Where did the batteries for the coach come from?

Of course, it was too late to save our original coach batteries, so on our way south to the Annual Rally just before Labor Day 2005, we stopped in at the Interstate Battery dealer in Portland and “ponyed up” for four new house batteries.

Where can I get an American coach owner’s manual?

If you’re missing the owner’s manual for your American Coach, you can download a digital (PDF) replacement for free. Select your brand or search by model year to browse our archive of RV owner’s manuals.

What makes a coach battery distort so much?

They are stamped out of sheet metal, and as such they distort easily. When Chinook built our coach, they loosened the setscrew on the positive cable clamp and inserted a secondary lead that goes to the Battery Isolator (the “Smart Switch”). In tightening the clamp when they reinstalled it, it distorted and failed to make a solid connection.

What are the battery terminals on a Ford coach?

The clamps on the chassis battery terminals in our coach are Ford OEM clamps. They are stamped out of sheet metal, and as such they distort easily. When Chinook built our coach, they loosened the setscrew on the positive cable clamp and inserted a secondary lead that goes to the Battery Isolator (the “Smart Switch”).

Can a coach battery be used in an RV?

As a safety on many RV vehicles, there is a switch on the dash that will allow the RV’er to combine the chassis and coach battery power while tying to start the engine or the generator. This should be done only in an emergency – and carefully!

Can a deep cycle battery be mounted on a coach?

AGM – Absorption Glass Mat batteries are quickly taking over the “coach” side of RV batteries – with good reason! AGM Batteries are completely sealed, deep cycle, do not have any fumes and can be mounted in any position needed! Pretty Cool, huh?!

Can a coach battery power a washer and dryer?

The coach batteries will not be able to power your Roof AC units or Washer/Dryer – those are high amperage draw appliances that would literally suck all the energy from those batteries too quickly!

What do I need to clean my coach battery?

However, the battery cables for both the chassis and coach batteries must be cleaned. A good steel wire brush and top post battery cleaner are really all that’s needed. Turn off all your battery Main Switches, disconnect from shore power, have your generator off and go to it.

Can a new battery be installed with an old battery?

Never install a new battery with an old battery. It is best to buy two new batteries and install them both at the same time. Otherwise, the old battery will form a “current loop” with the new battery, drawing its fluid for itself.

What should I do if my RV battery is draining?

Furthermore, you should disconnect the ground wire while it is in storage to prevent that from draining the battery when it isn’t in use. Disconnect smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, refrigerators and other items when the RV is in storage so these don’t drain the battery while the RV is in storage.

How long does it take for a deep cycle battery to charge?

When the battery receives half to two thirds of the power you think it does, it will die sooner than you expected. Another mistake is not letting the batteries charge long enough. They typically need eight to ten hours to charge the battery. A fully discharged deep cycle battery may need twelve hours of charging when connected to the power grid.

How can you tell the charge of a RV battery?

The only true way to know state of charge of a battery is to check its specific gravity. But very few RVers do this. Another fairly complicated way is to buy a meter for several hundred dollars that will measure that for you. The other way is to go by battery voltage.

Do you have to refill deep cycle batteries?

There are two major configurations of deep cycle batteries. These are flooded lead acid and valve regulated lead acid batteries. The former is the more common type, wherein the lead is bathed in a solution of water and acid. They lose some of this liquid with each use, so you’ll need to refill them with water every now and then.

When was batteries 101 published in the Western Road Runner?

Batteries 101 A Lament in Three Chapters originally published in the Western Road Runner, October 2005 and updated December 2006.

How to replace a 12 volt coach battery?

I am planning to replace the existing 12 volt house battery with 2 – 6 volt batteries and an inverter/charger. Can I just take the positive and negative cables that attach to the house battery and att … read more we turned the batteries off before turning off the generator. The batteries are charged but there is no power to the unit.

Why does my coach battery go dead when plugged in?

If you can measure an increase in DC voltage at the battery bank when the coach is plugged in, then the battery charge circuit is at least complete and probably working. If the voltage does not go up when plugged in, look for a blown fuse in the charge circuit in the converter/charger.

Can a diesel coach have an emergency battery?

YES, most diesel coaches have a battery boost/battery combine/emergency start switch just like most gas coaches do. They serve to combine the CHASSIS to the HOUSE battery bank. They can be combined to bring the battery with more charge to bear whatever you are trying to start– main engine or generator.

Why are the batteries in my house so hot?

