|
|
09-06-2013, 09:27 AM
|
#1
|
3 Rivet Member
2009 30' Classic
Surprise
, Arizona
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 104
|
Battery smokin' hot
Need some expert advice, please. Woke up today to the odor of rotting eggs/sulfur. Went outside and saw a little smoke coming from one of my battery covers. Battery very hot! Disconnected it and put it in a safe place. Is a maintenance type, original to my 2009 Classic. Removed caps, dry, plates appear clean. I must admit I have never checked the fluid level, won't do that again. We. Full time, have always been plugged into 110, and have been connected for 4 weeks at daughters house in WA. Planned to head back to AZ tomorrow. Thinking about travelling w/o one battery and have my dealer check unit out when we get back. Okay idea? Also, should we leave the converter on for extended periods when hooked up to 110? We have no manuals and I appreciate all the help we have received from forum members.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:46 AM
|
#2
|
4 Rivet Member
1955 22' Flying Cloud
mapleton
, Utah
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 464
|
As far as towing home with 1 battery, no problem. Just make sure the battery is good so the break away switch etc. are powered. Everything else towing related is powered by the TV through the umbilical. As for why it happened I suggest you check what converter you have in place. If it is a single stage converter replace it with a 3 or 4 stage converter. These are designed to be plugged in and left on as much as you need without having to disconnect the batteries. Still a good idea to check the water level occasionally though
Be sure to cover/insulate the loose battery cables so they cannot move around and cause a short while travelling, that would be bad.
have a safe trip
tim
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:53 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,223
|
Make sure the remaining battery fluid level is at the correct level and then check the voltage under no load (isolate the battery using the switch typically under the front sofa) by using a voltmeter. If the voltage is under 12.2, then you might be prudent to acquire at least one new battery to ensure enough battery capacity to energize the brakes properly with the break away switch in case of an emergency.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:53 AM
|
#4
|
Free Range Human
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Haines
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 736
|
Although you will be OK with a single battery, I would replace both before you return home. Six years is about the end of life for most batteries that I have had. As rumrunner mentioned, traveling with one battery disconnected could lead to some interesting times. Ever see what 12vdc can do to aluminum when there's a high amperage direct short??? My recommendation is two new batteries, now.
I agree that finding out what kind of converter you have is important, although I suspect that by not checking fluid levels, that was the ultimate cause of the issue.
BTW, have you considered a solar panel to keep things topped off? With a solar panel, you typically do not need to use the converter when connected to shore power.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:57 AM
|
#5
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
I suspect that was not smoke you saw but sulphuric acid gas.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:57 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
|
You can disconnect the positive terminal on the bad battery and run on the good one until you get home. However, you should conserve battery usage while on the road, as your refrigerator and electric brakes need 12-volts to operate. If your remaining battery goes dead, your refrigerator will not operate until you connect to shore power, are connected to your TV (with engine running), or you recharge your remaining battery. Also, your electric brakes won't operate when the breakaway switch is activated, should your Airstream accidentally separate from your TV.
If you haven't already checked and filled your good battery, you should do this immediately. Suggest checking battery level weekly, if you are connected 24/7.
Note: Do NOT overfill, and add only water -- Do NOT add acid.
Some may suggest replacing the converter with a new one that will not boil batteries dry. Alternately, you can install a marine battery isolator switch, which costs much less. See PM that I sent to you, today.
Good luck, and WELCOME to AirForums!
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 09:59 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2000 31' Land Yacht
Central
, Florida
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,489
|
All of the above, including the checking of water on maintenance free batteries, I found the same problem. One of my sealed maintenance free had labels over the covers and they had to be pried out to discover dry cells, caught one of 3 in time to be able to replace water and slowly get it back up to normal, but it is now only at home as backup spare for hurricane season.
If you have an volt meter better to check what the converter is doing for the holding level, mine is too high so I isolate the batteries when stored and use a trickle charger. When I see a good deal on a new converter/charger that gives readouts it will be time to change.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:14 AM
|
#8
|
Retired.
Currently Looking...
.
, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
|
Do not disconnect the positive battery terminal. If and when it touches anything metal, it will cause a dead short, doing all manner of damage. Disconnect the negative terminal, if and when it touches ground, it will do nothing.
