automatic battery refill

[ronspradley]

I need to install an automatic battery water refill system on my MH. I have two 12v deep cycle batteries. The tray they are in does not move and I have not been able to check water levels because of that. The caps are almost impossible to remove and when I do get them removed, then I have the problem of seeing into the batteries and then adding the correct amount of distilled water. So far the only thing that works is to remove all of the cables and remove the batteries. I either need to install some kind of automatic watering system or get a rolling rack fabricated so that I can see the batteries. Either way is good with me. Less money being the operative word here. Thanks for the help.

ronspradley

[LVJ58]

We use the Pro Fill system on our coach and it works great. Here their site address:

Pro-Fill RV | Flow-Rite

Good luck

[H. Miller]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVJ58 We use the Pro Fill system on our coach and it works great. Here their site address: Pro-Fill RV | Flow-Rite Good luck

Ditto on the Pro-Fill "wouldn't leave home without it" and the price is definately right.

[Finhawk]

Amen!

[sgtjoe]

I've had the system on my batteries for several years and really wonder why I didn't have it before. My last set of batteries (4 deep cycle golf cart batteries) were finally replaced after 7 years. One thing I noticed that no one has mentioned is that I hardly ever had corrosion buildup since installing the system. I had to use a mirror and flashlight to check mine and a turkey baster to fill them with a piece of rubber tubing to fill when needed. All I do now is connect the bulb pump to the Pro-fill, put the other end in a jug of distilled water and squeeze, when I feel resistance it's done. I think if I had sliding trays I would still have the system, hooking to two lines and squeezing a bulb sure beats pulling caps and checking each hole and then try to get them filled correctly.

[sparkydog]

Pro fill is the best thing going. Once a month I hook up bulb and hose to a bottle of distilled water, squeeze til full, usually less than a half pint, but I keep them maintained, where before it was just to much of a hassle,I had a tendency to ignore it. Whatever you can do to adhere to the easiest is best plan. I also put a piece of duct tape on the inside of the door and mark date I checked batteries with magic marker. Way to many things to remember without help.

[Wayne M]

Ron,
I have the same problem but I am able to get this in the opening, push down, and have it autofill to the correct level.

Battery Filler

And it's inexpensive.

[bdaball]

I think you will find Flow Rite is also a major supplier to the forklift industry. Many, many electric forklift fleets rely on fill systems to reduce watering time which in some cases are daily in the industrial world. Housekeeping of spilled fluids is nearly eliminated and optimum battery performance is greatly enhanced by maintaining proper fluid levels.

I know, I used to sell them along with batteries and new forklifts.....

[SCVJeff]

It’s not “automatic”, but it sure is easier than pulling the cables out to access (that has since been fixed, but still a PITA). I’ve had mine for probably 3 years now, but I make it a habit to pull the tray out once a year anyway and flush out the float valves to make sure they don’t get crudded-up and get a stuck valve.

[ronspradley]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M Ron, I have the same problem but I am able to get this in the opening, push down, and have it autofill to the correct level. Battery Filler And it's inexpensive.

Thanks for all the responses. Good food for thought. And Wayne M, I think I have enough room to use the battery filler you show but my problem is accessing and taking off the battery caps. Since my two batteries are not on a sliding tray, it is next to impossible to remove the caps to put water in. And I admit that very reluctantly because my middle name is cheeeep! I am going to order the Pro-fil (or 12v equivalent) and try some mineral oil. Then in another year I will assess. Thanks again.

ronspradley

[oneydee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LVJ58 We use the Pro Fill system on our coach and it works great. Here their site address: Pro-Fill RV | Flow-Rite Good luck

It's a bit confusing on their website...

Is the Pro-Fill only for 6V batteries? In one place it appears to say just that but then I also saw they say it is applicable for 6 or 12V "Golf Car" batteries. They also make a Qwik-Fill model that says it is indicated for 12V Marine Deep Cycle batts. What to buy????? I have 2, 12V Deep Cycle batteries...not marine and not 6V!

[SCVJeff]

Camping World also sells these. You might want to stop by and look at them.

There's a guy in Quartzsite that sells them as well

[LVJ58]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneydee It's a bit confusing on their website... Is the Pro-Fill only for 6V batteries? In one place it appears to say just that but then I also saw they say it is applicable for 6 or 12V "Golf Car" batteries. They also make a Qwik-Fill model that says it is indicated for 12V Marine Deep Cycle batts. What to buy????? I have 2, 12V Deep Cycle batteries...not marine and not 6V!

I would call the company, tell them they type of batteries you have and they can probably fix you up with the fill system that will work for you.

Good luck and safe travels

[oneydee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by oneydee It's a bit confusing on their website... Is the Pro-Fill only for 6V batteries? In one place it appears to say just that but then I also saw they say it is applicable for 6 or 12V "Golf Car" batteries. They also make a Qwik-Fill model that says it is indicated for 12V Marine Deep Cycle batts. What to buy????? I have 2, 12V Deep Cycle batteries...not marine and not 6V!

Email to the company got me this answer. Thought I would post it up as it may help somebody else down the road:

The watering kit required for the batteries you described will be determined by the size of the battery cell opening. If it is a 1 1/8” opening our Pro-Fill will fit the battery, if it is a 5/8” cell opening it is our Qwik fill kit.

Flow-Rite Customer Service