Page 105 - 2017-Swift-Group-Motorhomes-Handbook-web
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MOTORHOME BATTERY
ELECTRICS Motorhome battery Note: The batteries fitted to your
! WARNING: Use precaution when motorhome in floor mounted compartments
must be kept upright.
removing or replacing the battery, as
batteries contain acid liquids which can When a leisure battery has been factory in-
cause severe injuries and damage when stalled below the driver’s seat, the battery type
handled incorrectly. Refer to the cleaning used is specific to that installation, and is of a
and maintenance section. Please also take type (Sealed AGM) that allows a battery to be
into consideration when manoeuvring a installed in a vertical or horizontal orientation.
battery, that the weight may be in excess Due to the construction of this type of battery,
of 20kg. it is not necessary to vent the battery to the
outside, and there is no requirement to check
Your motorhome has been fitted with one and maintain electrolyte levels.
or two leisure batteries depending on size of
vehicle and expected electrical loads. The Note: If an AGM battery is replaced, it must
battery will be housed in one of two ways: be replaced by an equivalent AGM battery
Within a floor mounted compartment which is suitable for a horizontal installation,
and does not require venting to the outside.
Retained beneath the drivers seat
It is recommended that a good quality leisure
Floor mounted compartments are designed battery is always connected when the motor
to hold the battery securely and to contain home electrical system is in use. Leisure
any electrolyte (acid) spillage. They are batteries are a deep cycling rechargeable
sealed from the habitation compartment and heavy duty 12v battery designed to
a breather pipe is fitted to ensure any build provide power for lights and other electrical
up of explosive gases (hydrogen) is vented appliances. It should be remembered that
to the outside. If a breather pipe is fitted it batteries suitable for the electrical demands
is important to ensure that any replacement of a motorhome differ in design from those
batteries are also fitted with a breather pipe. for use with a car, and whilst the system
The battery or batteries should only be may operate with a car battery it is strongly
positioned in the appropriate compartment, recommended that only a rechargeable leisure
and be properly secured before travelling. type battery, maintained in good condition, is
used. The battery should be kept topped up
(charged) at all times. If two leisure batteries
are fitted additional care is needed, as one
battery deteriorates this can reduce the
lifespan of the other.
Replacement batteries should be a proprietary
brand leisure battery with a minimum 75Ah
capacity. Replacement batteries should be
checked dimensionally before purchasing, to
ensure fitment within the battery compartment,
as brands vary in size.
! WARNING: When connecting the
battery, ensure that the correct polarity
is observed (black is negative and red/
brown is positive) and that the terminals are
securely fastened.
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