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:16 AM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phoenix
Alternately, you can install a marine battery isolator switch, which costs much less. See PM that I sent to you, today.
|
Is this just a manual switch or will it automatically cut the charge when a battery reaches full voltage?
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:18 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
1984 34' International
Toronto
, Ontario
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,499
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by overlander63
Do not disconnect the positive battery terminal. If and when it touches anything metal, it will cause a dead short, doing all manner of damage. Disconnect the negative terminal, if and when it touches ground, it will do nothing.
|
This is really important - says the guy who has sent sparks flying in the past.
Remove negative first, install last.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:19 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
AGM batteries
Jackcat,
You might want to consider AGM batteries as a upgrade. They are pricey, but are literally maintainance free.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:19 AM
|
#12
|
Free Range Human
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Haines
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 736
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phoenix
stuff clipped...
Alternately, you can install a marine battery isolator switch, which costs much less. See PM that I sent to you, today.
Good luck, and WELCOME to AirForums!
|
Phoenix, I would be interested in that information as well. Could you post to the group?
Disregard the request to post... I found what I was looking for with a google search. What am I missing here? This is basically just a diode that keeps one battery from discharging into an already discharged parallel battery.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:20 AM
|
#13
|
Rivet Master
2005 19' Safari
GLENDALE
, AZ
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,453
|
Overlander63 is correct. (Thanks for adding this statement.)
I forgot that the OEM battery installation has the two batteries connected in parallel, so the loose positive cable is still connected to the good battery and will short to ground if it touches anything.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:38 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
1974 Argosy 20
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Kooskia
, Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,591
|
Your "good" battery is probably in the same shape as the one you smoked. Why not just replace both of them now. There is no good reason not to. Your other one is old and questionable, and if you have "never checked the fluid level" (original post) it is also shot. Batteries have the same cost everywhere. Do it right.
When you get home you can have the dealer change your converter/charger to a 3 stage one, and the problem will not happen again. BTW, check the battery level a few times a year. You should never see the plates, unless they are under liquid.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 10:45 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Drathaar
Disregard the request to post... I found what I was looking for with a google search. What am I missing here? This is basically just a diode that keeps one battery from discharging into an already discharged parallel battery.
|
I ain't no electrician, just like to play with electricity, but am I right the diagram above is a system for a starting battery isolated from a deep cycle? Therefore, not applicable to a trailer?
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 11:14 AM
|
#16
|
Free Range Human
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Currently Looking...
Haines
, Oregon
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 736
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lumatic
I ain't no electrician, just like to play with electricity, but am I right the diagram above is a system for a starting battery isolated from a deep cycle? Therefore, not applicable to a trailer?
|
Once upon a time, I used to be an old aircraft electrician, but that was years ago. Hence my request for information about what am I missing...
You're exactly right, an isolator allows both batteries to charge, and keeps one from discharging another. What I don't know is if there is some other way of connecting an isolator that has a meaningful way of doing something other than just keeping the batteries charged from a single source, and isolated from one another. If there is, I don't see it (yet), but that doesn't mean there isn't some additional functionality in a product that we're missing.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 03:27 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phoenix
|
I am trying but can't really think of an advantage to charging and using dual batteries one at a time opposed to 2 at a time. 1+1 still equals 2, and 100 amp hours and 100 amp hours still = 200. What am I missing?
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 03:46 PM
|
#19
|
Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
|
I just replaced my batteries with more lead acid type - Walmart Everstart Maxx 24DC. Two years replacement @ $99 each. I also, today, received my new converter to replace my stock battery eater. When batteries dry out like that all at once, it is a sign that they are going out. I know as it just happened to me as well - the dry out and the smell. You also need to replace both if parallel. The Walmart batteries of this type are built by Johnson Control- a good battery.
|
|
|
09-06-2013, 03:55 PM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
1988 32' Excella
Robbinsville
, New Jersey
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 3,165
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lumatic
I am trying but can't really think of an advantage to charging and using dual batteries one at a time opposed to 2 at a time. 1+1 still equals 2, and 100 amp hours and 100 amp hours still = 200. What am I missing?
|
Well someone in the campground I am at now had 1 battery go bad (reading 8 volts) and the other battery (still read 12.3 volts) got extremely hot and boiled out.
Also when boondocking if someone leaves the lights or something on and runs 1 battery down you would still have the other one.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|