Community Forums

zcaptain · 09-23-2019, 05:06 PM

I've been thinking about running a rubber seal around the rear service compartment door that houses the chassis batteries and fuses, fuel filters, and air dryer. This door isn't sealed on my 2018 Anthem. There's a rubber seal on part of the door around the DEF tank, but the bottom of the tank is open so that seal doesn't do anything.

The chassis batteries need to be vented, but it seems there's plenty of opportunity for gasses to escape, even with the door sealed against the road dirt.

Has anybody done this mod? Any compelling reason not to do it? Any source for the gasket to use?

757driver · 09-24-2019, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcaptain

I've been thinking about running a rubber seal around the rear service compartment door that houses the chassis batteries and fuses, fuel filters, and air dryer. This door isn't sealed on my 2018 Anthem. There's a rubber seal on part of the door around the DEF tank, but the bottom of the tank is open so that seal doesn't do anything.

The chassis batteries need to be vented, but it seems there's plenty of opportunity for gasses to escape, even with the door sealed against the road dirt.

Has anybody done this mod? Any compelling reason not to do it? Any source for the gasket to use?

Bill,

I did this mod last year with some angle aluminum and a door seal I found online. While it does not keep the compartment 100% dust and dirt free it certainly cuts down on it by at least 75%.

I apologize for the upside down pictures.

FL420 · 09-24-2019, 11:41 AM

I recently read somewhere that any compartment containing LPG, gasoline or diesel fuel or fuel lines and batteries that can leak or outgas must be vented to prevent the accumulation of flammable fumes. I think they are supposed to be vented at least at the bottom of the compartment.
I have to completely drain the fuel from my 2kw generator so I can store it in the unvented compartment where my inverter is located. Kills two birds with one stone; fumes and ignition source.

757driver · 09-25-2019, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL420

I recently read somewhere that any compartment containing LPG, gasoline or diesel fuel or fuel lines and batteries that can leak or outgas must be vented to prevent the accumulation of flammable fumes. I think they are supposed to be vented at least at the bottom of the compartment.
I have to completely drain the fuel from my 2kw generator so I can store it in the unvented compartment where my inverter is located. Kills two birds with one stone; fumes and ignition source.

Hmmm, if that were the case then Entegra would not have been able to run fuel lines and a fuel filter to the Aquahot unit in the basement area which is sealed a lot tighter than the compartment that I partially sealed up.

Cruzer · 09-25-2019, 10:54 AM

I wouldn't recommend sealing it. There are three things in that compartment that need to get out. First, the chassis batteries outgas hydrogen and you don't want that building up inside a compartment - especially when electrical switches and fuses are present. Second, your primary fuel filter is in there. Any leaks to the plastic sediment bowl or drain valve would allow diesel fuel to build up in there. Third, your air drier will emit a fair sized blast of air every time the compressor's governor trips. I haven't found a need to seal that area as it's reasonably clean for its intended purpose.

MRUSA14 · 09-25-2019, 11:14 AM

Over the past 6 1/2 years, my batteries in that compartment have gotten grimy. Recently I cleaned the tops of the batteries for the first time, just because, and not because of any problem. The original factory starting batteries are still going strong despite never having service of any kind. Draw your own conclusions.

757driver · 09-25-2019, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruzer

I wouldn't recommend sealing it. There are three things in that compartment that need to get out. First, the chassis batteries outgas hydrogen and you don't want that building up inside a compartment - especially when electrical switches and fuses are present. Second, your primary fuel filter is in there. Any leaks to the plastic sediment bowl or drain valve would allow diesel fuel to build up in there. Third, your air drier will emit a fair sized blast of air every time the compressor's governor trips. I haven't found a need to seal that area as it's reasonably clean for its intended purpose.

The compartment is in no way SEALED. There are plenty of drain holes for fuel,fumes, and whatever else needs to get out including a large hole that the air drier exhausts through.

arcaguy · 09-25-2019, 01:43 PM

Are the holes in the bottom of the compartment? If they are and you add a gasket around the top the compartment is effectively sealed if as far a hydrogen is concerned as it will rise. Gasoline, diesel and propane vapor are heavier than air so they will vent from the bottom. I'm sure you've seen pictures of the Hindenburg exploding. Don't let that be your coach. If you would really like to know why don't you call the coach manufacturer and ask them?

757driver · 09-25-2019, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arcaguy

Are the holes in the bottom of the compartment? If they are and you add a gasket around the top the compartment is effectively sealed if as far a hydrogen is concerned as it will rise. Gasoline, diesel and propane vapor are heavier than air so they will vent from the bottom. I'm sure you've seen pictures of the Hindenburg exploding. Don't let that be your coach. If you would really like to know why don't you call the coach manufacturer and ask them?

I am quite satisfied that any fumes or liquids that need to escape will escape. The OP asked the question and I provided what I did to cut down on the dirt and debris on the same type of coach.

zcaptain · 09-25-2019, 03:22 PM

There are a lot of holes in that compartment including a very big hole near the bottom of the DEF tank and large holes for the air dryer and fuel lines near the top. I’m pretty sure any gases would easily escape either through the top or the bottom holes — it would be hard to totally seal the area completely.

I’d like to seal against road grime dust and dirt which tends to contaminate the compartment and get the battery and other components dirty. The idea first originated at the factory tour during a university session.

757driver did you mount angle iron to the bottom flange and then attach the bulb seal to that?

757driver · 09-25-2019, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zcaptain

There are a lot of holes in that compartment including a very big hole near the bottom of the DEF tank and large holes for the air dryer and fuel lines near the top. I’m pretty sure any gases would easily escape either through the top or the bottom holes — it would be hard to totally seal the area completely.

I’d like to seal against road grime dust and dirt which tends to contaminate the compartment and get the battery and other components dirty. The idea first originated at the factory tour during a university session.

757driver did you mount angle iron to the bottom flange and then attach the bulb seal to that?

I painted angle aluminum and screwed it to the bottom of the compartment in two pieces and also ran a piece up the back edge of the compartment. The bulb seal pushed over the top edge of the angle aluminum.

The bulb seal I used was very similar in profile to what Entegra uses on all the basement doors. I think I found a 25’ roll for around $45.00.