Tim: Shouldn't we tell everyone about the deep cycle batteries?
Al: Well Tim, you don't need to lube the battery.
Tim: I know Al, but The RV Deep Cycle Battery is an item that is easy to service and often forgotten.
Al: What do you need to do to a battery? I never check my car battery.
Tim: Almost all automobile batteries are maintenance free. These batteries are quite different from deep cycle batteries. Automobile batteries are designed to use a large amount of power for a very short period.
Al: Like when you start the car?
Tim: That's right Al. An RV battery is designed to use a smaller amount of power for a longer time and then get charged back up. Maintenance free deep cycle batteries are very expensive and therefore most RV batteries are not maintenance free.
Al: Well OK, but what should we do?
Tim: Well the most important thing is to keep the battery charged and top up the water level regularly.
Al: Top up the water level?
Tim: Yes, top up the water level. The continuous charge and discharge of batteries cause the acid level in the batteries to go down; this can be replenished with distilled water.
Al: Acid? That sounds dangerous?
Tim: Well, it can be if you're not careful, you should always use eye protection and be careful not to spill or splash any of the liquid from inside the batteries. It is acid and can seriously harm you or damage whatever it comes into contact with.
Al: It's a good thing you can top up batteries with water.
Tim: That's right Al, and a little care makes it a safe maintenance item that will help to make sure your battery is in top condition when you need it.
Al: I think we should also mention battery storage.
Tim: Good point Al. It is always best to fully charge batteries and then disconnect them for storage. A fully charged battery in good shape will hold its charge for a long time and will not freeze. If your battery is in a location that makes it difficult to disconnect Arbutus RV can supply you with a disconnect switch that will make it simple.
Al: I think we are running out of time Tim but I think we need to include one more very important maintenance item that all RV owners should be aware of.
Tim: What's that Al?
Al: Sealant inspections .
Tim: Oh good point Al, I can't believe you almost missed that. Why don't you tell everyone what to look for?
Al: Well Tim, regular sealant inspections are like an early detection system for leaks. The caulking around all exterior fixtures should be firmly attached and free of major cracks. Caulking that has been pushed away from fixtures by expanding putty should be trimmed and re-applied. It is usually a good idea to completely redo the fixtures that need a lot of touch ups. Small sealant jobs are easy but large ones can be very strenuous and time consuming, larger jobs are best left to the Pro's at Arbutus RV. Inspections can be done by almost anyone but it is a good idea to have your unit professionally checked at least once a year, in fact some manufacturers insist on it in order to maintain the unit warranty.
Tim: Well Al I'm afraid that's all the time we have for this issue.
Al: Oh you're right Tim but there are so many more maintenance items to talk about.
Tim: You're right again Al, but everyone knows they can contact the Pro's in the Service Departments at Arbutus RV and Marine Sales for advice on all their service needs.
Drop in, call or email us if you have any questions –
The coffee is always on. Have fun RVing!
CALL ANY OF THE FINE SERVICE REPS AT ARBUTUS RV
Marianne in Sidney at 655-1119 or toll-free 1-888-272-8888
Rolf in Mill Bay at 743-3800 or toll-free 1-800-665-5581
Dwayne or Rick in Nanaimo at 245-0282 or toll-free 1-877-245-0282
Paul or Doug in Courtenay at 337-2174 or toll-free 1-866-330-2174
