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Old 09-17-2014, 05:45 PM   #1
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Wet Cell Mucho Thirsty!

So I had forgot to check the water level on my batteries in a few months...checked them...looked very much low....added quite a bit of distilled water to top them off...wow...had no idea they got that low....I hope this will not have ruined them...I have a trickle charge type of unit I use on my small bass boat gel cell and starting battery and I can read volts from that...I suppose if it reads as a certain voltage at this point, its fine?

I have read on this forum that the stock “single stage” converter that I have is very bad about “boiling” out the batteries...that certainly seems to be the case.

I will be going on a quick weekend boondocking trip in 2 weeks - should I do more to check the health of these batteries at this stage? if so what.

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Old 09-17-2014, 05:48 PM   #2
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If the plates were still covered with electrolyte, there's probably no damage.
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Old 09-17-2014, 06:07 PM   #3
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I am going to go unplug tonight - leave lights and bathroom small vent fan on and see what happens by morning


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Old 09-17-2014, 06:10 PM   #4
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make sure to check them individually
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Old 09-17-2014, 06:22 PM   #5
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I had the same issue in the first 6m of ownership of my 2014 and actually went through 2L of distilled water in that time. After much complaining to my dealer they replaced them with 2 brand new batteries that they just got in stock and the problem has not returned in the last 6m. I had never had this problem with my last 2 A/S's and had the old battery burner in them. I have taken the precaution to switch to the PD 4655 just in case though.


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Old 09-17-2014, 06:44 PM   #6
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PD 6566?


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Old 09-17-2014, 06:45 PM   #7
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Were replacements same brand wet cell interstate?


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Old 09-17-2014, 08:38 PM   #8
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My OE Interstates and original converter needed water monthly. Now with replacement Interstate group 29s (now almost 4 years old) and an Iota 3 stage, I top off with (not much) water in the spring when I put them in the trailer and again in fall when I take them out. In the winter they are on a Batteryminder, which doesn't boil them out either.
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Old 09-17-2014, 09:08 PM   #9
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if the plates were exposed (dry) at the top you most likely have damaged them.
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Old 09-17-2014, 09:53 PM   #10
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PD4655 = Progressive Dynamics 4655 converter. It's a swap-in replacement for the Parallax 7355, but it's a smart charger with 3 stages and it won't damage your batteries no matter how long you leave the trailer plugged into AC power with the switch in "USE" vs. "STORE". Oh, and when your batteries need a good charge, the PD4655 will also charge them faster.

There are several threads (including one of mine) that explain how to make the swap, should you be so inclined.
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Old 09-17-2014, 10:10 PM   #11
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Hey Geek, go have a listen here: The Vintage Airstream Podcast | Vintage Trailer Restoration Episode 216.

I bought a 3 stage Iota from Randy several years ago and connected it to a jell (gel, gell? it's late) cell battery. Good ever since.

And thanks for taking care of our Veterans.

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Old 09-17-2014, 10:44 PM   #12
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Thanks - I guess I will look I to this new piece of electronics being how dramatically quick the water burns off

I hope the batteries are not ruined - ugh

I am running fantastic fan on low tonight and check batteries in am

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Old 09-17-2014, 10:57 PM   #13
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Tagging in so I can find this thread again
Tks


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Old 09-17-2014, 11:52 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PharmGeek View Post
PD 6566?


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Progressive Dynamics 4655


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Old 09-17-2014, 11:54 PM   #15
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Quote:
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Were replacements same brand wet cell interstate?


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Same brand Group 24


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Old 09-18-2014, 05:56 PM   #16
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Wet Cell Mucho Thirsty!

Some perhaps good news

After running the fantastic fan on lowest setting for 12 hours today without shore power the micro pulse monitor still reads as full - in going to go check the voltage from the battery as well

I guess this does not rule out a failure(s) but so far so good - I hope


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Old 09-18-2014, 08:39 PM   #17
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Not to burst your bubble, but since installing the Trimetric , I have noticed that full on the Micropulse isn't very accurate.
If you do nothing else, install a good battery monitor. It's easy, and worth the peace of mind.


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Old 09-18-2014, 09:35 PM   #18
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OMG, the Micropulse isn't accurate? What is the world coming to? How could that possibly be true?

Pretty hilarious there, George.

I'm kidding, of course. I'm a kidder.
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:44 PM   #19
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lol, I am aware of its lack of accuracy....but I guess it is hopeful at least maybe that a) the batter is not so dead yet that my lights and fans are not working or b) the micropulse shows it “full”....

Ie, the batteries do not appear ruined....I hope....
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Old 09-18-2014, 09:51 PM   #20
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OMG, the Micropulse isn't accurate? What is the world coming to? How could that possibly be true?

Pretty hilarious there, George.

I'm kidding, of course. I'm a kidder.
The world loves a kidder....lol


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