Corrorsion (white power) in battery compartment

[JEM]

I have asked this question before....but I don't think I explained clearly....the corrosion is NOT on the batteries but on the slide out tray and latches. I have removed the batteries, cleaned, painted the tray, installed battery pads and within 10 months the corrorsion is back. When I am not using the RV I keep it plugged in a 50amp service. Monthly I start the engine and run the generator.

Any suggestions for the corrosion? Photos attached.

Thanks,
Jim McAfee
2011 Birkshire 390BH

[Popcorn]

Jim that looks almost like runoff from the batteries is dripping down and pooling on your tray, causing the corrosion. If you leave the rig plugged in all the time, are you sure your batteries aren't "cooking" off electrolyte? Maybe some kind of "smart" charger to maintain the battery levels might be an answer?

[Wiscampsin]

I agree with Popcorn. Even though the 2 caps are on the battery tight liquid can still be forced out

[VinceU]

Agree with Wis amd Pop, sulfating out the caps is a bad sign. It belongs on the plates. Over charging or old batteries is common cause. Batteries best charged when needed, not continuously with excess amps. In the past when I had batteries ehaust this bad they became " short timers" soon after.

[jeeplj8]

if this has happened several times then most likely the batteries are very low on water.

If boiled dry they might catch fire.

You are overcharging them. Depending on your converter you may need to either replace with one that can smart charge or just buy a smart charger.

[dogwood36322]

Check the ventilation of your compartment to insure the fumes from the batteries are vented overboard. This wiil also cause corrosion in your compartment.

[VinceU]

Failed to mention the gas escaping from the battery had a + charge, its a attracted to the nearest - potential, anything attached to the chassis will do. Nuts, studs sheetmetal w/o paint is where it will stick and corrode.

[NO3putt]

Put at flow-rite watering system on our batteries and it' 95% less white power, also easy to put water in batteries. Just a suggestion.

[Bennington Camper]

That's definitely the effects of battery acid on metallic parts.
If you didn't neutralize the corrosion with a mixture of baking soda and water before you re-painted, it would return pretty quickly.
Also if during transport, any acid slopping out of the tops of the batteries would cause this, as well as the way others have mentioned, too aggressive charging of the batteries.

[Thurman]

Remove the batteries, remove ALL the corrosion you can with a water hose and a stiff plastic bristled brush and allow to dry. Go back over ALL the areas which had the corrosion on them, they will most likely not have any paint on these areas and wire brush them back to bare metal. Clean thoroughly again and allow to dry. Find some "red oxide" spray paint can(s) and spray the affected areas and some extra near these areas. Actually it would not hurt to paint the entire battery tray. Finish this off by using a spray "body undercoating" found at most auto parts stores, two coats would be better. I have found this to be effective on golf cart and camper battery trays to help prevent this from happening. Inspecting this area often will also help. Don't be afraid to throw some baking soda/water mix into the battery tray often the wash out the battery tray with a water hose. You can do this with the batteries in as long as you don't get the mixture on top of the batteries.

[garbonz]

Don't leave Them plugged in. Just charge them to full and disconnect them. Check them once a month, top off water and charge.

[JEM]

Thanks to all! Going to follow all suggestions.