Deep cycle batteries are used for our coach; automotive batteries are used with our engines. The deep cycle battery is designed to give us better life, since we draw down the power more than we do with an engine battery.
Use 6-volt batteries for your coach, replace in pairs, and maintain the distilled water level 3/8” above the plates. Also keep the connections corrosion free. Careful, if you remove a connection, turn off any loads and do not allow the connections to torch another object. Sparks, fire and explosions can happen while working on your battery. Wear gloves and goggles to be safe.
Sixty percent of RV fires are from 12-volt DC power circuits. Double check your work and see that the wires do not rub against an edge. Protect the wires with split-loom or another outer wire protector. Twelve-volt systems are difficult to fuse, so it turns off the power during a short or open-circuit situation. 120-volt AC systems use Ground Fault Interrupters to monitor those circuits. Thus the GFI interrupts the power whenever a leakage threshold is reached, hopefully preventing a shock or fire.
Keep your batteries charged, but not overcharged, to get the best battery life. Some convertor/charges have a higher voltage cycle to help rejuvenate your batteries.
If your batteries have a vent, not sealed type, dangerous gases are emitted. These must not be stored in a confined space. These gases are flammable and can explode.
This is one of our free tips we offer- RV101byFred.com.
Happy Camping,
Fred Brandeberry