Battery

Albertaguy · 01-23-2012, 01:04 PM

I am sitting in a campground area in Yuma and am hooked up to shore power.

This morning I noticed a strong foul smell and at first I thought it was sewage and then propane, but the smell was getting worse and then I remembered the smell of an overheated battery and sure enough my battery was very hot to the touch and smelling badly. I promptly unhooked it and the last I checked the battery was starting to cool. Is there a battery expert who might give me some free advise to what I may be looking at? I have not checked out the inline fuse so see if it is dead.

RedHorse1 · 01-23-2012, 02:55 PM

Sorry, I'm not a battery expert. But I'm sure one will check in shortly. I'm curious and will follow this to see what the issue is.
In the mean time, I'd suspect the converter is trying to overcharge your batt. I don't think low water would cause this, but you might check anyway. If it's low could still be the converter has cooked the water out of it. I'm not sure how to diagnose a charging issue.
I think leaving the batt disconnected is the best choice. And I'd keep a close eye on the converter as well. Have you checked its temp too?
Another thought. Any other new elec probs (TV, micro, fridge, A/C, radio)? Check with some of the other campers to see if they've had any odd elec probs (thinking over/under voltage). Do you have a surge protector (if "yes", what kind)?

Quahog · 01-23-2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguy

I am sitting in a campground area in Yuma and am hooked up to shore power.

This morning I noticed a strong foul smell and at first I thought it was sewage and then propane, but the smell was getting worse and then I remembered the smell of an overheated battery and sure enough my battery was very hot to the touch and smelling badly. I promptly unhooked it and the last I checked the battery was starting to cool. Is there a battery expert who might give me some free advise to what I may be looking at? I have not checked out the inline fuse so see if it is dead.

I'm no expert but if it's not a sealed battery, make sure there is (distilled) water in it.

Flytyer · 01-23-2012, 08:50 PM

A friend of mine had a battery short out cells internaly and the battery exploded. ( A strong argument for having your battery mounted outside..three stooges style -> things only blow up

). His was in a jeep wrangler a burnt up the hood. First thing is to check for shorts in the wring prior to applying power.

jim44646 · 01-23-2012, 10:05 PM

Use a voltage meter to check the voltage output of your converter. Check between the disconnected wires at battery. Converter charge output to battery should be 13.5 volts.

3'senough · 01-24-2012, 07:37 AM

Some converters can output as high as 14.4V upon intital start up with the new three stage charging. Anything above that and your probaly going to need to replace the converter/charger. Some of the older models have three stage "smart charging" upgrades available instead of having to replace the entire unit.
In case you don't already know the converter is mounted behind and within your fuse/breaker panel.

Quahog · 01-24-2012, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Some converters can output as high as 14.4V upon intital start up with the new three stage charging. Anything above that and your probaly going to need to replace the converter/charger. Some of the older models have three stage "smart charging" upgrades available instead of having to replace the entire unit.
In case you don't already know the converter is mounted behind and within your fuse/breaker panel.

Our 2010 22FB has a Progressive Dynamics Converter which has "Charge Wizard" built-in that does just what you described.

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 08:45 AM

I stopped in at a RV repair place here in Yuma and the guy asked me if I had checked my water level. I had not as I had disconnected the battery and it was still too hot to check it out, I guess I was lucky I caught it in time.

I then checked my battery and found that 3 of the cells were dry or nearly empty, my other 3 cells were, one dry and the other two low.

I checked out the cost of batteries and found the cheapest for a deep cycle battery was at Walmart and they will check out the battery and re-cycle if I have to buy a new one, plus a warranty that is good in Canada when I go home, all for 68 bucks.

This will be the 3rd battery I have gone through since I bought this rig new in 07 and I don't get out that often except for the 2 years that I have spent here in Yuma and my battery is taken out and placed on battery tender with periodic checks for water levels and filling with distilled water when needed.
I almost walked away from the deal when the dealer wanted to charge me for a battery and I now find that the last battery which was replaced after one year was a reconditioned battery which I never noticed until yesterday and I think the first battery was also a reconditioned one as they were both the same colour with no markings on who manufactured it. I know it is too late for any compensation but I will be letting them know when I get home.

