New batteries take 1 litre of top off water

Modmike · 06-03-2016, 08:52 AM

I took delivery of my coach in February of this year and have been out only 3 times.

Last week, during a lull in our campsite activities, I installed a battery watering system. Today I got some distilled water and filled the batteries for our weekend trip.

To my consternation, I had to pump nearly 1 litre of water into my 4 batteries. Is this normal?

The system has internal floats that stop the water flow when the cells are full. Is it possible they allow for additional water?

I guess I will know when I refill, I just hope I am not boiling my batteries!

wrapperman · 06-03-2016, 09:29 AM

That would be a concern
The batteries should not take much water, especially in that sort of time
When you installed your watering system was it low or did you add any water at that time? Could it have been low to begin with.
Keep an eye on it because the batteries could burn up quickly if over charging persist.
Boiling water out of the batteries is usually caused by a bad converter.

dphorton · 06-03-2016, 02:02 PM

Which Battery Water System are you using. Looking to purchase on for myself.

wrapperman · 06-03-2016, 03:11 PM

I purchased one from the company that services our elective forklifts
Don't know the brand but will ask my service rep.
They are nice to have
They are low profile so they are only 3/4" tall
They cost me $125, a little pricey but since my batteries are in a tight spot, making it difficult to check the water, it was well worth it. Never having to pop the caps is a plus

dphorton · 06-03-2016, 05:15 PM

I definitely know it is tight to work in. I was looking at this system Flow-Rite MP-2000 Qwik-Fill 12V Double RV Battery Watering System and 2010 for one Batteries. Thanks for answering my post.

toolman_57 · 06-03-2016, 05:57 PM

After about 17 months and 90 days of camping (so far), I've probably added 16 oz of water to the 4 batteries in the 364.

wrapperman · 06-03-2016, 06:02 PM

I looked at those also.
Good price. The ones I bought are less height than those. I chose mine because the Trojan batteries were taller than the original ones which made even less room.
If my coach was not in storage I would take a picture. Next Friday I will post some pictures for you.
If you have room I would definitely install those. A big time saver and you can't overfill, at least not the ones I have.

SS396CV · 06-03-2016, 06:31 PM

My batteries were full when I added my watering system, when I added water through the system it took a lot more. I assume the whole watering system takes more water to fill all the caps and lines. I use them on all 4 batteries, it is a snap to fill now.

I used the flow rite system, need 2 kits for 4 batteries

Dabmeb · 06-04-2016, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modmike

I took delivery of my coach in February of this year and have been out only 3 times.

Last week, during a lull in our campsite activities, I installed a battery watering system. Today I got some distilled water and filled the batteries for our weekend trip.

To my consternation, I had to pump nearly 1 litre of water into my 4 batteries. Is this normal?

The system has internal floats that stop the water flow when the cells are full. Is it possible they allow for additional water?

I guess I will know when I refill, I just hope I am not boiling my batteries!

The battery watering systems I use allow a higher water level in the battery. When you figure in filling the lines and then having the water up to the auto stop you have added less than 250ml per battery and they may not have been topped right up when you picked up the unit.
Now that they are filled this is the time to start monitoring them.

Al Fiallos · 06-04-2016, 01:53 PM

JMHO - that sounds like too much water to add on some new batteries. I would go one step further and check the gravity in each cell or at the least each battery. I know it would be a big hassel but my concern is that the battery factory did not add enough electrolyte before they shipped the batteries, and checking the gravity would tell you if the electrolyte is diluted. The specific gravity for your batteries would be available from the manufacturer but should be in the range of 1250 to 1275.
Kind regards,
Al

camaraderie · 06-04-2016, 06:55 PM

Sounds fine to me given the new system and he number of batteries. The true test will be the next fill. I gotta get one of those systems...wonder if they'll be selling them at the Goshen show.

Modmike · 06-06-2016, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dphorton

Which Battery Water System are you using. Looking to purchase on for myself.

Sorry about the late response, I was camping in the boonies where they don't even have cell service.

I bought the Pro-Fill from Flowrite. I chose it because it had one piece 3 cell valves. Easy to install and less risk of leaks.

I am posting a quick review right after this.

Modmike · 06-06-2016, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabmeb

The battery watering systems I use allow a higher water level in the battery. When you figure in filling the lines and then having the water up to the auto stop you have added less than 250ml per battery and they may not have been topped right up when you picked up the unit.
Now that they are filled this is the time to start monitoring them.

That was my thinking, we will see how it goes month to month.

Thanks!

Modmike · 06-06-2016, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Modmike

Sorry about the late response, I was camping in the boonies where they don't even have cell service.

I bought the Pro-Fill from Flowrite. I chose it because it had one piece 3 cell valves. Easy to install and less risk of leaks.

I am posting a quick review right after this.

I meant to say Qwik-Fill. I reviewed it here.

Ned · 06-06-2016, 04:54 PM

I checked the water level in our 2014 351 this weekend and found all cells low. I used a flavor infuser that I had to add the water. No mess at all. You can find these in the kitchen gadget area at Walmart. Each battery took about 16 ozs.