Batteries overcharging

[appman]

I have a 2006 independence. The batteries are over charging so much that it gives off a very strong sulpher odor. So bad that I have too turn of the circuit breaker that says battery charge line. I suspect a faulty charger. But I can't locate it. Any suggestions?

[RV Wizard]

You most likely have a bad cell in the battery bank. Today's charging systems a pretty good, but they do not know if the battery bank has a problem and will overcharge good cells if a bad cell is in the circuit preventing the total bank to come up to proper voltage. Check each cell with a hydrometer and you will probably find a cell or two weaker than the rest. Change out the batteries and then you can check the charging system. I think you will find that it is ok. If you have a large inverter to run the microwave, TVs and thing off receptacles, it is probably you batter charger as well and a good one at that. Good luck and keep us posted.

[wa8yxm]

Well.. First... Slap a digital volt meter on those batteries. Even a plug in job like this one will do. http://www.amazon.com/Vector-VEC008-.../dp/B0002ISEQW

Now note the voltage. if it's less than 13 your batteries are bad. period, If it's more than 15 your converter is bad,, IN between please post the voltage and let the experts here tell you what it means.

Now the converter's location.. There are basicaly two ways to find it, but many times it's on the back side of the breaker box (This is specially true if the breaker box and the fuse box are one assembly.. It will have two doors but a common "Chassis") however beyond that they put 'em most anywhere. You can track it down by listening for the fan that cools it if you have good ears.. Or by tracing wires. That last part is the hard way

[holmesaw]

I used to keep my unit plugged in all the time and fried my batteries.
After getting new batteries, I not just plug in a couple of days before traveling and have not had a problem since.

[wa8yxm]

Two causes of overcharging.

Shorted cell (See above posts)

Bad converter or solar charge controller.. NOTE, some older convertes were "Bad by design" and will overcharge even if working perfectly as designed.

[ghamblen]

We have a 2006 Ultra and the converter is located under the bed near the power distribution panel. Look for a black plastic rectangular panel at the foot of the bed. Under the bed the power distribution panel is protected by some thin paneling that can be removed easily. On ours the converter is located just to the right of the panel. It's made by progressive dynamics. While I had it exposed I added a Charge Wizard to the converter which turns it into a first rate three stage battery charger. Good luck.