Deep cycle house batteries

[cnanago]

Some time ago when I had questions re: house batteries someone said these could be re-charged again and again but not to let them go too low (not below 50%)
Well I just got back from a month trip to Quebec and while away could'nt get my generator started and upon checking the state of the batteries (A24) found they were dry, dry , dry. Of course they would'nt take a charge so had to invest in new batteries (A27). Now my question is how can I tell when my batteries are getting low and how should I re-charge them when parked at a cg for a period of time? Is running my truck the only way?
Needless to say the pre-delivery check was'nt very thorough as they should have seen the state of the batteries.
Thanks ladies.

[Cedar518]

If you are plugged in to power that should charge them,... or running tow vehicle while plugged into that,... or from gen..... I find those methods work for me. Good luck!

[retiredhappy]

You do need to check the water level in your batteries so they don't go dry. I have three house batteries (separate from my engine battery) and I bought a gadget that I can fill the batteries WITHOUT having to remove the cell caps to check the water level. I believe CW sells them - they called some kind of battery minder. They will go dry from evaporation and also from constant charging when you're plugged into electric. I check mine AT LEAST once a month. Always fill with distilled water.

[Mrssissy]

You do need to check the water level in your batteries so they don't go dry. I have three house batteries (separate from my engine battery) and I bought a gadget that I can fill the batteries WITHOUT having to remove the cell caps to check the water level. I believe CW sells them - they called some kind of battery minder. They will go dry from evaporation and also from constant charging when you're plugged into electric. I check mine AT LEAST once a month. Always fill with distilled water.

How long have you been using the minder and how often do you need to attend to it's needs? My MH has 4 house batteries and I need a solution for the and the 2 regular MH batteries also. Thanks

[cnanago]

Thanks Cedar, that's good to know and Karen, thanks also, I will get that battery minder for peace of mind as batteries are not cheap to replace and thank you ever so much for the distilled water reminder. My BiL had put regular water in the old batteries and I think that's what caused the one to start smoking by the next morning, whew what a stink.
Have a great day ladies.

[AlmostThere]

I'm so totally confused on water and batteries. The last few MHs I've looked at I've mentioned checking the water in the house batteries and was told that adding water was a thing in the past. They don't take water anymore. So are there two different types of batteries? What am I not getting here?

[Cedar518]

My battery in the camper is sealed. I do not have to check or add water. As was the one in the 2004 Chalet.

[retiredhappy]

Yes, there are two different kinds of batteries: One you have to check the water and the other is sealed. The sealed batteries are more expensive.

The battery minder replaces the caps where you put the water in with a cap that has hoses attached that connect the batteries together. There is a hose with a "squeeze pump" that you attach to the hose on the battery and you put one end in the bottle of water and just "pump". When you can no longer pump the batteries (all of them are full).

[OutandAbout]

Micheline, To test the charge on your house batteries, or engine battery for that matter, you will need a volt meter tester. They are available in any auto parts store, Wal Mart in the auto dept, etc. Anyone at the counter should be able to help you find it. Very handy to have. I haven't checked into the batter filler thing Karen was talking about yet,it's possible that too could be purchased at an auto parts store. If not,I heard Camping World has it. Hope this helps . Linda

[Bethers]

Yes, there are sealed batteries. I don't know of any mh that comes with them - but they can be purchased. I've seen them last longer, or less time - have not seen them be better - so I don't spend the money. I purchase my batteries now at AutoZone - and they have a warranty. I've replaced mine twice now before they should have needed it - and only had to pay partial because of it -

When I travel in some areas, I have never had problems with water levels. When I travel in the really dry areas (AZ, etc) I make sure to check my batteries water level every month -and usually need some. (I truly believe the sealed batteries (for the auxiliary batteries) are not good in the dry climates - but some disagree with me) - I'll just keep checking mine.

[Forestgal]

Lenora, some of the smaller rigs come with sealed batteries due to where they're located. Batteries that require distilled water need a way to vent, and often the smaller Class Bs and Cs just don't have enough space to vent them properly. The thing about sealed batteries is that once they're dead they're dead. With the un-sealed kind you can sometimes resurrect them by adding distilled water.

If you're not going to be using your rig regularly you might consider disconnecting them altogether, as there's a constant parasitic draw on them from all sorts of things you never think about. Some rigs come with a built-in disconnect switch. On my trailer I added one on the tongue, so when I'm done with a trip I can just turn a little plastic key and they're fine. I still have to check them periodically to see that they're full, but they definitely last longer being disconnected between trips.

It's also somewhat of a misnomer to think that you'll be able to charge your battery well by driving. It'll help, but don't count on it to get a full, deep charge by allowing your driving do the work. The best way to get your batteries fully charged is to use a charger and do a deep charge.

BTW ... I never knew any of this until I took a maintenance course at one of the RVW rallies. The things you learn! I even learned how to clean my hot water tank -- another regular chore every RV owner must do. And it's easy!

[VickieP]

Thread Jack: Forestgal, good to see you got your signature pics up and looking great! Why not post a bigger one of your furbaby on the pet thread! And one of your rv in that thread!

[AlmostThere]

Forestgal, thanks for the explanation.

Beth, perhaps the sealed batteries are more expensive just because of the convience of not having to keep an eye on water levels, not that they are any better otherwise? Just a thought.

[Cedar518]

I had a sealed bat on the tongue of my Chalet. It lasted well for four years. However I did take it into the cellar for over the freezing weather in the winter. Starting all over again with the Rockwood and will do the same. I keep my rig plugged in during days it's not on the road camping. Seems to keep the bat fully charged. When camping I run my gen at least twice a day so that also re-charges bat at campsite.

[Shirlv]

I have sealed batteries, just couldn't handle trying to remember one more thing.