Batteries don’t live forever. Eventually, even the best-maintained batteries will require replacement. When the time comes for you to replace your motorhome’s house batteries, follow these ten easy steps to make sure the job is done right.

1. Power down your RV. Unplug from shore power. Turn off the inverter and the generator. Disengage the Auto Gen-Start program. Turn the batteries off at the cut-off switch and pull the fuse to the solar panel system (usually located near the batteries). If the batteries are housed under a slide room, retract the slide. Gather your tools — half-inch box-end wrench, adjustable pliers, battery corrosion inhibitor, baking soda, a stiff wire brush or sandpaper, and a hose hooked to a faucet connection.

2. New batteries must be positioned in proper sequence. Before removing the old batteries, position new cases on the ground next to the compartment in the exact formation they are to be installed.

3. The red cable is positive, the black cable is negative and there may also be a temperature sensor wire attached. How these cables and wires are situated must be duplicated when the new batteries are installed. Take a digital photo, draw a diagram or make some notes of the connection locations before you start disconnecting.

4. Replace one battery at a time. Start at the back and work forward. If a sensor is attached to the inverter or solar panel, carefully detach the sensor and lay it off to one side. Using the half-inch wrench, remove the cables and take out the battery. There is still a minimal parasitic load in the RV. Avoid touching the positive and negative bolts with the wrench. Hold one cable end while removing the other to prevent contact.

5. Once the old battery is out, clean the floor area using a baking soda and water paste. Follow by thoroughly rinsing with the hose. In cases of excess corrosion, repaint the compartment using black spray paint.

6. Install the new battery. Before reattaching cables, clean corrosion from the connections using the wire brush or sandpaper. Remove plastic coverings from the positive posts one at a time and set the cables back in place. Use the open end of the wrench to semi-tighten the cables in place.

7. Perform a quick test to ensure the slide tray will close. If new batteries are liquid lead acid, confirm each cell can be accessed to refill with distilled water. It may be necessary to reposition the cables. When the battery is lined up, put one hand on the cable to hold it in place and use the box end of the wrench to tighten. If the cable moves over one of the cells, use a finger to hold the cable out of the way. At all times stay in control of the wrench. Avoid air tools or a socket and ratchet that can cause the soft metal to over-tighten. Over-torquing of the post may break the battery terminal or clamp.

8. After the new battery is installed, spray the posts with battery sealant to help reduce corrosion at the connections. Reattach the temperature sensor cable to the side of the new battery. Over time the sensor cable may corrode from battery acid and can be repaired using electrical tape. If adhesive has worn, you can attach the cable to the battery using a small amount of silicone or sticky tape.

9. Carefully inspect the new battery installation for cables that are chafing, or may be pinched between the connection and the bolt.

10. Replace the fuse in the solar panel system, disengage the battery cut-off switch and reset Auto-Gen Start. RV batteries are generally sold fully charged, but to be on the safe side, check the battery electrolyte status with a hydrometer. Once finished, read the inverter (or on the monitor panel) to confirm 12-13 Volts DC. (Note the date in your maintenance logbook for future reference.)

11. Plan on replacing the whole battery bank at one time. The theory of eliminating one weak link from the chain may work for solar system realignment, but when it comes to RVs, a worn battery will quickly consume new power supplies. The question of battery type is best left to individual preference. Before you buy, look at the mounts on your existing batteries to ensure you duplicate their placement.

When you are working around the batteries keep a few safety issues in mind. RV batteries can weigh in excess of 60 pounds. To help lift the battery case, employ a battery carry strap designed to hook around the terminals or case. Lift with your legs, not your back. Wear long sleeves, rubber gloves and eye protection to protect yourself from battery acids. Remove all metal jewelry prior to working on the batteries to prevent creating an arc.

With proper care and maintenance you can expect your coach’s new battery bank to provide service to your satisfaction. Keep the cables tight and free of corrosion. Fill Liquid Lead Acid cells with distilled water and maintain a healthy charge. Take care of your batteries and they in turn will provide years of dependable service.

Shelly Curtin is a Pacific Northwest-based writer. She has contributed numerous features for Beaver Journal, from product reviews to RV lifestyle topics.