Community Forums

TimLoon · 11-19-2012, 05:49 AM

Pulled the original 6V house batteries (9 years old) out for the winter and it looks like the cases are swelled. Worked great all last season but is it time to replace? If so, will do so next April.

Ernie Ekberg · 11-19-2012, 05:51 AM

They got overheated. Get new ones in the spring.

fredaevans · 11-19-2012, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie Ekberg

They got overheated. Get new ones in the spring.

Yup, you're toast. But with that many years of service you're waaaaaay ahead of the game.

denforent · 11-19-2012, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimLoon

Pulled the original 6V house batteries (9 years old) out for the winter and it looks like the cases are swelled. Worked great all last season but is it time to replace? If so, will do so next April.

If those 6V batteries are still functioning after 9 years of use someone's a miracle maker! I just got out of 15 yrs of ocean cruising with my 42' sailboat and replaced my batteries at the 5 year mark... no tow trucks in the ocean, don't ya know? REPLACE THOSE BATTERIES!! You may want to do it this black friday in order to save a bundle... or do it in April and pay top $ (everyone doing spring ready work with their RV tends to hold up prices).

MartinP · 11-19-2012, 07:37 AM

9 years! You got your monies worth. Yes, replace they are toasted.

Martin

**CountryFit** · 11-19-2012, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimLoon

Pulled the original 6V house batteries (9 years old) out for the winter and it looks like the cases are swelled. Worked great all last season but is it time to replace? If so, will do so next April.

what make/model is it? like to grab one of those

irvwood · 11-19-2012, 08:41 AM

If a battery becomes discharged they can freeze as well and cause swelling. If at the end of any season and you are in an area that you have freezing temperatures make sure you charge your batteries occasionally. For those that full time and have 30 or 50amp services available to them the batteries will be on a charge. Also remember in storage to use your disconnect or the batteries will run down faster. Deep Cycle lead antimony batteries, other than enclosed type will discharge faster when not in use but are a better battery for RV's than the closed type.

Blacknchrome · 11-19-2012, 07:45 PM

JUst bought a used 2000 HR Endeavor...batteries have no dates on them...I used the furnace for 2 days set at 55 deg in the coach..batteries were almost dead tonight..plugged in the coach to 110 and lights came back up...how often do batteries need replaced...should I turn off the furnace and use the disconnect?

Walter5555 · 11-19-2012, 11:12 PM

It would be a good idea to replace.
Nothing last for ever.
Juat a thought.

Mr_D · 11-19-2012, 11:22 PM

I replaced our Interstate U-2200's after 9 years and 11 months. Just before we left for a two week trip.
I kept them charged when stored and had added 4 oz of mineral oil to each cell in 2004.
Replaced them with more of the same, cost more than Costco ones but I got such good service out of them I wanted them again.

RustNnails · 11-19-2012, 11:35 PM

One way to help your batteries last longer is to make sure the posts and connectors are clean and assembled, then spray them with NAPA battery and electrical sealant.

I lived off the grid for seven years and never had to clean the connections nor replace any batteries.

Rusty