Keepin those batteries topped off

[Sleepy]

I just put in 4 new 6V house batteries and am doing much more boon-docking. The wiring series is complicated, but completed and correct. However, access to each cell will require some undoing of the connections and cables just to open and inspect each cell. Is there a fool-proof way of keeping the batteries topped off without individually inspecting each cell and dismantling the battery connections to look into each cell for water levels. I want to do it right this time, since I was pretty negligent on the original batteries.

[vsheetz]

Battery watering system. Manifold and tubing that stays with the batteries. Just connect a hand bulb pump, and a few squirts and seconds later you are done. takes me longer to get the gallon jug of distilled water out than to actually fill the batteries.

Example https://www.flow-rite.com/battery-watering/pro-fill

[Newbie58]

Automatic battery refill systems seem to work well. Multiple batteries can get watered at one time. Only low cell get watered.

[airmon]

Sleepy -

My four 6V batteries sound very similar to yours. I can get to them without removing cables, but the back batteries are deep in a compartment and I can't see down into them without an inspection mirror and a flashlight. Then, the only way I have found to get water back to them is with a turkey baster. Kind of a PITA.

Vince is right, Flow-rite is the thing to get.

You'll need two sets of battery caps ( here's an Amazon Link ) and one Quik fill hand pump ( here's another Amazon link ). If you use those links, it'll cost you about $110, though you may be able to find them cheaper.

The battery caps all connect together with rubber tubing and replaces the stock battery caps. On the tube that feeds all of these is a quick disconnect valve. The "pump" is a squeeze bulb with a one way valve like on a fuel line on an outboard motor. Stick the end of the line in a gallon of distilled water and squeeze the bulb a few times, pumping water up into the lines and out to the caps.

Each battery cap has a float valve that will prevent overfilling of a cell. When the bulb gets difficult to squeeze, you're done. From start to finish, it's just a minute or two to keep the batteries topped off. Heck, you may not even have to get down on your hands and knees.

While this may seem like an expensive luxury, the ease of keeping your batteries full may save you money in the long run.

[LVJ58]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Battery watering system. Manifold and tubing that stays with the batteries. Just connect a hand bulb pump, and a few squirts and seconds later you are done. takes me longer to get the gallon jug of distilled water out than to actually fill the batteries.

Example https://www.flow-rite.com/battery-watering/pro-fill

X2 We have that system and it works great, one of the better investments for our coach I've made

Safe Travels to all

[JohnInAz]

I had the same issue, and bought this system to maintain my batteries. It's pretty pricey for what you get, but after you fill your batteries a couple of times you forget about the money and pat yourself on the back on how well you are maintaining your batteries. It is SO EASY now! You won't regret the purchase.

[njs42]

Finally I added a ProFill (another brand same thing)to my batteries. Why did I wait for so long? I also now remove my batteries when in storage for long periods and put them on a BatteryMinder to keep them charged. Lots of people speak of getting ten years out of batteries, I intend to be one of those folks. Wish me luck, I wish you the same.