Community Forums

Cooper19 · 06-11-2021, 09:27 AM

I have a 2018 Tiffin Allegro Open 32SA that we bought used last fall. I have recently notice an acid smell (not sulphur) when I open the basement door to turn on the power and the inverter. I turn them both on when I get ready to use and off while storing. I have solar on the roof. I have check the water levels in the batteries and all the cells appear to be good. Terminals are clean as well. Are the batteries getting over charged? If so, is there a way regulate that? Or, do I have something else going on?

Pusherman · 06-11-2021, 09:33 AM

My guess is that yes, the battery is being overcharged and boiling the electrolyte. But I am also guessing is why this is going on is that the battery has a bad cell (or something similar) which is causing it to want charge all the time. First thing i would do is replace your house batteries. Then check to make sure they are not being overcharged.

Once you smell the electrolyte I am betting the batteries are cooked.

TXiceman · 06-11-2021, 11:36 AM

A battery that is over charged or a bad cell can smell bad and even like a sewer. Do you have an inverter/charger in the coach? If so, it should have a battery monitor and you can set the charge rate. It takes some reading to get the inverter set.

Ken

twinboat · 06-11-2021, 01:07 PM

An overcharging battery will also show signs of it.
White stuff on the terminals, damp on top, needing water added often, bubbling when you open the caps, feeling warm....

If your not seeing any of that, don't run out and get new ones yet.

With sun shining, check the voltage on the batteries. 13.2 to 13.4 is typical float voltage and not bad.

Where is your propane tank, in relation to your battery bay.

Outbound · 06-11-2021, 01:32 PM

Also look for battery side walls bulging, do they feel hot.

Cooper19 · 06-11-2021, 04:59 PM

One bay away

twinboat · 06-11-2021, 07:28 PM

Confirm that your propane valve is fully open, they can leak If not. Then spray all propane things you can see with soppy water. Bubbles are leaks.

mlpeloquin · 06-11-2021, 10:15 PM

Could be propane. Propane has a unique smell. Like rotten eggs. I had a propane leak on my Class C years ago. Two RV service places could not find it. I always thought I went through a tank faster than I should have. I did try the soap and could not find any bubbles as well. Then I purchased an electronic propane sniffer form Amazon and had it delivered to my sister in law's house back east. Found the leak in five minuets. It was the water heater connection.

I have solar and never disconnect. The solar charger will stop or trickle charge the batteries so long as your solar panels have some sun. I installed new caps that show the acid level and monitor them. You need to purchase a battery load tester. They do not cost much form Harbor Freight. Disconnect one lead of each battery you are testing. Then reconnect. If you have a weak or bad cell, it will show it. If so, you will have to replace all the batteries that are connected in parallel or series.