"New" batteries

[leedav]

Got my new coach a few weeks ago. When I got the longer jumpers in to allow me to check the battery specific gravity, I found each battery had a weak cell at one end. The one that was worse was replaced by our local interstate dealer, but he said the other one tested ok for CCA. After a couple partial discharge cycles, the battery that was not replaced is still about .100 lower in one cell at the end, and the fluid level had dropped slightly.

This makes me uncomfortable. Same exact thing happened when I got my Bambi. At the time I just went to Costco and replaced the one battery.

Really don't feel like doing that again. How do I know if I have a problem or not?

[Bill M.]

Either replace it now or live with it. I would probably use it until it dies. Especially since I do not check SG.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by leedav

Got my new coach a few weeks ago. When I got the longer jumpers in to allow me to check the battery specific gravity, I found each battery had a weak cell at one end. The one that was worse was replaced by our local interstate dealer, but he said the other one tested ok for CCA. After a couple partial discharge cycles, the battery that was not replaced is still about .100 lower in one cell at the end, and the fluid level had dropped slightly.

This makes me uncomfortable. Same exact thing happened when I got my Bambi. At the time I just went to Costco and replaced the one battery.

Really don't feel like doing that again. How do I know if I have a problem or not?

A story as old as time. RV batteries damaged by misuse or neglect after leaving the factory. Airstream or the battery manufacturer should warrant them for you. Good luck.

[mpsgolf]

Mine too. Group 24s drained too much at dealer limiting life. I upgraded to group 27s after the first season. Plus added a battery monitor.

[leedav]

Originally Posted by mpsgolf

Mine too. Group 24s drained too much at dealer limiting life. I upgraded to group 27s after the first season. Plus added a battery monitor.

I guess I’ll wait til the one battery dies and then switch to T105’s. Monitor went in the first week. I don’t know how to tell if it degrades further except to check SG. Don’t want to wait to be stranded with a dead fridge and maybe no heat.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

The warranty on the battery does not apply to SG measurements. The manufacturer only covers the electrical properties of the battery. Either it holds as much energy as they spec it or it does not. As long as it hits whatever spec they claim for it, it's a "good" battery. That's true if it came out of the factory yesterday or if it's been sitting around for a couple years.

This is in no way unique to one manufacturer. They all do it the same way.

Bob