Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 Auxiliary Battery User Manual
Auxiliary Battery
- Do not store anything inside the battery compartment(s) or near the batteries that could touch the battery or battery cable terminals. Contact with the battery or battery cable terminals could cause an electrical short circuit, discharge the batteries, or start an electrical fire.
- 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 lead acid or AGM 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 into contact with skin, eyes, fabric or painted surfaces. Electrolyte is a sulfuric acid solution that could cause serious personal injury or property damage. If your hands, eyes, clothes or the painted surface of your motor home are exposed to electrolyte, flush the exposed area thoroughly with water. If electrolyte gets in your eyes, immediately flush them thoroughly with water and get prompt medical attention.
The combined 12-volt DC loads in your recreation vehicle can become more than the power converter is able to produce. This demand can be met by using an auxiliary battery for a limited period of time. The 12-volt system is designed for usage with a Group 27 or 31, deep cycle battery.
Dry camping
The auxiliary battery should be fully charged prior to dry camping. If the auxiliary battery is not being recharged and power is being drawn from it, it will eventually discharge. Plan your electrical usage accordingly. You can test the auxiliary battery voltage using a volt-ohm meter (customer supplied).
A fully charged lead acid or AGM auxiliary battery will read 12.7 volts DC and 1.265 spe-cific gravity at 80°F (32°C). The auxiliary battery is considered discharged at 10.89 volts, and dead at 10.65 volts. If the voltage drops below those levels, irreversible damage can occur. Typically, a deep cycle battery has an amp-hour rating of 75-100 amps.
If you run the furnace and refrigerator simultaneously, you will be using approximately (12.0 + 3.0) 15.0 amps per hour. This does not include any 12-volt lights, or any other 12-volt component. If the furnace and refrigerator in this example operated constantly, a 75 amp-hour battery would become fully discharged in 5 hours.
The auxiliary battery should be installed in parallel with the battery in your tow vehicle. When the 7-way trailer plug is connected, both batteries power the RV. Do not allow it to discharge your tow vehicle battery below the level required to start the engine. To prevent this from occurring, disconnect the 7-way trailer plug or install a battery isolator. When the tow vehicle engine is operating with the RV connected, the tow vehicle charging system will charge both batteries.
Replacement and maintenance
Some equipment in your RV will draw small amounts of current even when turned OFF. To prevent the auxiliary battery from being discharged when your RV is not connected to shore line power, disconnect the auxiliary battery negative cable at the battery. During storage, it is important to check the voltage monthly and recharge the auxiliary battery as needed. If you remove the auxiliary battery from your RV, store it in a dry, cool area per the manufacturer’s instructions.
When it is time to replace the auxiliary battery, Group 27 or Group 31 true deep cycle batteries are recommended to increase run time of electrical components while dry camping (operating solely on battery power). Do not reverse the positive and negative battery cables (doing so will blow the reverse polar-ity fuse(s) that protect the power converter).
For more information
Please contact the battery manufacturer for additional information on the auxiliary batteries. Battery Isolator For Your Tow Vehicle (customer supplied)
You may want to consider the installation of a battery isolator on your tow vehicle as a convenience feature: It receives current from the tow vehicle alternator and controls the distribution of energy to both the RV auxiliary battery and the tow vehicle battery. It serves as a check valve to prevent energy from being drawn from your tow vehicle chassis battery (so you can start your tow vehicle engine). Your dealer can assist you with the selection, purchase and installation.
DC to DC Power Converter (customer supplied)
If installing lithium batteries in the recreation vehicle, install a DC to DC power converter between the tow vehicle battery charge line and the trailer lithium battery(s) to prevent lithium battery damage.
Battery Disconnect Switch (if so equipped)
The Battery Disconnect switch is typically located in an enclosed exterior compartment. The style of the disconnect switch may vary per model. This switch does not shut off all power, but only shuts off the 12VDC power to the main 12V fuse panel, and the interior of the vehicle. Batteries can still be trickle charged by the converter, and there will still be power to some devices.
Rotating Dial Disconnect Switch
When this switch is ON, there will be a green area showing a “1” along the top of the switch. To turn the switch OFF, turn it counter-clockwise until you see the red area along the left side of the switch showing a “0” (zero).
Lever Type Disconnect Switch
To operate this switch, turn the lever counter-clockwise to turn off all 12VDC power to the fuse panel in the RV. The lever can be removed and is equipped with a lanyard to keep the key from getting lost.
Load Center
The Load Center contains 12VDC fuses and 120VAC circuit breakers for almost all of the electrical appliances and circuits in the RV. The 120V main breaker may be located in this panel and will turn off all 120-volt power to the RV. Load center location, appearance and configuration may vary by model. Refer to the diagram inside the load center for specific fuse assignments. Motor homes may have separate small panels for breakers and fuses. They are normally located in close proximity to each other type in the bed platform. The converter is mounted separately, typically under the bed platform.
120-Volt Circuit Breakers
The 120-volt AC circuit breakers located inside the load center protect all 120-volt wiring and components from circuit overloads and short circuits. Should a circuit overload or short circuit occur the circuit breaker protecting the affected circuit will “trip” preventing the flow of electricity through that circuit.
If a circuit breaker trips, shut off the appliance on that circuit (i.e., power converter, etc.) and allow the circuit breaker to cool down for a brief period of time. After it cools down, reset the circuit breaker by moving its lever “off” and then back to the “on” position. If the circuit breaker re-trips or frequently trips, contact your dealer to have the electrical problem diagnosed and repaired. A circuit breaker identification label is permanently attached to the inside surface of the 120-volt Load Center.
CAUTION
Circuit breakers and fuses will not offer complete protection of the electrical system in the event of power surge or voltage spike.
Replacement
Only replace circuit breakers with those of the same specified type, voltage, and current rating. Never replace a circuit breaker with one listed at a higher amperage rating. Please contact your dealer for repair assistance when replacing circuit breakers.
WARNING
Replacement circuit breakers must be of the same voltage, amperage rating and type. Never use a higher rated replacement circuit breaker; doing so may cause a fire by overheating the RV wiring.
Maintenance
At the beginning of the camping season, inspect the circuit breakers and replace as needed. Test by turning each circuit breaker “off” and back “on”. Circuit breakers are wearable parts and must be replaced as needed as part of your RV maintenance. If you have any questions, contact your dealer. A label is provided to explain the function of every 120-volt circuit breaker. This label is located on or near the appropriate load center or sub-panel and must remain permanently affixed to the recreation vehicle.
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Reference Links
View Full User Guide: Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheels 2023 User Manual
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