Warm step over battery compartment on Isata 3 FW

caswelld · 09-29-2019, 09:47 PM

I noticed that the entrance step that's right over the battery compartment is warm, not hot, but noticeably warm to the touch. It may always have been that way, but I never noticed it before. We have been plugged into 30 amp shore power for several weeks.

Have any owners noticed this? Is it normal?

I've not seen this on other RVs.

Thanks.

Dave

FFred · 09-30-2019, 05:33 AM

NOT NORMAL.

If you were boon docking the big M-B alternator might heat a low battery set for the first hour or two to notice , but not after being plugged in to a charger for storage .

MY guess is the batteries are shot and the charger just keeps charging 24/7 which creates the heat.

LOOK for bulges in the case , and use a volt meter to see if the charger is at 13.8 or higher.

Have the charger checked before installing new batts.

Bill Davis · 09-30-2019, 08:03 AM

I would have the battery’s tested. One is probably bad causing it to overheat. It should not be warm and you should not smell sulfur. You must replace both battery’s at the same time if just one is bad or you will still have problems. It’s unlikely that the converter is bad in my opinion.

milkman55 · 09-30-2019, 08:18 AM

As much as you use your RV, I also would guess the batteries might be suspect. I have been thinking about having our original batteries tested on our 2017.

Bill Davis · 09-30-2019, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

As much as you use your RV, I also would guess the batteries might be suspect. I have been thinking about having our original batteries tested on our 2017.

I replaced mine after the first year for the same problem as the OP is having.

5picker · 09-30-2019, 08:31 AM

Batteries with a bad cell (or two) and those that have been left go dry can get very hot.
Have them checked.

Magnatudes · 09-30-2019, 09:05 AM

Definitely batteries. Charger can't get to fully charged mode so it keeps charging and cooking the bad battery. Replace both batteries since they are wired in parallel. Both batteries should be of relatively equal health & size.

caswelld · 09-30-2019, 11:15 AM

Thanks to everyone, great information.

I'm going to winterize the MH next week so I guess I'll just pull the batteries & look at getting new ones next spring.

Thanks,

Dave

Magnatudes · 09-30-2019, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caswelld

Thanks to everyone, great information.

I'm going to winterize the MH next week so I guess I'll just pull the batteries & look at getting new ones next spring.

Thanks,

Dave

If the batteries are the Intimidators, they really should have lasted longer. I have used these batteries since the last decade. As long as you maintain them on a smart charger, they should give you at least 5-6 years of life. And they are not cheap. $250+ each. If you plan on keeping the coach, I suggest you replace them with Group 31s Intimidators & the Duracell equivalent, for a few more bucks each. Basically the same physical size but higher amp/hr. and a bit heavier.

Gumpster808 · 09-30-2019, 04:44 PM

Had the same issue on our Forester.

One of the batteries was bubbling when I opened the compartment (under our steps).

They actually set off the gas detector as well which was good since it had aged to needing replaced as well when I pulled it.

Two new batteries and no more warm step or gas alarm.

milkman55 · 09-30-2019, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caswelld

Thanks to everyone, great information.

I'm going to winterize the MH next week so I guess I'll just pull the batteries & look at getting new ones next spring.

Thanks,

Dave

Let us know what batteries you decide on for replacement. I am going to be shopping soon myself.

Bill Davis · 09-30-2019, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman55

Let us know what batteries you decide on for replacement. I am going to be shopping soon myself.

I went with Interstate and have been very pleased with there performance.

caswelld · 09-30-2019, 10:24 PM

I turned off the converter circuit breaker & after about 10 minutes I checked the battery level on the monitor, it was showing full charge at 4. After an hour & a half it was at 3. We had several overhead lights on. Also, I felt the side of the warm battery & it had cooled down some.

Looks like I'll be in the market for a set of AGM batteries

Dave

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