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chassis battery replacement
So it’s time to replace my chassis batteries. I would like to do this myself but need some guidance. I am comfortable with this type maintenance but have some questions.
Is there a specific sequence I need to perform before I start the job?
Think I need to take pictures of original layout for reference, disconnect negative first, tape all ends as disconnected for safety reasons, label all wires/bundles, clean all wire ends, make sure new batteries are fully charged before installing, etc.
What am I missing? I have already read many of the articles on this forum and plan to do job soon. Your input/guidance is appreciated.
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12 Replies
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This thread contains the process I went through to change my chassis batteries. I did it in the fall of 2014 and then again in February of this year (2018) in an RV Park in Tucson AZ during the first rain storm they had had in 105 days.
/threaddetails.asp?Category=Electrical&ThreadID=3436
Good luck!
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Be sure to unhook the ground wire to the equalizer in case you make a boo boo.
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Jackie,
When I have replaced my house batteries the first thing I did was figure out a set of ramps or a way to get the batteries safely into their mounted position. It sounds like it might be overkill to do that but trying to horse a set of batteries into a defined space on a rack can end up hurting you because there is no way you can be in a good position to lift batteries into position. The last thing you need is a back injury or to have a battery drop and have its case burst open.
I cannot say what the shut down procedure is for your coach, but you do have to shut down all battery power as well as any shore power. Even with doing that you still have to be very careful and what I do is insulate all cable ends with duct tape or masking tape to prevent any accidental contact with a battery post.
The advice about removing the ground and being careful about protecting the equalizer is very good. In fact it is a good opportunity to remove those cable connections and clean them.
Good luck. When you are done it feels good knowing you will have no battery problems for years to come.
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Jon: Are you recommending shutting down the entire coach, including the house batteries and house masters, and turning off the shore power when changing out the chassis batteries?
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I am absolutely advocating a complete coach house shut down. There is no way I would ever change house batteries with any chance of power being returned or taken from the batteries.
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Bigger is better and use your AITA discount card
NAPA Group31 Chassis Batteries:
7231 w/650 cca
7238 w/760 cca
7236 w/950 cca
7234 w/1125 cca
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Jon: My question was about CHASSIS BATTERIES. I understand turning everything off and unhooking shore power when changing house batteries.
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The two battery systems are separate and I do not turn the other off when working on one of them. In fact the last time I changed chassis batteries I did not even turn them off because unless the charger is on or the bus is running they just sit there with only a negligible draw from DDEC and the dash voltage gauge.
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Jon: Thank you for clarifying your position on the subject.
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I installed NAPA 7234 at Al’s suggestion. Match date codes. Definitely use your AITA card and save some green.
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Dick’s post on changing the batteries is very good.
Be sure to remove all rings and watches, necklaces, etc.
Welding yourself to the coach is never a good thing.
Be sure to wrap your tools too.
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Nearing end of warranty on my chassis batteries ,so just for info my owners manual page describes this rating:
Sorry abt the AARP font!
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