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3'senough

Some converters can output as high as 14.4V upon intital start up with the new three stage charging. Anything above that and your probaly going to need to replace the converter/charger. Some of the older models have three stage "smart charging" upgrades available instead of having to replace the entire unit.
In case you don't already know the converter is mounted behind and within your fuse/breaker panel.

Thanks for your info as to where the converter is. I hope I don't have to find out how much a new converter is although I do have an extended warranty that I have never used.

RedHorse1 · 01-24-2012, 09:09 AM

If you've been checking the water levels it seems odd that they'd be dry so quick. Have you checked the charging output? I'm suspicious that your converter was trying to overcharge the batt and caused the cells to dry up. It's probably more complicated than just checking the voltage of the charger, I think the voltage will go down as the battery charges. Experts?
Keep posting! Good luck!

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

If you've been checking the water levels it seems odd that they'd be dry so quick. Have you checked the charging output? I'm suspicious that your converter was trying to overcharge the batt and caused the cells to dry up. It's probably more complicated than just checking the voltage of the charger, I think the voltage will go down as the battery charges. Experts?
Keep posting! Good luck!

I should clarify, while my battery was sitting on my workbench hooked to a battery tender I did check my water level and topped it up when needed, but since I arrived here in Yuma I never gave it a thought and did not bring my distilled water with me. I just hope it is a bad battery and nothing more serious, but if it is the converter then I am sitting in a good area due to all the RV mobile repair places.

3'senough · 01-24-2012, 10:28 AM

You should not be going through batteries that fast IMHO, especially if you are maintaining them as you mentioned. They are being over charged and boiled. Your unit should be lowering the input into the batteries as they come up and then cutting out or trickle charging. A good measure would be AMPs into the batteries as well as volts. I would question the converter. If prior to 2009/10 I am pretty sure Jayco was still using the 2 stage chargers and only recently went with the newer more efficient 3 stages. Since your in warranty let the experts fix it.

My friends 08 fried his new twin 6V batteries in 1 year as a result of the converter going on the fritz. He now has a smart 3 stage charger in it's place. They run about $150.00 or so with a DIY install. Use the warranty in which they may even come to you where you are. You might even be able to push for a new battery as a result of the converter damaging it.

Second reccomendation is to get a true deep cycle that is not rated with CCA. Larger plates and more storage capacity which also may help with the charging input if it turns out the converter is not bad.

If in an area that sells GC 6V batteries look around for a possible upgrade to 2 of them. Sometimes Club stores in those markets carry them for under $80.00 a piece. Only problem is that you will loose a core charge on one since you only have one battery to trade in.

Good luck.

SecretCoveDave · 01-24-2012, 10:53 AM

Thanks for all the info everyone. Very informative.
Dave

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 12:39 PM

I replaced the battery this morning and am having someone come over this PM with a meter to check out the converter. I hope this is all I need, but time will tell.

Thanks everyone.

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 03:21 PM

I am one happy camper (no pun intended). My converter is working the way it is suppose to. It was my battery, the only concern I have is that Walmart will not put a warranty that is recognized in Canada. I will have to do some sniveling if I have a problem when I get home or do a road trip to Montana.

RedHorse1 · 01-24-2012, 03:58 PM

Being a happy camper is a good thing.
Glad to hear the converter is good. Montana is beautiful. ROADTRIP!

SecretCoveDave · 01-24-2012, 04:04 PM

X2 On that BIG SKY!
Dave

Albertaguy · 01-24-2012, 06:21 PM

Yep, and no sales tax either.

**Crabman** · 01-24-2012, 06:24 PM

A new battery can be the cure for hundreds of different automotive (and RV, boat) ailments!. So can clean, tight battery terminals! Glad to hear your issue was just a battery and nothing more serious.

clutch · 01-24-2012, 06:46 PM

Because our trailer is always plugged in I check the water in the batteries every couple months. A gallon of distilled water is always in a compartment.

You may also like: