JimK-NY
NY
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What is about AGM battery charging? Mine charge at 14.3 and float at 13.3.
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MetalGator
Florida
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Thanks for the responses. My motorhome is a 2018 Thor Miramar 35.3. I will have to look at the inverter/Charger and see what the model is. The old batteries were still working fine but once I saw the one battery swollen, I wanted to change both of them.
Would turning off the battery switch while plugged to AC at my storage facility keep the batteries from overcharging? We do have stuff in the fridge so still need to be plugged in.
Burch
2018 Miramar 35.3 Motorhome
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2oldman
NM
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Freezing is also a cause of swelling. Any chance that happened?
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MetalGator
Florida
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2oldman wrote:Freezing is also a cause of swelling. Any chance that happened?
Freezing isn’t a problem here. I live in Florida and the motorhome is stored in a garage.
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way2roll
Wilmington NC
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MetalGator wrote:Thanks for the responses. My motorhome is a 2018 Thor Miramar 35.3. I will have to look at the inverter/Charger and see what the model is. The old batteries were still working fine but once I saw the one battery swollen, I wanted to change both of them.
Would turning off the battery switch while plugged to AC at my storage facility keep the batteries from overcharging? We do have stuff in the fridge so still need to be plugged in.
Burch
Depends. On an older Thor Class A we had, plugging in overrode/bypassed the battery disconnect and charged them anyway. Simple test to disconnect and plug it in to see if they are charging though. Is your fridge multi fuel( AC/12V/LP) ?
Our Older gasser had issues though with the disconnect. In storage, unplugged even with the disconnect there was still a phantom draw somehere that drained them. Sold it before I figured it out.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Don't fill an uncharged battery much over the plates.
Fully charge, and then add distilled water.
Then do a short "stirring charge".
Regards, Don
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ktmrfs
Portland, Oregon
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pianotuna wrote:Don't fill an uncharged battery much over the plates.
Fully charge, and then add distilled water.
Then do a short "stirring charge".
exactly. Almost a direct quote from trojan Flooded cell batteries water level is highest once fully charged. if you fill when partially or near fully discharged water level can end up being way to high once charged.
As your charging your increasing the concentration of sulphuric acid in the cells. that increases cell water volume.
Just make sure the plates are covered slightly before you charge. then check for proper water level and add water if needed once the battery reaches full charge.
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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MetalGator,
If it is an absorption fridge you may wish to reconsider plugging in all the time.
My Fridge uses 5.7 kwh per day. It is a big waste of energy.
Your instincts are good--all batteries should be replaced at the same time. Just make sure to wire them in a balanced manner.
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wa8yxm
Davison Michigan (East of Flint)
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The proper "Full" level when FULLY CHARGED is 1/4 to 1/8" BELOW the split ring.
Some will tell you it's the bottom of the split ring but if you fill it that full they tend to "Spit" a bit (That Spit means spit out a bit of acid and need more frequent cleaning)...
Why when fully charged? The stuff changes volume as the battery charges... It literally "Fills" the battery If not fully charged go about half way between plate and bottom of filler tube. then charge. and top off.
Home was where I park it. but alas the.
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Veebyes
Bermuda & Maryland Eastern Shore
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Next time around consider AGM or lithium. The AGM is more than the current wet cells but there is no maintenance, sealed so no leakage, have a much lower self discharge rate than wet cells therefore have no need for a trickle charger during months of storage, provided they are disconnected, & have a service life of up to 10 years.
Combine these with a programmable charger & you have a maintenance free, trouble free system for a very long time.
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