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Old 07-31-2018, 10:13 PM   #1
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Advice on Routine Battery Maintenance

I have the Original Thor batteries in my 2014 Palazzo 33.2. The primary load stress is keeping the fridge going while traveling or stopping in areas without shore power. They still hold a charge reasonably well. I check the fluid level periodically. My questions are 1 - easiest way to add top-off water; 2 - advice on any recommend periodic "supercharging" procedure; 3 - life expectancy for these OEM batteries.

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Old 07-31-2018, 10:30 PM   #2
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1. I just pull mine, and top them off with an eyedropper.
2. I wouldn't worry about "supercharging" them: you've found a way to make them last!
3. I've heard of folks killing the OEM batteries in less than a year.. and I've heard of them lasting up to five years.
Yours are definitely lasting longer than a lot of them!
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Old 08-01-2018, 12:37 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rudyhehn View Post
I have the Original Thor batteries in my 2014 Palazzo 33.2. The primary load stress is keeping the fridge going while traveling or stopping in areas without shore power. They still hold a charge reasonably well. I check the fluid level periodically. My questions are 1 - easiest way to add top-off water; 2 - advice on any recommend periodic "supercharging" procedure; 3 - life expectancy for these OEM batteries.
I like the Flow rite qwik fill systems. I have the low profile model for the tight clearance I have. https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Rite-MP2.../dp/B001FCAXZO
I don't know anything about a super-charge.
And, life expectancy... you are on borrowed time! ;O
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Old 08-01-2018, 10:54 AM   #4
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Just like the rest of us...I think they are preparing for retirement. Four years is above average and waiting for total failure will end up catching you in the middle of nowhere. Any auto parts store that sells batteries or a NAPA can perform a load test on them for you. That's the best indication or current state.
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Old 08-01-2018, 11:46 AM   #5
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Yup! Change them when it's convenient for you: not when Murphy's Law bites you on the bottom.
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Old 08-01-2018, 02:11 PM   #6
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I’ve had my OEM Harris batteries 4 years as of this past mid July and they’re still behaving like new, but after reading these post, I’m getting a little antsy. Big trip planned for all of October. Not ready to tackle the dreaded chassis battery change out just yet. Might just change the house batteries and keep fingers crossed.
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Old 08-01-2018, 02:22 PM   #7
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I was in the battery business for years...years ago. Not a lot has changed with the technology. A good load test is still the best medicine for overall condition and can save lots of money with premature replacement. Charge them up full and zap them with a load tester. It will not lie. Many people think their batteries are bad/going bad but it could be caused by many other conditions. They replace them only to find out it was something else. Load testing was the only method we used when evaluating condition of returned batteries for warranty replacement...or not.
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Old 08-01-2018, 02:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The Gritz Carlton View Post
I was in the battery business for years...years ago. Not a lot has changed with the technology. A good load test is still the best medicine for overall condition and can save lots of money with premature replacement. Charge them up full and zap them with a load tester. It will not lie. Many people think their batteries are bad/going bad but it could be caused by many other conditions. They replace them only to find out it was something else. Load testing was the only method we used when evaluating condition of returned batteries for warranty replacement...or not.


Thanks for the advice. Will do that prior to trip.
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Old 08-02-2018, 04:09 PM   #9
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One item of note - You stated they are loaded by the refrigerator while driving. This should not occur. If you are running off the batteries while driving you have a problem with your Bird or more likely your Trombetta relay. Your alternator should power and keep batteries charged while driving.
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Old 08-02-2018, 04:39 PM   #10
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Battery Queston

2018 Thor ACE, does it have 6 or 12 volt house batteries? Looks like a pain to change em.

Thanks
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:03 PM   #11
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If you think that changing them looks like a pain: imagine how much fun it's going to be, when you've got no choice in the matter!
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:41 PM   #12
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Originally Posted by Chammock View Post
2018 Thor ACE, does it have 6 or 12 volt house batteries? Looks like a pain to change em.

Thanks
At the risk of generalizing and having someone say theirs is different...
Typically Thor gas MHs - including Ace - will come with 12v batteries... One or Two depending on model.
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:45 PM   #13
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Yep, mine has two in the compartment with the hydraulics
Thanks a bunch
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:48 PM   #14
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Mine were packed away under the stairs...
There was almost no free space around them, and you couldn't get underneath the steps to loosen their tethers.

But Old Age and Treachery prevailed!
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Old 08-02-2018, 05:51 PM   #15
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I have plenty of old age and treachery but short on grey matter
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Old 08-02-2018, 06:02 PM   #16
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That's when Treachery shines!


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Old 08-02-2018, 06:18 PM   #17
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an old fashion ketchup squirt bottle works well, ours rarely needs any water, and are holding up fine after 4 years, 84,000 miles, and many, many overnights off-grid

the few times I’ve felt the batteries not performing as expected, I equalized them, and all is well : )
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Old 08-02-2018, 06:32 PM   #18
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That's a good idea!
Question: Do you take any special precautions in order to insure that they're clean enough to not mess up the distilled water?
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Old 08-02-2018, 09:46 PM   #19
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How do you equalize the batteries, and does that prolong the battery life?
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Old 08-02-2018, 10:23 PM   #20
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to equalize(refer to your Magnum ME-RC Manual)

- plug into shore power
- when the Charger is in Absorb mode, press and hold the CHARGER button until the screen changes to EQUALIZING
- it will ‘overcharge’ the battery bank for 4 hours, then it will go back into regular Charge mode when complete
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