Posted 2008-11-25 8:35 AM (#95325) Subject: Simple Battery Question
Veteran
Posts: 270
Location: Roanoke IL
Do the Marine RV deep cycle batteries need to be filled with distilled water periodically like a true deep cycle, or not?
I was reading that if you leave your trailer plugged into electricity too long, you will boil your battery dry unless you have some sort of a newer special inverter/charger. My trailer charges when I plug it in, but I never thought I could be doing harm by leaving it plugged in. Now I'm worried. Sometimes I camp plugged in for a long time. I never noticed a problem, but I don't want to damage my battery.
Posted 2008-11-25 8:59 AM (#95328 - in reply to #95325) Subject: RE: Simple Battery Question
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
All wet cell batteries should be checked for electrolyte levels. Even the "maintenance free" batteries can be damaged by over charging. Unless your camping trips extend into several weeks at a time, you shouldn't have a problem with over charging, if your converter/charger is functioning correctly.
Most difficulties occur when the trailer is plugged in for extended periods of time, off season, the winter etc. Using a small float charger works well during the storage periods, and saves the trailer's electrical system from being charged all the time.
In addition to distilled water to replenish the electrolyte, anyone who uses a dehumidifier has an inexhaustible supply of battery water.