Batteries?

[Skywagon]

Took delivery of a new, 2017, four battery coach. Sat plugged in for four days, solar panels sucking up the sun as well. Brought it home and left re-frig only on batteries. Came back 14 hours later, batteries shut off. Pulled tray out, found one battery with two exposed plates in their cells, all other batteries low on water. Could the two dead cells, 12 volt batteries, damage the remaining three. Also, being a 17 model no one knows how long it could have sat at the dealer in that condition. Thanks much.

[twinboat]

You need to check the solar and charger settings. If the volts are too high ( more then 13.6 on day 2 ) the batteries can overcharge, boil and eveperate the water.

I would attempt to get the dealer to install 4, GC2, 6 volt deep cycle batteries.

[tmw188]

Originally Posted by twinboat

You need to check the solar and charger settings. If the volts are too high ( more then 13.6 on day 2 ) the batteries can overcharge, boil and eveperate the water.

I would attempt to get the dealer to install 4, GC2, 6 volt deep cycle batteries.

X2 Absolutely get them to replace those batteries and check operation on everything. Those wet cells need to be check minimum of once a month. 3-4 yrs life expectancy or maybe better if you take care of them.


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[vsheetz]

I would fuss at the dealer to replace the batteries. Especially if he's stupid enough to not top them up before delivery to hide their abuse and neglect.

[Jrhea]

I bought my 2016 bounder in a similar fashion (not quite so bad). I filled the water, charged them up/drained them a couple of times and then did an equalize charge on them.

While not perfect, I get a couple hundred amp hours out of four of them now before they reach 50% SOC according to my batter monitor.. much better than before I did this maintenance.


If the dealer won't replace, maybe there is hope..

John

[Skywagon]

Originally Posted by twinboat

You need to check the solar and charger settings. If the volts are too high ( more then 13.6 on day 2 ) the batteries can overcharge, boil and eveperate the water.

I would attempt to get the dealer to install 4, GC2, 6 volt deep cycle batteries.

Folks, all thanks. Not being an electrical expert, how would going to 4 six volt batteries help? the batteries I have are Interstate dual deep cycle/starting batteries. Also, the plates in the two low cells appeared somewhat crusty, indicating to this novice, they had been that way a while.
P.S. I have only two solar panels, 160 watts each. Could they cook the batteries??

[twinboat]

You don't have to convert to 6 volt GC2 batteries but if you do, you will, in most cases, be getting a larger capacity and longer lasting battery bank.

Your present batteries may be about 90 AH. That, times 4, gives you 360 AH total capacity with 180 AH usable to 50% capacity. 50% capacity is typically use for long life.

Most GC2 batteries will give you a minimum of 205 AH. ( Many can go to 235 AH capacity ). You do need 2 to get to 12 volts but 4 will still give you 410 AH capacity with 205 AH usable.

Dual purpose batteries are OK at two jobs. The will offer the capacity listed, but only for about 500 deep cycles. They also don't tolerate discharges below 50% too often.

True deep cycle Golf Car batteries are designed to be run down deeply ( 50% of capacity ), and then recharged up to 1000 times. They can be discharged down to 20% capacity and still give you up to 500 cycles.

Because they are very popular in millions of golf cars, they are inexpensive. It's just more bang for the buck.

[Winemaker2]

Twinboat is right on re advantages of GC battys.

For a great article comparing FLA battys see this post and the link included in it. Pics...data and a lot of experience and testing went into the article.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365954

[tmw188]

Wet cells are your best bang for the buck. If they are easy to get to and maintain that's the way I would go.


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[Skywagon]

Folks, again, thanks for the advice and your time. Stopped by my repair center yesterday and was advised exposed plates in one battery could damage the other three. Also, I was told, I'd need eight 6 volt batteries.(?) They are taller and I simply don't have the room for them. In communication with the dealer 300 miles away. We'll see.

[twinboat]

Wow, sounds like dealer doesn't know much about 6 volt batteries. They are an inch or two taller though.

Get him to replace the 4, 12 volt and when they are shot, think about the conversion.

[Skywagon]

Originally Posted by twinboat

Wow, sounds like dealer doesn't know much about 6 volt batteries. They are an inch or two taller though.

Get him to replace the 4, 12 volt and when they are shot, think about the conversion.

Got on the internet and looked at 6 volt batteries. It appeared on the web page most are considerably taller than my existing 12 volts. Did find some you are referring to, maybe two inches taller, but they were $300 each!! How many six volts would I need to mimic four 12 volts? Thanks.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

Got on the internet and looked at 6 volt batteries. It appeared on the web page most are considerably taller than my existing 12 volts. Did find some you are referring to, maybe two inches taller, but they were $300 each!! How many six volts would I need to mimic four 12 volts? Thanks.

4, GC2, 6 volt batteries. Flooded batteries are about $100 a peice.

Google series / parallel 6 volt battery wiring.

Look in Sams club, Costco or Batteries +

[Jrhea]

Originally Posted by Skywagon

Got on the internet and looked at 6 volt batteries. It appeared on the web page most are considerably taller than my existing 12 volts. Did find some you are referring to, maybe two inches taller, but they were $300 each!! How many six volts would I need to mimic four 12 volts? Thanks.

You would need four and wire them as the image attached.