Community Forums

Garranch · 06-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Ok so I didn't realize I needed to check my house batteries so often when plugged into a land line. So with that said I dried up my house batteries

If I add electrolite do they have a prayer of living again?

If we have to get new ones, (we're on a budget, who isn't) what should I buy ?

And last, my chassis batteries are dead. Doesn't the inverter charge the chassis batteries also? They have full water in them, but I haven't tested them yet.

So are lookin at 6 new batteries? ouch!!

2001 38' Diplomat

Garranch · 06-21-2008, 06:42 PM

Ok so I didn't realize I needed to check my house batteries so often when plugged into a land line. So with that said I dried up my house batteries

If I add electrolite do they have a prayer of living again?

If we have to get new ones, (we're on a budget, who isn't) what should I buy ?

And last, my chassis batteries are dead. Doesn't the inverter charge the chassis batteries also? They have full water in them, but I haven't tested them yet.

So are lookin at 6 new batteries? ouch!!

2001 38' Diplomat

MonacoMama · 06-21-2008, 07:24 PM

Garranch...
I have put a shortcut to MH - Problems, Solutions & After Market because I know that other brands may also have batteries

...and you will get more exposure with it in both places.

MM

PS.. can I give you some "Monaco Karma" please!?

LVJ58 · 06-21-2008, 07:33 PM

You can try adding distilled water to your coach batteries, charge them and see if they hold a charge. Most likely, my guess is they will need replacing. What brand are they?

Are they 6v wired in series, or 12 volt wired in parallel? If 6v two good brands are Trojan T105's or Interstate U2200's.

You're looking at around 85 to 100 per battery on the 6v ones.

Sams Club carries 6v golf cart deep cycle batteries I've heard are also pretty good and sell for around $60 or so each.

The converter on our gas coach charges both coach and chassis batteries, however on some diesels the converter only charges the coach and not the chassis battery.

One way to check is when on shore power, use a volt meter and check the chassis batteries if being charged by the converter they should read 13+ volts. If they don't then they're not being charged by the converter.

Good luck,

Dutch Star Don · 06-21-2008, 07:52 PM

Garranch.....Most Monacos don't charge the chassis batteries when on shore power. You'll need one of these Link to solve your problem.

If you JUST dried out those batteries you may be able to resuscitate them.

Garranch · 06-22-2008, 03:36 AM

Sorry, I should have mentioned they are 6 volt interstates. If I have 4-6 volts what is the output voltage? 12volt?

Hillbilly2 · 06-22-2008, 05:07 AM

They are wired in series to get the 12 volts, Go from the negative terminal on the first battery to the positive terminal on the second battery with your meter. Never add acid to an old battery, always use distilled water to refill, as tap water has minerals or chemicals in it which will ruin the battery.

exrench · 06-22-2008, 03:54 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hillbilly2:
They are wired in series to get the 12 volts, Go from the negative terminal on the first battery to the positive terminal on the second battery with your meter. Never add acid to an old battery, always use distilled water to refill, as tap water has minerals or chemicals in it which will ruin the battery. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

This is good advice with an exception.When a battery is very discharged and will not willingly accept a charge,a battery dealer will seize the opportunity to sell a battery.In fact, the battery has a high internal resistance which can be reduced to the point of allowing a small charging rate(amperage)which will increase to the extent of returning the battery to useful state of charge.All that is needed,is to add about 35 ml of concentrated sulphuric acid to each cell taking care to add equal acid to each cell.This reduces the high resistance.Put on charge and watch the charge rate slowly increase.This assumes the battery is otherwise OK.

Hillbilly2 · 06-22-2008, 04:57 PM

Just going by what the manufactuer says, seems to be something about the chemical makeup after it is charged. I'm not a chemist so I don't know, but if it's in that bad of shape, you have nothing to lose by adding some acid. I'd try it. Being totally dry I couldn't see why it wouldn't work, From the sounds of this it has worked before for exrench.

exrench · 06-22-2008, 05:25 PM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Hillbilly2:
Just going by what the manufactuer says, seems to be something about the chemical makeup after it is charged. I'm not a chemist so I don't know, but if it's in that bad of shape, you have nothing to lose by adding some acid. I'd try it. Being totally dry I couldn't see why it wouldn't work, From the sounds of this it has worked before for exrench.[/QUOTE)
The proceedure I outlined is safe but it is very important to NEVER add water to sulphuric acid as a violent reaction will occur with acid spewing in all directions.(acid must be added to water-not the other way around)
In fairness,this battery should be "balanced" after this operation.That is done by dumping some of the electrolyte after the specific gravity has reached maximum and replacing the dumped electrolyte with straight water and then charged again to maximum sp.gr.The entire battery is then dumped and fresh acid of 1.265 sp.gr. added.This is a mess and is according to the book but in my mind not necessary unless the battery has been accidently dumped.

Garranch · 06-23-2008, 06:57 PM

I hate to gamble on iffy batteries when boondocking.
So it looks like 6 new batteries (4h +2c) if I was going to spend $100 each where would you go.

Sears ? Sams club? camping world is always too expensive but maybe?

thanks for all your help.

RV Wizard · 06-24-2008, 12:49 AM

Seven or Eight years ago I bought 6 Trojan T 105's at Battery Plus for $55 each. At the time it was the best price in town.

moisheh · 06-24-2008, 04:55 AM

Batteries have increased in price in the last 18 months. Mostly due to lead being high priced. Trojans at $55 would have to be " hot"!! Many people have reported good success with the Sam's club or Costco batteries. I think the Sam's batteries are under $70. Trojans are more like $100. Tough decision. Of course the Trojans are considered Cadillacs but is the price justified ???

Chassis batteries: Most use a Group 31. These are used in almost every diesel delivery truck on the road. Very common. I have found the best price for a quality battery is a Freightliner dealer. We typically get 6 to 8 years from a Freightliner battery. They are often offered at special prices.

Jackm · 06-24-2008, 10:38 AM

After I killed two sets of batteries by failing to maintain them properly, I came to the conclusion that I was a perfect candidate for sealed batteries.

I was never able to save our batteries by adding water (it was too late). Consequently, I purchased two AGM deep cycle batteries from Sears and no longer have to deal with the issue. If this describes you, go with the sealed batteries. It will simplify your life. Best of luck.

Jack