ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11
THOR MOTOR COACH | MADE TO FIT
145
Battery Maintenance (Lead-Acid)
Proper battery maintenance is important in order to
ensure the battery retains its power delivery capacity while
prolonging its useful life. Listed here are a few instructions
for maintaining and servicing batteries. Some instructions
apply only to batteries which are NOT maintenance-free,
or sealed batteries.
e house batteries and chassis battery supplied with your
motorhome may be maintenance-free, sealed type battery.
DO NOT open or break seals on maintenance-free batteries.
1. Keep the battery mounted securely. Routinely check
the battery terminals for loose battery clamps. Tighten
when necessary.
2. Keep battery hold downs and trays clean and free of
debris and corrosion.
3. Check the electrolyte level of the house batteries at
regular intervals. Keep each cell lled to just above the
plates with DISTILLED water only. Once the plates have
dried out, they cannot be reactivated, and the capacity of
the battery is reduced in direct proportion to the area of
plate surface that has become dry. is kind of damage
can occur quickly. If the uid level is low, simply add
distilled water.
4. Be cautious when removing battery ll caps. Pry o
caps carefully. Forcing caps o can cause the electrolyte
solution to splash. Electrolyte solution can burn, and
even small amounts can damage eyes and skin. Always
use proper personal protective equipment when working
with batteries.
5. Keep the battery terminals clean. Corroded terminals
make poor electrical contact and will prevent normal
operation of the 12-volt system. Battery terminal cor-
rosion occurs when the battery has been standing in
a discharged condition over a long period of time, or
when the battery has been operated continually in a
state of partial discharge. Use a baking soda solution to
neutralize the corrosion on the battery terminals and
cable clamps. Do not allow the soda solution to enter the
battery. Make sure the vent caps are secure. Flush with
water. oroughly dry all cables clamps and terminals,
reinstall, and use a battery terminal protecting spray
or compound, available at automotive parts or auto
service centers.
6. Check the outside condition of the battery. Look for
cracks in the case or vent plugs. If the case is cracked, the
battery must be replaced. If the vent plugs are cracked,
they must be replaced.
7. Keep the battery in a full-charged condition. This
will help prolong its useful life and help maintain its
charge-holding capacity.
8. Watch for overcharging. Three indications of over-
charging are:
a. Active material on the vent cap (heavy deposit of
black lead-like material on the underside of the vent
cap);
b. Excessive use of water or water escaping at vent caps;
c. Abnormal voltage regulator output.
• DO NOT SHORT ACROSS THE BATTERY TERMINALS.
The spark could ignite the gases. Do not wear metal
jewelry, such as rings, watches, or metal wrist bands
when working on a battery.
• Before doing ANY work on electrical system,
disconnect battery cable and the 120-volt power
cord. Do not reconnect the cables until all work has
been completed. This will avoid the possibility of
shorting or causing damage to electrical components
or shock to the servicing person.
• Battery electrolyte is a corrosive, poisonous, sulfuric
acid. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, clothing, or any
painted surface.
• ALWAYS WEAR SPLASH PROOF SAFETY GLASSES
OR FACE SHIELD AND USE ACID-PROOF RUBBER
GLOVES WHEN HANDLING AND WORKING WITH
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES.
WARNING
• Keep sparks, cigarettes, and flames away from
the batteries as the hydrogen gas they create may
explode.
• Do not connect a booster battery or other power
source that outputs more than 14.2-volts DC to the
motorhome batteries.
• Use adequate ventilation when charging or using
batteries in an enclosed space.
• Remove metal jewelry and always wear eye protection
when working around batteries.
• Do not allow battery electrolyte (acid) to come in
contact with skin, eyes, fabric or painted surfaces.
Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution that could
cause severe personal injury or property damage.
• If your hands, eyes, clothes, or the painted surface
of your motorhome are exposed to electrolyte, ush
the exposed area thoroughly with water.
• If electrolyte gets in your eyes, immediately ush
them thoroughly with water and get prompt medical
attention.
WARNING
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