How to check coach battery levels

360true · 08-10-2016, 08:42 AM

On my 378, I have four 12 volt coach batteries. They are mounted in a way that it is virtually impossible to check the inside battery levels. As tough to even take off the covers.

Other than the auto fillers, does anyone have any tips to see the levels?

slhein · 08-10-2016, 08:52 AM

I purchased a hydrometer from Amazon. Remove the caps on the batteries and stick the syringe into each hole to measure the water/acid levels. The syringe draws water/acid from the battery and has a gauge to measure the level and charge. The bulb can also serve as a way to add distilled water if level is low.

RJJ · 08-10-2016, 09:16 AM

I use one of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/OTC-4621-2-l...-/400694924326
You don't have to see the level, it shuts off and doesn't over fill. Have used it twice now and am happy with it.

2015 Georgetown 329DS
2014 Chevy Equinox

SS396CV · 08-10-2016, 10:44 AM

I know you said no auto fillers, this is what I installed. https://flow-rite.com/battery-wateri...e-rv/qwik-fill

Very easy to fill now.

Before that it was a 30 minute job to check levels, I had to move each battery out to check the rear cells. Then filling them half blindly.

RVnut · 08-10-2016, 12:15 PM

I would guess this would have to be added to the winterize list

360true · 08-10-2016, 02:15 PM

RJJ... Looks like an inexpensive solution. Thanks.

txredfish · 08-10-2016, 04:07 PM

On my previous motorhome, I could not see the rear battery enough in order to check the fluid level. I went to Wally World and purchased a cheap hand mirror. That worked perfectly.

tomrob1161 · 08-10-2016, 04:19 PM

I have used the Quik-fil for years very good system.

milvet33 · 08-10-2016, 05:13 PM

Have been using Quick Fill for almost 8 years. Easy to use, works great.

Cornelius · 08-10-2016, 10:19 PM

I use a turkey baster to add distilled water to the battery cells, and a small flashlight to assist in seeing the level in the interior cells where it is dark under the step.

Modmike · 08-24-2016, 03:39 PM

Love quick fill.

CaptainJustice · 12-13-2016, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJJ

I use one of these. OTC 4621 2 liter Battery Filler | eBay
You don't have to see the level, it shuts off and doesn't over fill. Have used it twice now and am happy with it.

2015 Georgetown 329DS
2014 Chevy Equinox

Those work great. However, I have the battery cables (4 house batteries) crossing over the caps and a bundle of heavy gauge wire crossing over the rearmost caps. I can't even get the caps off, much less use the filler!

Grrr, I see a lot of re-routing in my future. Dumb, dumb and inconsiderate way the factory does things. Most things.

RJJ · 12-13-2016, 10:34 PM

I am lucky, I am able to maneuver my cables just enough to fill my batteries. I agree some thought about the end user would have been nice.

2015 Georgetown 329DS
2014 Chevy Equinox

BillMFl · 12-14-2016, 08:17 AM

I recently changed to AGM (sealed) batteries to avoid this problem. I boiled my previous batteries dry! Some how I managed to forget to check the water levels. No longer trust my memory.

Nomore9-5 · 12-15-2016, 01:47 PM

We currently own a 2012 378T . I use a wooden handle from an old rake and GENTLY work it under the hydraulic cables to the frame and lift cables up/ off the back caps.The handle is long enough to wedge against entry door when it's open when I work on them. I also use a mirror that has built in light to check liquid level.

PS I was always under impression I had 4 batteries - turns out there's only 2, each one with 2 battery caps

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