checking battery water level

[Jcous]

The battery tray on my 06 Journey does not pull out far enough for me to visually check the water level in the last battery. Any suggestions on how to check it?

John

[RJay]

Try using a flashlight and a mirror. Checking the electrolyte level and adding electrolyte to the battery may be a completely different problem. If you have to add water(distilled) to your battery connect a 1/4 inch line, available from Home Depot or Lowes, to a small funnel and add a small amount at a time.

[damdannyboy]

I find a turkey baster works great, more control when adding water.and use a Popsicle stick as dip stick.

[Keith K]

If yours is like mine, it won't pull out all the way because of a short ground cable. I replaced the nut with a wingnut, and each time I check the water I remove the cable, which allows me to pull the tray all the way out. It does reset the bedroom radio presets and turns on the exterior radio, but it's worth it.

[RV'nOldTimer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith K If yours is like mine, it won't pull out all the way because of a short ground cable. I replaced the nut with a wingnut, and each time I check the water I remove the cable, which allows me to pull the tray all the way out. It does reset the bedroom radio presets and turns on the exterior radio, but it's worth it.

Same with my Journey. I detach the short cable and the tray comes out farther and battery checking in easy.

JT

[wagonmaster2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV'nOldTimer Same with my Journey. I detach the short cable and the tray comes out farther and battery checking in easy. JT

Great idea guys. I've been using a flashlight and mirror to reach that back battery for over 6 years now on my 2004 Meridian. I'll try your idea next time. Also, never thought about using a cycle stick to check the level.

Wagonmaster2

[RickO]

I picked up an expandable "dental mirror" and a turkey baster and found it to work best for me.

Rick

[OldChief7155]

The easiest way is to buy on of the autofill gadgets that CW sells. Costs about $40 for the setup to do 3 batteries. Then it takes about 5 minutes to service all the batteries. No muss; no fuss and you can do it in your best clothes.

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jcous The battery tray on my 06 Journey does not pull out far enough for me to visually check the water level in the last battery. Any suggestions on how to check it? John

I had the same problem checking the battery water until I installed one of these. No more hassel.


JANWP.com-- Battery Water Systems, Dock Accessories, Dock Ladders, Electrical Dock Pedestals, Solar: Recreational Vehicles- 6V/12V

[denochs]

I have the same problem on our coach and came up with the this solution:
Cut paper strips about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long. A dark colored paper works best. Fold them in half. As I add distilled water and need to check the level take one strip of paper and lower it into the cell. The fold will let you know when the water level is 1 inch from the top when you pull it out and it is wet. Also, folding the paper gives me peace of mind from the fear of dropping a piece of paper into the battery. No mirrors, no flash light, but I do use the baster method of putting the water in the battery.

Dave

[gripper]

denochs.....What a great idea! Beats purchasing 2 of those auto-refill systems, at $65.00 for two batteries! The last time I checked CW's price for one of those systems, it was about $56 for two 6 volt batteries. I have 4 batteries, so my total cost would be from $112 to $130, wherever I bought them. No more flashlights and over-filling, for me! You guys have battery trays? I have to lean into the storage bay, to do mine. Can't get my head in, far enough to see the water levels. Also, it's too dark in there!

[denochs]

The battery tray on our coach won't pull out far enough to look into the 4th battery even if I disconnect the short cable. Leaving the cable connected, I can't look into the cells of the two in front of it. And with 4 batteries, the cost would be over $100 for us too. Since I check the batteries every 4 months I see no need for those auto refillers. DW says I'm just cheap. I prefer putting the money we save in the fuel tank. I feel much better burning it up cruising down the highway rather that sitting it on top of my batteries.

Dave

[N6CUS]

I use popcicle sticks as well

[RanchoVectra]

Call me old fashioned, but after replacing too many batteries in the last four years I have learned to first disconnect the batteries from the coach with the switch, then remove all the cabling, pull the batteries out of the slide tray and fill them on the ground where I can see them. I also clean all the cable ends and battery posts with cleaner and a wire brush, then re-install and finally spray a sealant on the finished connections. I do this every four weeks, takes about 30 minutes, and over the last 18 months have had no problems whatsoever. We are full timers, so certainly we are putting more strain on the batteries than someone who uses their coach only intermittently, but it seems to me anything less is just asking for trouble, which you don't want on your weekend jaunts. Kinda like checking your tires before every trip - peace of mind.