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Loripep · 03-13-2013, 06:47 PM

Hello everyone;

Still don't have a name for her but I added some pics of our 1972 31 ft Sovereign in;

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f185...ood-97426.html

Everything looked pretty good but I also took pics of the stuff that didn't look so good including the battery, see below.

Plans include replacement of the battery with two AGMs or deep cycles, enclosed in a battery case vented to the outside of the trailer. We're also concerned with the flooring in that area which seems to be damaged by wet/battery acids? but don't have plans to replace unless it's recommended. There are two solar panels already installed in the trailer which charge the battery.

Think Christopher (my hubby) will do the work in a few weeks when it starts warming up a bit.

Lori

Tom Nugler · 03-13-2013, 07:03 PM

Well... That's toast.
Since you won't be able to use the original battery box where will you place the batteries?
Guessing the current one is under the bed.
Whatever you do make sure you're using the proper gauge wire to connect the converter, fuse panels and accessories.

Good luck,
Tom

Wazbro · 03-13-2013, 07:26 PM

You should at least put baking soda or something on the floor to neutralize the acid.

Some say using Rot Doctor or something similar to seal the floor after that would be a good idea, if the floor isn't too soft.

idroba · 03-13-2013, 08:12 PM

Fortunately battery acid does not cause floor rot, at least from what I have seen, but it sure will look ugly. The vented battery box you mention is a good idea.

samb · 03-13-2013, 09:34 PM

Battery acid will not cause wood to rot, but will turn wood to the consistency of oatmeal. Do not let the two get together.
From the experience of a wooden boat builder for over 40 years.
Sam

Mexray · 03-13-2013, 10:04 PM

Wrong, idorba... 'Battery Acid', AKA dilute sulfuric acid DOES indeed cause destruction to wood fibers, paper, cotton fibers (you should see my collection of 'battery acid' modified jeans), etc...!

After time, that dark spot near the battery in the photo above will just erode away, similar to water damage wood rot, but probably quicker depending on the moisture in the environment...

A neutralizing solution of baking soda & water (or battery cleaner spray) may help slow down the wood destruction - maybe an 1/8" sheet of aluminum over of the effected area would help as well...

Why anyone would place a battery in that manner without at least a plastic case to collect any spilled fluids, is beyond me...! Think about a cheap $10 item that can reduce or prevent expensive floor damage in the future...

Also, those messy terminal connections in the photo should, of course, be avoided at all cost... One of those cable terminal connectors appear to be the kind that clamps the bare cable wires with a small plated steel strap and two 1/4" steel bolts through the lead terminal...

In our battery shop, we call these 'Emergency' terminals - used only to get you home if your have terminal failure on the road... Repair or replace the cable when you get back home and put that 'Emergency' terminal back in the tool box - those terminals ALWAYS begin to corrode within months of installation due to their dissimilar metals construction - Lead, Steel, Zinc plating, etc...

Happy trails...