4-Coach Batteries-Remove

[Grumpy Grampa]

I need some help. I want to remove my four coach batteries, then clean and paint the battery box. Is there something I should do, before taking all four batteries out?

Thanks

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by smithgarnat@aol.com

I need some help. I want to remove my four coach batteries, then clean and paint the battery box. Is there something I should do, before taking all four batteries out?

Thanks

Yes. Take a picture of how they are connected.

[paulwadley]

I also marked each battery connection and where it goes plus wrote out a simple diagram to assist when I replaced my batteries. Makes life much easier. I would also suggest you apply a battery terminal spray on each terminal to protect them from the elements.

Paul

[Scubawise]

My rv tech is big on these

[Popfla]

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Yes. Take a picture of how they are connected.

Don't take a picture. Take MANY pictures from different angles, showing where every wire goes. Check to make sure the pictures are clear before unbolting any wires. I also zip tie any multiple-wire bunches that are all attached to the same terminal.

[Scubawise]

Kurt my 25 year rv tech agrees zip tie all like connections

[16ACE27]

Pictures as noted, label the cables first, tie-wrap is a good idea; AND

Turn OFF the inverter (if equipped) and open the battery disconnect. Make sure all the positive connected cables are dead before letting them possibly contact any metal from the frame.

[Grumpy Grampa]

Thanks. I do have an inverter. But what is the battery disconnect, where is it located, this is new to me.

Thanks

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by smithgarnat@aol.com

Thanks. I do have an inverter. But what is the battery disconnect, where is it located, this is new to me.

Thanks

AKA USE/STORE switch, AKA Salesman Switch.

[lwmcguire]

I always use a good quality plastic bag or something similar that will insulate the hot cables even though they are supposed to be off. A piece of tape or zip tie to keep it on and as noted cables that go together on the same terminal are zipped or taped together.

Always have done this on any equipment that had multiple batteries. Saves blowing fuses that you hear about daily/weekly on the forums.

[BASSMAN]

Any time you are dealing with a lead acid battery you are at risk of it exploding if not handled correctly, pull the caps off the top and fill each cell with distilled water and fill it to the top and jiggle the battery an top off again if the level drops, filling each cell will push the gas vapor out of battery allowing for a safer disconnect of battery cables, even then wear a face shield to protect your eyes when handling a lead acid battery, allow any gas vapor to dissipate before you start disconnecting cables

[Travelin' Texans]

Originally Posted by BASSMAN

Any time you are dealing with a lead acid battery you are at risk of it exploding if not handled correctly, pull the caps off the top and fill each cell with distilled water and fill it to the top and jiggle the battery an top off again if the level drops, filling each cell will push the gas vapor out of battery allowing for a safer disconnect of battery cables, even then wear a face shield to protect your eyes when handling a lead acid battery, allow any gas vapor to dissipate before you start disconnecting cables

I've dealt with lead acid batteries my entire adult life & have NEVER seen, heard or read to jiggle the batteries as you're topping them off. Not to mention the weight of the batteries to pick them up is for some a huge chore.

[BASSMAN]

Travelin Texan, I worked as a Cat mechanic and I am able to jiggle a 8D battery wile its still installed, the void at the top of the battery will hold gas vapor and filling them to the top with water will force out the vapor, some times a slight jiggle will help the gas vapor escape, all the CAT equipment use 2 8D batteries in series for 24 volt systems, when a bad connection develops during a start the high amp surge will fry the end of the battery cable and post right off the battery, we did not throw away a battery due to a fried post but we carried molds and we had to melt lead with a torch to build a new post, fail to fill the cells with water and you will blow up the battery with the torch, same safety procedure applied when welding or cutting on a machine around the battery box, few people working in the automotive industry around lead acid batteries have ever had to deal with it, but I have seen people who got lucky after trying to pull a battery an had it explode, jump starting a vehicle at the battery is another good way to have a battery blow up in your face, just trying to pass on a safety tip, if you do not agree with it feel free to scroll past my post

[Lt Keefer]

Originally Posted by smithgarnat@aol.com

I need some help. I want to remove my four coach batteries, then clean and paint the battery box. Is there something I should do, before taking all four batteries out?

Thanks

So, how did it go? I just did this chore on my Hurricane although it only has 2 batteries. I had already labeled the cables but zip ties on common cable ends sure did help. I didn't take pictures, the labels worked all the other times I removed the batteries. After the batteries were out, I sprayed the entire compartment with NOCO Remove+ to clean and neutralize the battery acid. Cleaned and re-wrapped the cables that needed it. The next day I used a wire wheel to clean the rust and loose paint. Then sprayed the compartment with a rust converter. Then painted it black. I put in new AGMs as I'm getting to lazy to check the water. It also dawned on me, that an easy way to make sure the batteries were hooked up right, was to trace each cable and see were or what it is hooked up to.