Messy battery compartment

[Rgrafty]

This is a new thread to ask a question about an age old problem. My house battery compartment in my '05 42DS04 needs constant attention. The corrosion just won't seem to stop coming. I have carefully washed everything down and used baking soda to neutralize everything I can reach. Has anyone found a good solution to eliminate or at least cut down on this problem?

Thanks from "Coroded Bob"

[mercerc44]

Had the same problem in mine a few years ago. Read at length about putting a little mineral oil in house 6V wet cell batteries. I did and it worked. My chassis batteries are maintainance free, so not for them. Apparently an old railroad battery trick. By the way, I just changed my house batteries this summer on an 04 DSDP, guess the batteries were probably close to 6 years old.

[wa8yxm]

Corrosion is a serious issue, there is no cure, however vigilant maintenance is recommended (At least once a month check it)

There are paints specifically designed for battery compartments, these paints, I believe are epoxy based (But do not quote me on that since I'm guessing) are acid resistant, Remove the batteries and set aside (If you are using the rig set them on one of the "Jack Pads" or some such on the ground and use jumper cables to "Extend" to the rig. NOTE: Before you do this paint the POSITIVE wires red, and the negative wires black, please.. That way you know which wire goes where, Paint, Tape, Nail Polish, Heat Shrink tubing, Split wire loom, all work equally well here.

Now, clean and dry the compartment, Use soda to neurtlize the acid as you are doing, rinse very well. let dry.

Paint, 3 or more coats per instructions on container, Let dry

Let dry some more

Replace batteries

[gtflying]

I to have had that problem. In fact I can clean the compartment and head out on a trip and they become corroded almost overnight. I think because of the large amount of batteries we are generating alot of vapors which attacks the metal parts. How much mineral oil do you use? I am assuming this puts a film over the acid not allowing the the vapors to escape. This will not hurt the cores of the battery?

[slabman]

I replaced all 8 house batts back in June, cleaning and painting the entire compartment. With the new ones, I am making sure the fluid levels are higher, but most importantly, I have re-set my charging current to 30% of max, so I'm thinking this limits the amount of gassing in that compartment. Also, you need to be sure there is good ventilation around those batts. You'll notice the gaskets around the door are not continuous, allowing for air to circulate when traveling.

Not sure I'd want to go messing with them by adding OIL? to the electrolyte. So far, it appears the electrolyte levels stay up better and the corrosion hasn't re-appeared.

[Rgrafty]

Thanks to all for responding to my question on corrosion. MERCERC44 had an interesting solution using mineral oil. My question now is: How much is a "little" mineral oil added to each cell. Is there a source to read about this? Sounds like something I would try but need a little more info. Has anyone replaced the 12Volt house batteries with 6 volt golf cart batteries? What has your experience been with that?

Thanks,
Corroded Bob

42 DS04

[slabman]

Hey "CBOB", you don't have 12V house batteries, do you? No way should you have 12V batts. Golf cart batteries are just fine-the best bang for the buck is at Sams Club....maybe also Costco? Should set you back about $75 each. One of the better-regarded brands is Trojan T-105, but they're a little more proud of them at around $125 a piece.

[Theberrys]

I found a real good product to prevent the batteries from corroding. It made by CRC Chemicals.
AMAZON has it. Just do a search for "CRC 05023" this is the cleaner and "CRC 05046" this is the protector.
This stuff sprays on and both products change color, the cleaner when it needs more and the protector when it needs to be re applied.
I put it on this spring and it's lasted all season. We have 4 6 VDC house batteries in a 99 Tradewinds and it was a real problem before I used these products.
My wife found it at Checker Auto Parts and also at Autozone but neither of these web sites are showing it now. Might be worth a call.
Anyway you'll still need to clean up the compartment, but this stuff will keep it clean.

Dick

[RobRV]

RUSTLICK 71101 Corrosion Protection, 631, Size 12 Oz

I found this site that carries it. Just Scroll down the page!

[tom wilson]

thermoil is what you need to google.
have used oil in my batteries for many years.
no acid mist.

[slabman]

Heavy Duty Anti Rust Aerosol Black

Here's what I use for the batt compartment and for general painting of the frame under the coach. Works well to erase all that surface rust. It is black in color, so blends in well with the rest of the paint under there.

[Rgrafty]

Thanks to all for the information. Looks like a few good products and maybe a little oil in the cells and some elbow grease and then sit back with a lemonade. Sounds like this is a common problem. Again, thanks for the info on the 6Volt batteries. These "all-electric" coaches are a bit more demanding.

Corroded Bob (Maybe soon to be just Bob)