One more thing to look at. Some battery case covers have vent holes molded in the covers that allow a little rain water to seep into the battery box. My older covers did this but my newer covers do not. The issue is that there are no drain holes on the bottom of the battery cases. Once you identify the problem you can drill a few drain holes in the bottom of the case, don't tell the EPA is said this. Condensation could also be an issue depending on your location.
What is the water level in the batteries, if they are all full, I would venture to say that it is rain water. If one of more cells are below the tops of the plates then you may have a cracked case, or cells that have gone bad.
Either way, it is not a SAFE situation.
- Get some rubber gloves,
-
BE VERY CAREFUL, battery acid is very dangerous
- Put on some old clothes that you can discard if necessary as battery acid will eat through the material once they are washed
- Mark the battery cables (-) & (+) so you do not forget, or
take a picture
- Disconnect the battery,
- Lay down some paper towels (in an area where no one (kids) can get to them
- Wipe down the battery case
- Put them on clean dry paper towels
- Let them sit 24 hours and see if it wets the paper towels
- As for the battery case, drain the water out of it
- Use some baking soda and wash the battery case
- Drill a few 1/4' holes at each end of the case
Check the battery, if it is not leaking put it back in the battery box and reconnect the cables, they should be marked so you do not hook them up in reverse and cause additional problems. The holes you drilled should eliminate the standing water.
If the battery was leaking, take it back to the dealer and have them exchange it for a new one.
Don
My Registry
RVing with SOLAR