As time went by and I periodically checked on our house batteries, I noticed that whenever we were plugged into shore power one battery in particular would be hot – way too hot to touch. In fact I remember listening to that battery actually boil on several occasions, when we were plugged into shore power.

What are the two rules for car batteries?

The first rule is, “Do not ever overheat (let alone boil) your batteries – a sure sign that you are overcharging them . The second rule is never repeatedly discharge your chassis (engine) battery (as in running it down to the point where you have to “jump start” your engine.)

When to use chassis and when to wire to?

If you can find an easy spot to mount on the chassis, this is the best place to run the ground to for three reasons. First, it’s usually a lot more convenient than running your ground to the battery. Second, it’s a really good grounding place (as in solid and works well). Thirdly, you run a lot less wire, which helps in cost and clutter.

Can a store hook up a car battery backwards?

The store should pay to restore your car to the condition is was in before they messed up the battery installation. The position of the old battery is not material, and is no excuse for the store hooking up the + cable to the – terminal of the battery. They owe you to make it right, it was their mistake.

Where do you put the battery cable in a car?

Set the end of the cable aside so that it can’t fall back into place and make contact with either battery terminal. If your battery is in the trunk, the positive cable will attach to another connector near the body of the car. Simply disconnect it from there. Remove the battery.

How does a parallel battery bank work in a RV?

Another set of cables connects the remaining positive and negative terminal to whatever you are connecting the batteries to. Connected batteries should have the same voltage and amp rating. A parallel RV battery bank increases the current but allows the voltage to stay the same.

What do you need to know about battery cables?

Battery cables are meant for use only with batteries and electrical systems. They are not general-purpose wires that you can use to connect a device to the power source. Battery cables often come in the form of harnesses and provide many advantages over loose cords and wires.

Is the chassis battery the same as the coach battery?

The chassis battery and the coach battery are 2 separate battery systems – except they both will get charged by a common method. All chassis battery systems are based on a single 12 volt battery – that will allow high amperage draw (especially if a diesel).

What’s the voltage of a fully charged RV battery?

Resting fully charged 12-volt batteries are around 12.8-12.9 volts, and flat dead ones are at 12.0 volts, so 12.4 volts on a resting battery means it’s about 50% charged. ? RV Battery Voltage Overview:

Which is the best deep cycle RV battery?

The AGM RV battery is one of those I would like to recommend if you would like to make use of a reliable and durable deep cycle battery. It is also versatile for many applications. You can use it in cabins, boats, marine, travel trailer and recreational vehicle.

What is the resting voltage of a 12 volt battery?

Resting fully charged 12-volt batteries are around 12.8-12.9 volts, and flat dead ones are at 12.0 volts, so 12.4 volts on a resting battery means it’s about 50% charged. In general, charging inputs raise the actual voltage on the battery above its resting voltage, and loads (drains on the battery) lower it below its resting voltage.

What kind of air conditioner does coachmen use?

Coachmen is now installing 12-volt air conditioning units in their Class B motorhomes. The unit they are using is by ProAir, and it’s a roof mount unit, not an undermount. It’s got a claimed 20,000 BTU rating, which is considerably bigger than your typical RV air conditioner.

Can a 6 volt battery be used with a 12 volt?

Six-volt batteries must be installed in pairs wired in series so their combined voltage will be 12. When 12-volt batteries are used in pairs they must be wired in parallel. If 12-volt batteries are parallel wired in pairs, there’s a problem called “cannibalism” where the weaker battery draws current from the stronger one.

Can a 12 volt battery be used for dry camping?

If you’re boondocking or dry camping, and not plugged in, you can use your batteries to power anything that runs off 12-volt. Adding an inverter to the mix will convert the 12-volt battery’s direct current to a 120-volt alternating current so you can power appliances that need 120 volts and use your vehicles electrical outlets.

What should the battery voltage be in a RV?

Avoid discharging batteries below 50% of their capacity, and recharge them as soon as possible. Many RVs have monitor panels which display battery states of charge. This can also be measured with a voltmeter at the battery terminals. A fully charged battery at rest (no load or charging being done) should read 12.6 volts or higher.

What to do when a Ford coach battery goes dead?

My gas Ford coach has an aux start switch that really saved my situation when I got a bad battery that frequently went dead. Just make sure the house batteries are well-charged by plugging in the coach to shore power (if they are low and you need to), then hit the aux switch and start the engine.