Posts: 1,167
Threads: 27
Joined: Mar 2013
We have 2 8D' for engine batteries and 2 8D's for house batteries. When plugged in to shore power, merge is always on as per Newell recommendation.
I check H2O levels every 4-6 weeks. I have one house battery that has been consistently taking 2-3 times more H2O than the other 3 batteries. All 6 cells are maintaining equal H2O levels in this battery. Any ideas?
Posts: 5,111
Threads: 249
Joined: Jul 2012
That battery may have a bad cell. Use a hydrometer to,check each cell and see if one is weak. If it has a bad cell, it will generate more heat during the charge.. If it does have a bad cell, it's best to go ahead and replace. Eventually one bad battery will trick the charger into frying the rest of them and/or your alternator
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)
Posts: 2,654
Threads: 226
Joined: Jul 2012
Good explanation Richard. I think that's what happened to my batteries last summer. Left it for a month with the charger on and came back to find all 6 were very low on water. Ruined 3 of the 6. Not complaining too much though, forced me to get the Lithiums installed.
At Spearfish Chester had a load tester and we figured out that 3 were bad.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
PO 1999 Foretravel 36'
1998 Newell 45' #486
1993 Newell 39' #337
Posts: 64
Threads: 9
Joined: Jan 2014
Guys,
What do you say about the caution on the house batteries "Do Not Add Water"?
....this will void warranty etc..
Bob Miller
Previous owner of #390
Posts: 5,111
Threads: 249
Joined: Jul 2012
Bob, unless you have changed them, you have sealed AGM batteries. You couldn't add water without drilling a hole in the case. They do not vent, and theoretically cannot lose water.
Richard and Rhonda Entrekin
99 Newell, 512
Maverick Hybrid Toad
Inverness, FL (when we're home
)