DIY Network

Power System and Electronics A new "deep cycle" battery is installed and electronics completed. From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-209

Host Kevin Tetz is joined by Terry Cooper, an RV maintenance instructor from Texas State Technical College RV division, who helps install a new "deep cycle" battery.

The new battery is brought up to code by installing it in the bedroom area with a proper venting system.

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	Kevin, right, and Terry install the new battery.
	Figure A
	Figure B

Installing New Battery

Note: In order to bear the load of an Airstream, you must have 12 volts of power, which is why two 6-volt batteries are tied together for the project trailer.

And automobile batteries are "not" sufficient for the Airstream because they are quick charge and don't have the depth. An RV must have a "deep cycle" type battery.

1. To tie the two 6-volt batteries together use a heavy gauge lead going from negative to positive on either battery.

2. To secure the battery in a box, install a vented battery box (figure A), which will prevent hydrogen gas leaks into the coach.

3. First drill a hole in the floor of the coach for the air-vent inlet tube.

   Note: Unplug the converter before working on any electrical components.

4. Feed the inlet hose down the hole in the floor and position the battery box. The battery box is secured to the floor and the batteries go into the box. The two 6-volt batteries are tied together, hooking up the positive first. A battery lead is secured to the positive post of the second battery. The other end is connected to the reset-able breaker switch on the battery box.

5. Connect the positive lead to the breaker switch, run the lead to the fuse panel, cut the cable to size and trim the end.

6. The battery is tied to the fuse panel (figure B) and secured into place. To hook up the negative side first connect the lead to the ground terminal bar. The other end is connected to the post on the first battery and the circuit is complete.

7. Put the lid on the box and tighten down with thumb nuts. The exhaust hose is installed in the pre-drilled hole in the side of the RV.

Be sure to read the Web extra content--the next segment--on RV electrical systems.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Aluminum Wheels
Alcoa Wheels
Website: www.alcoawheels.com

Marathon Tires
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
1144 E. Market St.
Akron, OH 44316-0001
Phone: 330-796-2121
Fax: 330-796-2222

Electric Dump Valve
Phase Four Industries
Website: www.drainmaster.com

SeeLevel Tank Monitor System
Garnet Technologies Inc.
125 M and M Ranch Rd.
Granbury, TX 76049
Phone: 877-668-7813
Fax: 817-573-0005
E-mail: sales@rvgauge.com

Power Converter
Parallax Power Supply
425 Sycamore St.
Anderson, IN 46016
Toll-free: 800-443-4859
Fax: 765-608-5235

GUESTS :

Gary Bunzer
The RV Doctor
Bunzer Consulting
PO Box 2074
El Cajon, CA 92021
E-mail: gbunzer@cox.net
Website: www.rvdoctor.com

Terry D. Cooper
Instructor
Recreational Vehicle Program, Industrial Maintenance Engineering
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX 76705
Phone: 254-867-4878 (office)
Fax: 254-867-3570
E-mail: terry.cooper@tstc.edu

Jeff McCoy
Parallax Power Supply Expert
4118 E. 900 St.
Warren, IN 46792
Phone: 260-519-2799
E-mail: jmccoy@parallaxpower.com