Check Your Battery(s)

[_1nobby]

It's been a hot summer and I've gotten some use out of the PortaNobby.

I had to get both LP tanks refilled and since my batteries are hidden down below the tanks I thought I'd take a look.
2 - 6V wet batteries were THIRSTY.
Fluid was still covering the top of the plates, but barely.
I added 1.5 litres total between the 2 batteries.

I seem to remember checking them BEFORE last season started.
My bad.

There is a moral to this story.

[_1nobby]

dave54 wrote:
Yeah, they are a real PITA to access. Behind the propane tanks, remove some straps in a space barely large enough for my fingers to fit, snap open the box lids with a long screwdriver, just to see the top of the batteries.

I try to check them at every propane refill, but sometimes I say heck with it and I'll check them later. Then usually don't.

During our last trip I noticed they went from full charge to 50% in one night with the heater on. So I checked and they were thirsty. They are four year old batteries, so it may be time to replace.

Jeez......I almost thought I wrote what you wrote. Exact same story.
Except that my batteries are still holding a charge.

[dave54]

Yeah, they are a real PITA to access. Behind the propane tanks, remove some straps in a space barely large enough for my fingers to fit, snap open the box lids with a long screwdriver, just to see the top of the batteries.

I try to check them at every propane refill, but sometimes I say heck with it and I'll check them later. Then usually don't.

During our last trip I noticed they went from full charge to 50% in one night with the heater on. So I checked and they were thirsty. They are four year old batteries, so it may be time to replace.

[wnjj]

I have never had to add a drop to our one battery in 13 years. Replaced it at 6 years after it sat all winter on a tripped GFCI. Replaced it last year since it was 6 years old. Cheap Interstate group 29 on a PD converter 24/7 when parked. Used on several trips per year, most without hookups.

[CaLBaR]

Checked mine the other day too. Still covering the plates but added nearly 1/2 liter of water to both of mine.

[bpounds]

#1nobby wrote:
...my batteries are hidden down below the tanks I thought I'd take a look...

Good situation for a remote watering system. And then, go AGM for your next set of batteries.

[allen8106]

The moral to the story is to check the water level monthly.

[Lwiddis]

First of the month...battery check time unless camping, then weekly. Batteries are expensive!

[hotjag1]

Thanks for the reminder. It's been hot in our area for a few months and I haven't checked water level for about 6 weeks. Going to do that today on all vehicles including golf cart and UTV.