Battery Problems

dreamin · 08-30-2007, 08:27 AM

2003 Airstream Classic

I have had to fill the batteries with water twice this summer and have heard a hissing noise in the vicinity of the inverter. Today my wife called and said there was a "chemical" smell in the trailer. She unplugged the shore power and opened the battery compartments to let them vent. She said the batteries look bloated. I am assuming that the inverter is not shutting off, but charging the batts continuously. Does this sound right?

Also, what does the battery cut off switch do exactly?

Can we camp without batteries?

Can you haul without batteries?

We are supposed to leave tomorrow morning for a 4 hour drive and then to camp at a place with AC.

Thanks for your help!

thecatsandi · 08-30-2007, 08:35 AM

A converter charges your batteries 110VAC to 12VDC well ok its 14. An Inverter make 110 from 12VDC.
THe converter is over charging the batteries or your have a short in one of them. Check the voltage with the the shore power and batteries connected. should be 13.8 to 14.2. If it is higher then the converter /charger is the problem. If it is ok you have a problem with one or both batteries.

I suggest you do not tow with out batteries. They are your breakaway energy source.

IF the converter is out of wack then it can damage your Refrigerator. CHeck the voltage.

The Flintstones · 08-30-2007, 08:39 AM

Sounds like your "Univolt" is cooking your battery, mine does the same thing. I have been charging my battery with another charger and leaving my switch off when plugged into shore power to prevent charging from unit untill I can purchase a new one.
I have an O2 sensor inside that was beeping because of the gasses from the battery so I would not use yours untill you can fix and also install a sensor. Be carefull!
James

gotohatteras · 08-30-2007, 09:15 AM

Get a "Charge Wizard"...costs about $50. Had one on our Lance truck camper, and it won't allow your batteries to be overcharged. Camping World has them. I'm putting one on our A/S ...asap! Can't believe they don't come with one.

davidz71 · 08-30-2007, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotohatteras

Get a "Charge Wizard"...costs about $50. Had one on our Lance truck camper, and it won't allow your batteries to be overcharged. Camping World has them. I'm putting one on our A/S ...asap! Can't believe they don't come with one.

If this is the Charge Wizard by Intellipower then he will need the 9100 series converter/charger as well. The newer Intellipower 9200 series converter/charger has the Charge Wizard built in.

ROBERT CROSS · 08-31-2007, 03:03 PM

Had a similar problem with our 2003 Classic. We have the parallax 7400 series converter/charger, turned out the batteries were sulfated,probably from being plugged into shore power at the dealer too long without checking water level. Although level was ok at delivery,they boiled dry after a week when we returned from our first camping trip. We still ck them once a week when plugged in, but haven't had a problem after replcement.