Battery Boiling

[jaxenro]

2010 Rockwood Mini Lite 1809S

Last nite we noticed the outside light stopped working - checked the bulb looks ok and didn't see any fuses blown or circuits tripped

Today we moved to a different site about 500 yards away. Disconnected everything except I forgot to shut off the gas water heater and shut off the gas but not sure why that would matter. Hooked up to the new site everything seemed fine then we noticed a sulfer smell outside

Checked everywhere around the trailer and found the battery was smoking (slightly) and I guess boiling. I disconnected the wires going to it everything still works fine we are plugged into the 30 amp but why is the battery so hot and boiling? Did I do something wrong or is it just going bad? Is there a short in the batter charging system?

Where do I look and what do I do?

[Westiedog3]

Be very wary
with that battery ,we had one explode on us due to boiling because of an internal plate short. Destroyed the battery box but contained the acid splash. Could be your converter over charging but not likely. Things like this sometimes happen. Take care with it.

[Oaklevel]

May be the battery, is it the original battery & when was the last time you added water to it ?? As last posted be careful it can explode. Never had one do that but...... If it is the original from a 20120 trailer it was probably from 2009 & due to be replaced you can take to an auto parts store & get them to check it.

[jaxenro]

I disconnected it completely do I need a battery connected when hooked to shore power?

[jaxenro]

should I move it away from the trailer

[Flybob]

I would replace the battery as soon as possible. Probably be OK with no battery for a short period of time, but I would not run it that way for a long time as the battery is a buffer for voltage and loads. Also make sure that pos battery cable does not touch the frame or neg cable.

[Witch Doctor]

Originally Posted by jaxenro

should I move it away from the trailer

Yes if you can, your converter could very well be the problem by not going into float mode. I would get the battery checked at Napa or somewhere. If you are just boiling the water off it is the converter. Add water to cover the plates for now. Then get it checked if it shows good then your converter has the problem 13.2 is float, 13.5 is absorption. if it stays there all the time it will boil out the water.

[Iwannacamp]

Be careful of a hot bad battery. The gases you smell are explosive. I would unplug power and turn off accessories. The get a fan to blow out the area(assuming it's in a compartment). Carefully disconnect the cables..not to short out(don't put your face over the battery) wear glasses/goggles carefully remove battery and set down carefully.
Roughly handling a battery can cause a loose/short inside and since you know there is a lot of gasses there.

Just be careful...and yes I have had 2 explode on me. Never hammer of twist much on a battery.


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[Cypressloser]

Originally Posted by Iwannacamp

Be careful of a hot bad battery. The gases you smell are explosive. I would unplug power and turn off accessories. The get a fan to blow out the area(assuming it's in a compartment). Carefully disconnect the cables..not to short out(don't put your face over the battery) wear glasses/goggles carefully remove battery and set down carefully.
Roughly handling a battery can cause a loose/short inside and since you know there is a lot of gasses there.

Just be careful...and yes I have had 2 explode on me. Never hammer of twist much on a battery.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

Correct!!!
Never mess with a hot battery, I know a guy who had a car battery explode in his face, it almost killed him and he is scared for life.

[McFire]

Converter over charge or just a bad battery. If you've unhooked it be sure your cables do not touch the frame as Flybob said. You'll be replacing the converter for sure. Lesson learned due to a thief cutting the cables just to steal my battery. Do you have a battery disconnect switch? Should not leave it on more than about 48 hours while on shore power. Converter well eventually boil it.