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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
The electrical system consists of a primary 12-volt
DC system and a 120-volt AC system. The 12-volt
system uses battery power similar to that used in
automobiles. The 120-volt system requires a source
of 120-volt power provided through the power supply
cord or optional generator.
These systems are connected through a power
converter. When connected to 120-volt power, the
converter transforms 120-volt AC input into 12-volt
DC power output and charges the storage battery(s)
when installed.
12-VOLT DC SYSTEM
The 12-volt system provides power for the following
components:
Electric Jacks
Interior Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Water Pump
Power Range Hood
Furnace Blower
Refrigerator Light & Controls
Water Heater Ignition
Stereo/CD Player
Fantastic Fan
Power Vent
Starting the Generator
Slideout Room
Accessories plugged into 12-volt outlet
Power Awning
BATTERY AND COMPARTMENT
Your trailer may be outfitted with a battery. The battery
may be kept charged either by the tow vehicle, by the
generator or shore power.
NOTE: The 12-volt battery(s) is not supplied with the
trailer by the manufacturer.
A disconnect switch may be provided to disconnect
the battery when you do not plan to be using the
trailer for an extended period, such as seasonal stor-
age. If there is no disconnect switch, then remove the
cables from the battery terminals.
BATTERY TERMINOLOGY
Deep Cycle Batteries
The term “deep cycle” refers to a battery that has the
capability of deeply discharging hundreds of times.
How it differs from an automotive starting battery is
that the automotive battery is manufactured to specifi-
cally provide a quick burst of energy thousands of
times while only being able to deeply discharge less
than 50 cycles during its lifetime. A cycle refers to one
battery discharge and recharge.
Battery Ratings and Specifications
Marine/RV deep cycle batteries have rating speci-
fications which include cold cranking amps (CCA),
marine cranking amps (MCA), reserve capacity (RC)
and ampere hours (Ah). RC and approximate Ah rat-
ings may not be listed on the battery decal. However,
they should be available through your local battery
distributor.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
The amount of current (amps) a battery at 0°F
(-17.8°C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at
least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts for a 12-volt battery).
Marine Cranking Amps (MCA)
The amount of discharge current a battery tested at
32°F (0°C) can deliver for 30 seconds and maintain at
least 1.2 volts per cell (7.2 volts on a 12-volt battery).
Reserve Capacity (RC)
The amount of time a battery can deliver 25 amps at
80°F (26.7°C) without falling below 1.75 volts per cell
(10.5 volts on a 12-volt battery). An approximate Ah
rating can be attained by multiplying the battery’s RC
rating by 0.6. Example 180 RC x 0.6 = 108 Ah.
Ampere hours (Ah)
Tested at 80°F (26.7°C). It is the amount of current
(in amps) a battery can deliver, multiplied by the
amount of hours, without falling below 1.75 volts per
cell (10.5 volts on a 12-volt battery). Most marine/RV
deep cycle batteries are rated on a 20-hour discharge
rate. Example: a 100 Ah battery can deliver 5 amps
for 20 hours (amps x hours = Ah). The Ah rating is
important when determining the type and amount of
battery(s) required to meet your specific component
needs.
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