuse panel or breaker panel. When a
circuit is overloaded or a short develops in any
part of the system, a fuse or breaker will shut
down that circuit. If this happens, turn off all
affected lights or appliances and reset the breaker
or replace the fuse with a new one of equal
amperage rating.
House 12-Volt Fuses
A label on the House 12-Volt Fuse panel
states the amperage rating and circuit protected
for each fuse.
WARNING
Before removing any battery cables or
battery, make sure all 12-volt equipment
in the motorhome is off and the power
cord has been disconnected. Be sure to
replace the battery terminal boot, if
supplied, back onto the positive terminal
after servicing. Care must be taken to
avoid pinching the cable between any
metal parts. Should the cable be
damaged, a short circuit could result in
personal injury or damage to equipment.
Replace any damaged cables at once.
Always remove jewelry and wear
protective clothing and eye covering
when checking or handling batteries.
WARNING
To prevent wiring damage, it is essential
when replacing the cables on the battery,
or when using a “booster” battery, that the
positive post and the positive cable be
attached and the negative post and
negative cable be attached. The posts are
marked (+) plus and (-) minus.
If a “boost charger” is used while battery
is in the motorhome, disconnect both
battery cables before connecting the
charger to avoid damage to engine
electronic components.
Never attempt to charge or boost a frozen
battery. An explosion can occur resulting
in personal injury.
