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Topic: Replacing batteries (Read 994 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing batteries

As stated in previous posts, I have been experiencing house battery issues.  Our coach is all electric, 2 inverters, powered by 3 Northstar 210 AGM batteries each.  One inverter powers the refrigerator, electric cooktop and center AC unit.  The other inverter operates everything else.  This set of batteries are shot.  New ones are on the way.  Do I need to be aware of any special procedures, etc., when I change these batteries?  The batteries are stored in the same compartment as the fuel tank on the driver's side.  All batteries are mounted in a very heavy roll out tray, but I will probably need to remove the front 3 batteries to get to the 3 rear bad batteries.  Also, upon closer inspection, this compartment is vented through the floor by 4 approximately 2 in holes in the floor as well as a large rectangular vent at the bottom of the fuel tank.  The man who sold me the batteries said AGM's should not get hot when charged.  This has not been my experience.  Still thinking of a power vent.  Do I need something sealed to prevent explosion?  Welcome any suggestions.

Gregory & Judy
2003 Designer

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #1 –
I am new at this but I recently replaced my two bad 8D AGM's. Prior to replacement my old bad batteries did get warm during charging. The new ones do not. Most likely the charger was working hard to charge the bad ones causing them to heat up.

Regards, Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #2 –
Gregory, when you get ready to change your batts make sure all electrical loads are off including your master SW and inverters, this will prevent anty arcing when making connections. remove all negative connections first clean all terminals and install new batts, connect negative cables last. You should check the charge rate settings on your charger(s) to make sure they are set on what the batt supplier recommends. You should not need any additional ventilation AGM batts are sealed. Your batterys may get a little warm on bulk charge, if they continue to get HOT you may have charger issues.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #3 –
When I changed my house batteries, I rented an engine hoist to lift them.  It also helps to be on level smooth pavement when moving the hoist.  Old batteries can be sold to a metal recycler. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
When I changed my house batteries, I rented an engine hoist to lift them.  It also helps to be on level smooth pavement when moving the hoist.  Old batteries can be sold to a metal recycler. 

Steve, I think you wanted to know how we got the new engine batteries replaced under the tag axle.
They put a jack under the battery frame, removed the upper bolt to the frame & lowered the bracket just a little to remove the batteries toward the engine.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #5 –
Barry, the more I hear about where your coach's batteries are, the more I am convinced that the engineer that chose the locations hated motor home owners or at least motor home mechanics.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Replacing batteries

Reply #6 –
The battery dealer we went to used his fork lift truck to get old batteries out and new batteries in.  I've watched the techs at MOT struggle with this process and it is difficult and dangerous to fingers. 
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.