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Old 05-20-2018, 12:49 AM   #1
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THOR #9836
Charging Battery question

We have a 2010 Damon Challenger 368 on a Ford Chassis. I was under the impression I could leave the MH plugged into shore power when not in use. Turns out I boiled the house batteries and had to change them out at the beginning of the month. Is there no "float" charge on these things? If not how are you all keeping your house batteries topped off?

Thanks

Bob

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Old 05-20-2018, 01:47 AM   #2
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We have a 2010 Damon Challenger 368 on a Ford Chassis. I was under the impression I could leave the MH plugged into shore power when not in use. Turns out I boiled the house batteries and had to change them out at the beginning of the month. Is there no "float" charge on these things? If not how are you all keeping your house batteries topped off?

Thanks

Bob
Did you have adequate water level in the batteries? I keep my RV plugged into shore power when I'm not using and haven't experienced that issue (yet). But I do check my water level in the batteries every 1-2 months.
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Old 05-20-2018, 01:53 AM   #3
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No. I never checked the water level. The batteries were only 3 or 4 years old, if that. I'll admit I was unaware the house batteries were old school, i.e. not sealed.
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Old 05-20-2018, 12:35 PM   #4
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You didn't mention what brand or type of batteries they were...

But isn't "3 or 4 years old", pretty old: in battery years?
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Old 05-20-2018, 03:13 PM   #5
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Nothing wrong with the motorhome, just lack of maintenance. Surprised they lasted that long!
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Old 05-21-2018, 01:31 PM   #6
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You didn't mention what brand or type of batteries they were...

But isn't "3 or 4 years old", pretty old: in battery years?
Is 3 or 4 years old pretty old? Do you replace your batteries every other year? Not being argumentative, just asking.
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Old 05-21-2018, 01:36 PM   #7
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It seems that the manufacturers don't spend much money for quality batteries...
I replace the batteries in my cars and trucks every five years, and my motorcycle batteries get changed out in four...
(I DO let the lawn tractor battery die a horrible death in place... it's a personal weakness of mine. )

I kind of base my opinion on the tough life that these RV batteries have to lead...
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Old 05-21-2018, 01:42 PM   #8
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It seems that the manufacturers don't spend much money for quality batteries...
I replace the batteries in my cars and trucks every five years, and my motorcycle batteries get changed out in four...
(I DO let the lawn tractor battery die a horrible death in place... it's a personal weakness of mine. )

I kind of base my opinion on the tough life that these RV batteries have to lead...


Thank you Bob. I actually remove my tractor battery and charge it all winter. Seems like I take better care of a 50 dollar battery then these expensive wet house batteries. lol. Now I know I have to check the water levels. Thanks for the help.

Bob
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