Frozen House Batteries

[A7Echo]

Well it looks like the 6 volt house batteries couldn't handle the cold Idaho winter. I went to check on the MH the other day and found the cases on the house batteries bulging (yep they froze). As my wife and I are new to MHs (2002 Holiday Rambler Admiral 36 DBD), I winterized the MH but gave no thought to the house batteries. Anyone out there have any experience with frozen batteries?? Are they toast or is there a chance they can be charged and put back in service??

[A7Echo]

Well it looks like the 6 volt house batteries couldn't handle the cold Idaho winter. I went to check on the MH the other day and found the cases on the house batteries bulging (yep they froze). As my wife and I are new to MHs (2002 Holiday Rambler Admiral 36 DBD), I winterized the MH but gave no thought to the house batteries. Anyone out there have any experience with frozen batteries?? Are they toast or is there a chance they can be charged and put back in service??

[Matt B]

They're toast. A fully charged battery usually won't freeze, so I suspect they ran down and then froze. Might want to look at some tiype of trickle charger to maintain them when in storage.

[BryanL]

next winter get a maintenance charger on them. The Battery Minder plus or a converter like the WFCO or PD+Chargewizard will keep your batteries at full charge and do things to minimize sulfation so they last longer. A fully charged battery should have no problem with an Idaho winter.

If the case isn't leaking, you might be able to recharge them and maybe get some service out of them but it is usually better to just replace them.

[skipwil]

E7Echo-WELCOME TO THE FORUM.. if you have to replace the batteries; i would suggest trying to find a battery wholesaler and see if they would have any "seconds or blemishes" on hand. i bought two 12v. deep cycle batteries for my coach last sept. for $25 each. sure did beat $80/. each one had a scratch on the case. after they are installed; who looks? again welcome to the forum-enjoy and post often.

[becks]

Good advice so far, sorry to say your batteries are done for. I would not even try charging them. Just make sure to keep your new one's charged and they will last 4-5 years depending on how well cared for. You may consider taking them out in winter or as said go with a good charger. Don't forget to exercise your generator monthly also. Post with any and all questions, as someone will always be willing to help. Good luck

[RV Wizard]

A7Echo, welcome to iRV2.com. You have gotten some good advice. Here are some links to help with battery selection and maintenance:
http://www.usbattery.com/care.htm
http://www.dcbattery.com/faq.html#1
http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Bat...ery%20Charging
http://www.rvsolarelectric.com/sources.htm
http://www.batteryfaq.org
Just remember to charge them up and disconnect or remove.

[george henry]

A7Echo,welcome to iRv2.com

[Forest Grump]

Use a solar trickle charger to keep your batteries charged. One for the house and one for the chassis, you won't be disappointed. A charged battery will not freeze even in the arctic.

[A7Echo]

Thanks for all the input. This past weekend I purchased two new batteies as the old ones were toast!! As I keep the MH in indoor storage approximately five miles from my home and there is no powere available and the sun doesn't shine through the roof, I will remove the batteries next winter and bring them home and connect them to a trickle charge. Again, thanks for all the input.