Any experience with battery recombination caps?

[gnvrvin]

After recently neglecting my batteries I started to look into automatic watering systems and stumbled across these.

https://www.flowsystemsusa.com/batte...oCxTsQAvD_BwE#

Has anyone used these or another manufacturer? Seems price is in line with an automatic watering system.

Thanks for any feedback,
greg

[Steve-W]

Originally Posted by gnvrvin

After recently neglecting my batteries I started to look into automatic watering systems and stumbled across these.

https://www.flowsystemsusa.com/batte...oCxTsQAvD_BwE#

Has anyone used these or another manufacturer? Seems price is in line with an automatic watering system.

Thanks for any feedback,
greg

Interesting concept. The following statement on the mfg. page seems to eliminate it’s use in a motorhome.

“LIMITED MOVEMENT: Batteries must remain relatively stationary, not designed for overtly rough or bumpy mobile applications”

[gnvrvin]

Good catch Steve
But in the application area they list "RV and Marine Applications" mmmm?

[Steve-W]

Originally Posted by gnvrvin

Good catch Steve
But in the application area they list "RV and Marine Applications" mmmm?

They must drive different roads than I do!

[Jthigh]

You might want to check out the “Flow Rite RV2000 Pro Fill” or similar product on Amazon. I don’t have it but talked to I guy at the campground the other day and he loves it. He can’t access his batteries unless he disconnects most of the cables. He can fill his in just a few minutes. System stays plumbed in all the time just have to attached hand bulb pump to fill.

[Dutch Star Don]

I tried some similar caps back in 2007. I also added mineral oil to the batteries. It reduced the acid by a little, but not worth he effort. The only way to go are the battery watering systems. A couple pumps of the filler bulb and the batteries are full. The battery watering systems pretty much eliminate acid issues.

They're pricey, but will be one of those things you find well WORTH the money.

[phnguyk1]

Upgrading your charging system is the best thing you can do for house batteries. Upgrade your converter, or even go as far as installing a separate "bank" charger.

[gnvrvin]

I believe the Xantrex charger is doing is duty correctly.
Bulk charge, absorption, and float voltages are where they should be. I have monitored them
My issue was being in a hot climate for almost 8 months...some of that in storage in the greater phoenix area.
I did not pay attention enough to water levels in batteries.

Going to start a separate thread on automatic watering systems.

This one was asking if anyone had recent experience with the recombination caps that are available.

So far no recent experience

Bit do appreciate all the feed back
greg

[vanmark]

I have used Hydro Caps for 20 years on a boat. The batteries are L-16 and the caps do reduce the water that is used. I still would add water about once per year. Yes they work

[Guzzimark]

I can't get at the battery caps on my Tiffin and was trying to figure out how I should redo the cabling so the caps would be accessible. The watering system and the catalytic caps both sound like good alternatives.

[gnvrvin]

Originally Posted by vanmark

I have used Hydro Caps for 20 years on a boat. The batteries are L-16 and the caps do reduce the water that is used. I still would add water about once per year. Yes they work

Have you used them on a motorhome?

A boat can be rougher..... having a time figuring out what they mean by bumpy and rough...have an email into them for clarification

[153stars]

They make the watermiser caps ,it's those with catalyst part on top do a search here for watermiser caps and google for reviews .

[RandDescape]

Like Don I am a believer in the Flo-Rite system by Pro-Fill.

Put them on both my ‘15 Canyon Star and my ‘19 Ventana.

Mount them once and it literally makes the monthly watering cycle a 5min task. 3 of those minutes are walking to get / put away the distilled water.

I have 8 six-volt batteries on the DP run in 2 watering banks of 4.

On the gasser I had 2 twelve-volt batteries in a single watering bank. I also separately had the chassis 12v battery on a watering system.

- Richard

[Mark_K5LXP]

Where the recombinant caps come in handy is for banks of batteries that may not get regular attention, like a backup battery at a remote location. The catalyst they use is consumed, so they don't last forever and lifespan dependent on how much the batteries are driven to gassing. Maybe a bit cheaper than AGM's in return for reduced maintenance. The caps are kind of large so may not fit all battery bays.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM