Exploding Chassis Battery?

MooseMan

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 18, 2013
Messages
277
A few nights ago, it was about 19°F, and we heard a loud bang outside. The next morning I noticed plastic battery case parts on the ground. I open up the engine compartment and the battery had blown up. I mean top half blown off. The battery is the original so it's 10 years old. It never had any issue so we never replaced it. The two cabin batteries seem OK. They were replaced about 2 years ago with the identical batteries as the original. I thought overcharging and was told it could have been an internal short in the battery. I need to replace the battery, but don't know the specs on the battery. The lable on top is gone completely. It is a
1000080605.jpg
2014 FR3 30DS with the Triton 6.8L V10.
 
I believe your battery would be the same for any Class A motorhome units on the Ford F53 chassis with the Triton 6.8L V10, however I’ve asked the moderators to move your post to the FR3 sub forum.
 
Looks like the battery had a removable strip across the top to check cell electrolyte levels.
Had you ever done so?
Charging a dry battery will build up gases that WILL explode.
 
That battery acid went somewhere. I'd be taking a hose and gently spraying things down that look like they got wet.

You can go to an auto parts web site and enter the chassis info and they'll tell you what battery you need.

Ray
 
Thank you. I left a message with Barry Hughes, at Forest River's FR3 division, and he took the time to call me back from an RV show! Wow! Talk about being on top of things! He said I need a 27 series, F53 chassis, deep cycle battery. I'm going to get one today. I'm definitely going to hose everything down. Now I need to figure out what to do with this acid filled half battery?
 
From your picture that is the Motorcraft chassis battery. That is not a group 27 deep cycle. The Ford F53 chassis uses a group 65 starting battery, either a FLA (wet cell) or AGM available at any auto parts store will be a exact replacement.

The group 27 deep cycle battery are the house battery.

Use baking soda and water to neutralize the spilled battery acid.
 
Last edited:
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I don't remember when I last topped off the battery with distilled water, so that may have played a part in the issue.
 
Thank you Steve. It's definitely a Motorcraft battery. I will look up the group 65 battery.
 
Thank you Steve. It's definitely a Motorcraft battery. I will look up the group 65 battery.
Please don't look up anything. You don't seem to have the experience to know what you need. That's not a criticism or a dig. We all have different knowledge, backgrounds, and skill sets.

Just go to an auto parts store and tell them you have a 2013 or 2014 Ford F53 motorhome and you need the battery. Ford has used the same battery for many, many years.

An auto parts store will not know anything about the house batteries so there's no danger of mixing them up.

And yes, go with an AGM this time. It'll be more expensive but you never have to check the water. I installed AGM house batteries.

Also the Group size, 27, 65, whatever, ONLY defines the physical dimensions, nothing else. Not the weight, not the power, nothing. Just whether it will physically fit. WAY too many techs do not understand that.

Ray
 
If it truly was a 12 yr old battery it is possible that the SG got so low that it froze and expanded. I have seen this in other other old RV batteries.
 
Please don't look up anything. You don't seem to have the experience to know what you need. That's not a criticism or a dig. We all have different knowledge, backgrounds, and skill sets.

Just go to an auto parts store and tell them you have a 2013 or 2014 Ford F53 motorhome and you need the battery. Ford has used the same battery for many, many years.

An auto parts store will not know anything about the house batteries so there's no danger of mixing them up.

And yes, go with an AGM this time. It'll be more expensive but you never have to check the water. I installed AGM house batteries.

Also the Group size, 27, 65, whatever, ONLY defines the physical dimensions, nothing else. Not the weight, not the power, nothing. Just whether it will physically fit. WAY too many techs do not understand that.

Ray
Although Barry Hughes replied quickly, I agree with NXR.
The replacement battery is NOT a Deep Cycle battery.
If the OP or Barry weren’t 100% in agreement about which battery in question needed replacement, his expertise may be more focused on the FR3 battery (batteries) as opposed to the Ford F53 battery for the Triton V10 engine compartment.
And, like suggested, go with an AGM battery replacement.
 
Now I need to figure out what to do with this acid filled half battery?

You will probably be required to pay a deposit for the return of the old battery when you purchase the new one. Let the store know what you'll be returning and see what they say... I'd buy a cheap plastic storage box to put it, and loose pieces, in to return it.

+1 on the AGM comments. I'd definitely be going for an AGM replacement.
 
Usually an old battery is required when buying a new one. Use a box lined with a trash bag.

Measure the dimensions carefully. The store may need that. At least in Ohio they are not returnable so be careful and take the tape measure with you.

Good AGM will be about $200.
 
I replaced the original battery in my 2017 F53 frame this past summer. Photo is of the original Ford battery. Replaced with a group 65 AGM. Battery from Auto Zone was $199 plus tax.
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