Checking your battery... How?

[SkyBound]

I have a 2014 Jay Flight Swift with the stock single battery behind the LP tanks. I leave the camper plugged into shore power in my driveway whenever it is not in use. I have read that checking the level of water in the battery should be a monthly maintenance routine. How does one go about checking this? Is there a window on the battery? Do I need to pull it out of the battery box to do so? Help appreciated.

[Bob Landry]

Open the battery box, pop the cell covers and look inside. Water should be over the cells and up to the bottom of the fill hole.

[jdorant]

if you just take the cover off the battery box you will see 2 covers on the battery itself. Use a regular screwdriver and gently pry off the covers and you will see your water levels.

[Rolling Thunder]

If you need to top it up use distilled water, tap water can create a whole bunch of issues.

[clutch]

You should check the battery water twice a year at least.

[Mustang65]

Check your water level once a month (set up an automatic reminder) , use ONLY distilled water, and the battery mfr's suggest only fill 1/4 of an inch below the bottom of the slot. This prevents the battery from spraying out through the vent caps in the "EQUALIZATION (Boost Charge)" stage when the electrolyte gasses. I am not sure if your TT has the Equalization stage, check your documentation on your TT's charge controller. Below is what USBattery suggests...

Don

[RoyBraddy]

These are my three standard issue 85AH Interstate batteries delivered by most RV dealers. You can notice the two caps on the top of the battery case. Just gently pull this cap up to see three holes in the top of the battery. If you can't lift up this plastic cap you may use a small flat blade screwdriver to pry with. Be cautious of the battery fluids as it will be very corrosive.

Just make sure the fluids are covering the tops of the internal cores. If one cell is low you can top it with DISTILLED water from local hardware store or auto parts store. WALMART carries distilled water in a gallon jug.

Again the battery fluid should just cover the tops the of the internal battery cell core. DO NOT OVERFILL





Hope this helps...

Roy Ken

[SkyBound]

Thanks everyone - I popped off those covers (my battery is the same as those green ones above) and the water level is good. I had no idea those top pieces came off until I asked about this.

[eldermike]

And don't forget: Battery fluid eats cotton clothing and takes the color out of almost anything it gets on.

[Plowtoy]

Originally Posted by eldermike

And don't forget: Battery fluid eats cotton clothing and takes the color out of almost anything it gets on.

I think wearing safety glasses is also a good idea. Those caps at times can be hard to pop off and you could get battery acid in your eyes. Not to mention, if you happen to cause a spark (short) by accident, the battery could explode