How to Install an RV Battery

Installing a battery in a recreational vehicle involves checking for corrosion and carefully observing polarity.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car Batteries
• Rags
• Rags
• Distilled Waters
• Baking Soda
• Petroleum Jelly
• Baking Soda
• Petroleum Jelly
• Battery Terminal Brush
• Battery Terminal Cleaner

1. Make sure the battery is filled with the proper amount of electrolyte (battery acid).

2. Scrub the terminal posts with a metal brush until they are completely free of corrosion, and the metal shines.

3. Turn off all power, including lights and accessories.

4. Disconnect the battery, removing the negative cable first.

5. Remove the old battery.

6. Remove any and all corrosion on the carrier or hold-down hardware.

7. Check all terminals and cables for corrosion. Clean with solution of baking soda and water if necessary.

8. Install terminals.

9. Check that the terminals are tightly fitted to the cables and that there are no cracks or stripped insulation.

10. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the terminal posts. Do not apply too much.

11. Observe polarity carefully. Put the negative cable on the negative terminal and the positive cable on the positive terminal.

12. Attach hold-down hardware.

13. Check polarity before starting your engine.

Tips & Warnings

• If the negative cable sparks when you remove it, something is still using power in the RV.
• Reverse polarity can damage the battery's electrical system, the alternator and the voltage regulator.
• Electrolyte (battery acid) is corrosive to metal, skin, cloth, and so on. If spilled on skin or squirted into eyes, flush with baking soda and water to neutralize the acid, and get immediate medical attention.
• Batteries can give off explosive gases.

on 11/22/2005 Always install the positive cable first.