Community Forums

Jake21 · 06-08-2012, 08:59 AM

Our recent purchase of a 02 American Eagle has left me with many projects. Although the coach is in great condition, there are small issues that I attacked immediately. I had noticed one of the house batteries was leaking and there was a small amount of corrosion in the battery bay. After purchasing 4 new batteries, it was time to remove the old ones. I was shocked at what I found hidden under the batteries.

This is the battery tray removed. A total loss. I had no idea that damage was this bad until I removed the batteries. Time for a new tray install.

Jake

Fred and Bonnie · 06-08-2012, 12:36 PM

Jake, some folks just add gas and and turn the key.

fred

Sky_Boss · 06-08-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

Jake, some folks just add gas and and turn the key.

fred

I think part of that is because folks like myself jumped into big rigs with little or no experience in RVs. I'm anal enough to try to learn as much as I can and use it. I think some folks just don't even think about these kinds of issues because they may not be obvious.

But...you are correct that there are some that light the fire and go without thought. As a pilot, I learnt better than that. LOL

H. Miller · 06-09-2012, 05:09 AM

Be sure and get one of those "battery pads" to lay in the new tray. It will prevent the batterys from scratching down to bare metal (that acid loves) and absorbs and fights the battery acid.
May we also suggest a battery water filling system, they seem to seal the "water holes" much better. Before adding, we were using soda and a toothbrush monthly! Now it's more like yearly if that often. Also MUCH easier to add water. We use the Flow Rite system.

Crabby Mike · 06-10-2012, 08:06 AM

I have the same problem with corrosion in the battery bay, but it seems worse from certain of my batteries than others. What causes this -- too much or too little water, over- or under-charging, etc.?

LVJ58 · 06-10-2012, 08:41 AM

Excellent Heads-UP for potential used coach buyers

DAN L · 06-11-2012, 01:37 AM

agm batteries do not have this problem.

Max Hubrich · 06-11-2012, 04:33 AM

Oil 'em up boys and girls-

If your interested- ask me, or anyone else, who does it- I'm at 6 years and counting. Zero corrosion.

There is much written on this subject- search "Mineral oil in batteries"

I remember one fella some time ago wrote "I put oil in my engine- not my batteries!"-

I used baby oil-

Jake21 · 06-11-2012, 08:05 AM

Here is the fix we came up with as we were pressed for time, but it works well and is simple. No need for the expensive metal slide out as the coach batteries are on a swinging tray. 3/4 inch treated ply with a 2x4 wood frame. bolted the whole thing to the floor.