Battery changing

[Villager4557]

I need to change the batteries on my 2018 3821RL and would like to avoid the issues that I have seen on this site with the inverters/converters and the fuses. Is there a checklist or instruction sheet to avoid the problems that I have seen others on this site have.

[mhs4771]

Just make sure you reconnect properly and make sure while doing it, you make sure the Hot 12 cables don't touch the chassis or anything metal.

[Shane Wood]

Take a picture of the wiring connections that way you will be able to hook them up the way they were

[JSTorsrud]

I not only take a picture, but I mark the Wire Groups in Color:

I use colored electrical tape to mark the connections to the PLUS (Red) Terminal. And another color tape for those connections that go to the NEGATIVE. Keeps things simple.

[RobMt]

In addition to the above recommendations, to label and photograph connections and protect Hot side from grounding, is it not also recommended to connect the Negative terminal to the battery bank last?

[Rcary59]

Yes just like when jumping a car always connect the ground first to any battery. That holds true for RVs Cars truck boats, motorcycles etc.

Another good tip is turn off the batteries assuming your rig has a battery switch in the battery compartment. this can be used when storing the rig but always make batteries are fully charged before truing them off for storage.

Good luck

[travelin' texans]

Originally Posted by Rcary59

Yes just like when jumping a car always connect the ground first to any battery. That holds true for RVs Cars truck boats, motorcycles etc.

Another good tip is turn off the batteries assuming your rig has a battery switch in the battery compartment. this can be used when storing the rig but always make batteries are fully charged before truing them off for storage.

Good luck

Also FYI, The factory disconnect WILL NOT disconnect ALL parasitic drains on the batteries, they'll be dead in as little as a couple days in storage. The best option is to disconnect the main negative cable or add a true disconnect to that cable.

[Rcary59]

Good point Travelin Texan, it depends how its wired thru the switch or not as the case maybe.

[markw]

If it hasn't been said, unplug the trailer. The battery disconnect is not enough. I found that out. Also I'm on my second set of Interstate maintenance free batteries. The first set lasted 5 years. They never need water.
Mark