You battery needs to be 'vented' to the outside world...don't seal up it's compartment unless you then provide a separate vent hose of some kind with the capacity to vent the hydrogen gas!
Hydrogen gas is emitted from the top of the battery through the caps or an end vent (flooded cell types) when it's being charged AND when it's being discharged...this H2 gas is then released through the vents in the battery box so it won't accumulate and be a hazard should there be any kind of 'ignition' source nearby to light it off with a really BIG bang!
Our AS has two battery compartments on the forward end of the trailer, and they too become a bit dusty over time...I have opened ours and flushed out the entire compartment with a fresh water stream from the hose...or removed the batteries as you have mentioned to do a better job AND inspect the electrolyte level in the battery, the connections, etc...probably the best way to do it - for longer battery life, safety, etc!
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Ray & Pat; Morada, CA
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