Electrical SYSTEM
BATTERY
CAUTION: A normal battery can discharge by itself in 30 to 40 days when not in use, therefore, IT IS NECESSARY TO PERIODICALLY CHECK THE BATTERY AND CHARGE IT AS IS NECESSARY.
We suggest checking the batteries at least every two weeks in freezing weather. The temperature at which a battery will freeze depends on the condition of its charge. As an example: a fully charged battery with a specific gravity of 1.265 will not freeze until the electrolyte temperature drops to - 71.3 degrees F, while a discharged battery will freeze at +19 degrees F. The following table shows the freezing points of batteries at various specific gravity readings, temperature corrected 80 degrees F.
| 1.265 | |
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| 1.250 | |
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G | 1.200 | |
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1.100 | +5 F | |
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1.150 | +19 F | |
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Do not add water to a battery in freezing temperatures unless the vehicle will be put to use at once, otherwise the added water may freeze. Neglect is expensive. Care costs little. Check your batteries regularly.
MAINTAIN A CLEAN BATTERY TOP AND CHECK TERMINALS AND CABLES FOR TIGHTNESS AND CLEANLINESS. A dirty battery will dissipate its charge through surface contamination. Clean battery top with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly.
The terminals should be tight and free of corrosion. To clean terminals, neutralize with a solution of baking soda, rinse in clear water, and dry.
Note: Care must be used to make sure soda is not allowed to enter battery cells.
To insure maximum battery capacity on the charge and the discharge, the bat- tery terminals and the inside portion of the cable connector should be scraped or brushed until both of these surfaces are shiny bright. The cable connectors should then be reconnected to the battery and tightened. The complete assem- bly, battery post and cable connector should be coated with heavy body mineral grease, petroleum grease or petroleum jell.
CAUTION: RECONNECT THE BATTERY CABLES TO THE CORRECT BATTERY POSTS. The black cable should be connected to the negative
ADD WATER TO CELLS AS NECESSARY. Check the electrolyte level at least once a month. When you are traveling steadily and for an extended period of time, or if you are in climates above 90 degrees F, check the electrolyte level about every two weeks.
CAUTION: Do not fill battery above the split ring in filler opening. DO NOT MEASURE SPECIFIC GRAVITY IMMEDIATELY after adding water. The water must mix with the electrolyte by charging or by driving a few miles.
Warning: The gases generated within a storage battery cell may be ignited by an open flame or spark in the vicinity of the battery. Do not use a match or flame to provide light for checking the level of the water.
During the winter the batteries should be removed from the trailer and stored in a cool, dry place, where there is no danger of freezing. It should be kept full of water, cleaned and charged monthly. A battery that is allowed to completely lose its charge will never regain its original power or a full charge.
G - 2
