Battery water

Crows Nest

Senior Member
RV LIFE Pro
Joined
Jul 3, 2023
Messages
270
Location
Los Osos
Has anyone used a “self-watering” system for batteries? I built some shelves where the front bench is so they are hard to access on a regular basis.
 
I know that there have threads in the past, but it's been awhile. Maybe a search will find them.

Water usage does vary, probably depends on the charging voltage. Mine typically don't require checking much more than twice a year. Once you establish a baseline you'll know how long you can typically go without having to check them.

Ron
 
2 nd on not adding water often.
I use a turkey baster to add water.

And no I don’t use the wife’s from the kitchen, bought a cheap one and leave the baster by the batteries.
 
Ok. Thanks. So much for google: every two months or more! Here’s another thing to not worry about.
 
I used one before I switched to Lithium. Worked well - connect & squeeze the bulb every couple of months.
 
There are FLA battery caps that have a catalyst (alumina) that reacts with the hydrogen gas given off during charging to change it back to water with the ambient oxygen.
H + 02= H2O. The catalyst is not consumed during use, and doesn't need to be replaced.
Do a search for compatible caps.
Here's one: Battery Recombination Caps - Doyle Shamrock Industries
There are others.
 
Last edited:
Very cool but this is from the website:

Recommended Usage:​

  • Max. charging voltage: 2.4 Volts +/- 1%
  • Recommended for stationary batteries only. Not intended for batteries subjected to rough motion.
Solar panels and shore power charge at more than 2.4 volts.
 
typical RV charging voltage for lead acid is 13.6V, divided by 6 cells, thats 2.25V per cell. 2.4V times 6 cells is 14.4V which some lead acid systems use as an absorption voltage.
 
Solar? If charging off the power converter, and it is a multistage unit, it should only be charging in float mode after a few hours (13.2 v) and the battery will not boil off water.

I have the same group 24 RV/marine battery in my trailer that was in it when I bought it (used) in late 2019. I immediately changed the power converter to a Progressive Dynamics multi-stage unit (it had a WFCO multi-stage someone had installed.... Parallax panel) and the WFCO was not changing stages, I junked it. I have NEVER ADDED WATER to the battery since 2019 and once in a while check the level and it is always fine. It floats at 13.2 volts and is plugged in 24/7 when I am not using the trailer.

Charles
 
Very cool but this is from the website:

Recommended Usage:​

  • Max. charging voltage: 2.4 Volts +/- 1%
  • Recommended for stationary batteries only. Not intended for batteries subjected to rough motion.
Solar panels and shore power charge at more than 2.4 volts.
Yes, I saw that. There are other manufacturers of those devices, and the 2.4 Volts refers to an individual battery cell. A 6V or 12V battery is made of multiple individual cells, interconnected.
Your circus, your monkeys. Good luck.
 
Where
Anyone have an explanation why some unites batteries need water more often then others ?
Where the trailer typically resides. Heat makes a big difference. I bet those in the cooler north states don't have to add water as often as those in the hot southwest states. It's something I check twice a year. When I dewinterize and when I winterize. But I live in a pretty temperate climate.
 
WFCO Technologies made / makes the power center, distribution, converter in my E19. It was the stock option when I purchased. I have not upgraded it, and so far, it has been fine. When I replace batteries, I’ll likely go lithium and Progressive Dynamics.
 
afaik, Escape has always used WFCO DC converters. The classic ones, like my 2014, charge at a steady 13.6V. The newest ones supposedly auto detect lithium batteries, and also use a 3-stage charging on lead acid. You can install the PD4655L power module into the older ones to support lithium, its a drop in module plus 5 wires.
 

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