Should I add water to the batteries?

[hedgehopper]

How can I tell which batteries are "sealed" and which batteries should have water added?

[RCMAN46]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Even on "maintenance free" starting batteries the water level should be checked about every 12 months for MAXIMUM LIFE ! You will probably need a screw driver or small/thin pry bar to get the caps off.

I am surprised this has not come up but, if you have city water, you can use it straight for topping off. If you have well water, I would suggest buying distilled water.

Totally disagree with using city water.

If you were to top off with Yuma city water a new battery will be in your near future.

[babock]

midnightsadie wrote:
if you have no idea what your doing ask a friend or another camper batteries can be very dangerous ,they can explode.

It's pretty rare. The only way it happens is if the battery has been discharging lot's of hydrogen gas and someone creates a spark near the battery. Won't happen by just opening up a cell or cells to fill it.

[babock]

There is no such thing as a sealed flooded lead acid battery. That's a marketing gimmick. I have yet to see a flooded lead acid battery that you can't get the "caps" off.

[theoldwizard1]

Even on "maintenance free" starting batteries the water level should be checked about every 12 months for MAXIMUM LIFE ! You will probably need a screw driver or small/thin pry bar to get the caps off.

I am surprised this has not come up but, if you have city water, you can use it straight for topping off. If you have well water, I would suggest buying distilled water.

[drsteve]

midnightsadie wrote:
if you have no idea what your doing ask a friend or another camper batteries can be very dangerous, they can explode.

True. I have seen a lead acid battery explode, and while rare, it's pretty violent.

[midnightsadie]

if you have no idea what your doing ask a friend or another camper batteries can be very dangerous ,they can explode.

[cyntdon2010]

time2roll wrote:
If the cell caps come off with a twist and pull of your fingers then you should lift the caps and check the water level.

Use distilled only. Fully charge first. Fill to 1/4" to 1/8" below the split ring that extends down into the cell. Just touching is absolute max.

If you are using a screwdriver or other tool to open the battery it is sealed. Leave it alone.
Picture of the top would help or at least a better description of the brand and model.

I disagree, with your statement."If you are using a screwdriver or other tool to open the battery it is sealed. Leave it alone".
My battery tops has a slot that you can open with a flat screw driver or a dime or quarter for each cap. my camper stays plug in year around so every 3 months I check the water level.

[time2roll]

Adding Water
Generally, a certain amount of water loss is normal in all batteries, and it should be replaced with “pure” tap water or distilled water. In some areas around the country, tap water may contain chemicals or other impurities harmful to batteries. If water is needed, add just enough to bring the electrolyte to the proper level. Batteries should be filled only at the end of the charging cycle. Overfilling is the most common error made when watering, and it can cause tray corrosion. Because tray corrosion can cause EXTENSIVE DAMAGE to batteries and vehicles, extreme caution must be taken to avoid overfilling the batteries.

http://www.crownbattery.com/faqs

[time2roll]

I understand the electrolyte expands a bit when charged vs discharged.
Yes if it is 85+ percent charged it is probably fine.
Just to avoid overfill.

Although I have never monitored the full effect so maybe it is minor enough to be ignored?

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Ummm, wouldn't filling first then charging second, allow the cell to mix more thoroughly?

[time2roll]

If the cell caps come off with a twist and pull of your fingers then you should lift the caps and check the water level.

Use distilled only. Fully charge first. Fill to 1/4" to 1/8" below the split ring that extends down into the cell. Just touching is absolute max.

If you are using a screwdriver or other tool to open the battery it is sealed. Leave it alone.
Picture of the top would help or at least a better description of the brand and model.