Community Forums

Craig H · 12-07-2008, 09:25 AM

I am a tech idiot and I need some help. The batteries in my rig (two 12 volt) are constantly bubbling andoverflowing. I have had the entire charging system checked and everything seems O.K. The service tech called Winnie and was told that I should, "leave a light on or something". Well, I have done that and the problem persists. Do I need a new converter? Charger? Should I switch to golf cart batteries? What's in the coach is what came with it, except for the batteries. What should I do? Thank's

Craig H · 12-07-2008, 09:25 AM

I am a tech idiot and I need some help. The batteries in my rig (two 12 volt) are constantly bubbling andoverflowing. I have had the entire charging system checked and everything seems O.K. The service tech called Winnie and was told that I should, "leave a light on or something". Well, I have done that and the problem persists. Do I need a new converter? Charger? Should I switch to golf cart batteries? What's in the coach is what came with it, except for the batteries. What should I do? Thank's

DonavonP · 12-07-2008, 10:06 AM

Here is some good reading for you:

http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/for...10444741#26910444741

"Leaving a light on" is not good information. Delete that. Delete that tech too!

A cheap, temporary fix for an overactive converter is to put a 24 hour timer in line (see picture of plug in on Drivers post). Set timer for about 1/2 hour of charge per 24 hour day. That'll keep the batteries up but not boiling.

Marty too · 12-07-2008, 10:07 AM

Craig: Your battery charger should not exceed 13.8 VDC, that's why your seeing all the bubbling and such. Maintenance voltage should be around 13.4 +/- .2 volts. If you have a digtal voltmeter, check this out. Not knowing what make or model charger you have but it might be possible to adjust the voltage to get what it should be. I can't help you any further then this-----sorry.

Marty

RV Wizard · 12-07-2008, 01:29 PM

Craig, have the batteries tested to be sure you do not have a bad cell or two. If you do, all chargers will try to get the voltage up to proper levels; causing boiling. Your 07 Voyage should have an good charging system and it is probably your battery bank that is bad. Let us know what you find out.

Jeff_in_The_Dalles · 12-07-2008, 07:26 PM

That's what I was thinking... If you have a cell that is a dead short, the remaining cells will be overcharged, and in a parallel system it will drag the other battery down.

Do you have a volt meter? If the voltage is high, that would indicate the converter/charger is over charging. If the voltage is normal (or low) and it's still boiling the batteries, it would be a good indication of a failed battery.