Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ? (Read 545 times) previous topic - next topic

Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

It is always a toss up between learning & laughing reading some postings on some RV Forums.  Today came across this tid bit about the wonderful results from adding mineral oil to the flooded type batteries.
Am hoping some one on this forum might has some poitive knowledge on this subject ?

Re: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

Reply #1 –
It may be in the misguided attempt at keeping the electrolyte from "evaporating".  Does not work as the water loss is due from electrolysis when the water breaks down into oxygen and hydrogen.  (That's why no naked lights or sparks near batteries).  There is an additive that is supposed to prevent out-gassing.  I believe it's first use was for submarines.  Also popular where there are a lot of batteries on charge in a confined area such as forklifts.  Do not have any experience with it.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

Reply #2 –
I'm curious as to how much mineral oil are we talking about adding?  Adding enough to just cover the electrolyte wouldn't likely reduce gassing. Adding significantly more would only displace available electrolyte and consequently reduce battery capacity.
Steve DeLange
2005 U320T 40'
Pearland, Texas

Re: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

Reply #3 –
Read the third post down in this forum:

battery oil

Lots of good info on battery oil and the type of batteries it was designed for.

Jim McNeece
2003 U320 40'
2017 Chevy Colorado Tow

Re: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

Reply #4 –
Thank you Jim, did love that AACA article.

Re: Mineral Oil in the Batteries ?

Reply #5 –
.125" skin of plain mineral oil works well..
In 2002, I decided a new F150 needed to replace my older PU.  First thing I did was put mineral oil in the battery (it lasted until 2012.)  pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..