Rookie Mistake (batteries FROZE)

[RvBill3]

The batteries are likely ruined. Of bigger concern is the freezing may have cracked the case. Watch out as they thaw-you could end up with leaking acid. (Baking Soda will neutralize it but a big mess).

[Terier]

Originally Posted by RvBill3

The batteries are likely ruined. Of bigger concern is the freezing may have cracked the case. Watch out as they thaw-you could end up with leaking acid. (Baking Soda will neutralize it but a big mess).

Oh wow - never thought about that. Ouch!

[wayne anthony]

In Colorado, am in the 12th winter of leaving the battery in the trailer (fully charged and disconnected) os far without any problems. Got nine years out of a Walmart battery. Wayne

[skgeorgy]

Originally Posted by Terier

With my very limited knowledge on batteries I need to ask-
Will the battery work once the ice melts?

The other thing that happens when a battery freezes is the electrode plates also get bent and damaged. So even it all the electrolyte doesn't leak out and make a mess, the charge capacity and efficiency of the battery will have been compromised.

[crocus]

The OP said the battery boxes were half full of water, so obviously the battery cases cracked, and more obviously ruined. Sucks.
Make sure to buy a couple of boxes of baking soda and use liberally.

[sherdep]

Hey Darren (OP)
Sucks to hear about the batteries

I am running dual Gel Batteries on the front of my camper so since you essentially have the same model as me except Flagstaff your Converter / Charge will work ok with Gel Batteries.

If you cant locate them look for a place that either sell's Building UPS (Uniterupted Power Supply) or Building Generator's - they can get you Gel Batteries - thats how I got mine

[teamgl]

Originally Posted by campdohbrew

As for associating ice with fishing or fish, that would be caught fish which are iced or beer on ice while fishing or the consumption of ice cold beverages while eating fish. That ice fishing is probably fun?

Ice fishing is certainly a different experience -- when they hit it is a lot of fun. Biggest trout I caught was ice fishing. Hearing the ice pop and crack when we are out there can be a bit unnerving.

Below are some photos from our first outing.

Originally Posted by Terier

With my very limited knowledge on batteries I need to ask-
Will the battery work once the ice melts?

The batteries are shot. I spent the afternoon yesterday shopping for gel or agm 6 Volt replacements. no such luck - so I'll probably get the same batteries.

BTW -- In my previous camper - we replaced the flooded cell battery with an AGM. It was expensive but well worth it. We had it in the camper all year long without charge and in temps well below freezing - in the spring it received a full charge and we never had a problem with the battery.

Oh, well. Lesson learned and hope my mistake helps someone else avoid the same - ROOKIE mistake.