ReverendCharles
on the road
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Joined: 06/11/2011
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How often should I check it and is the battery being used when on shore power?
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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More in hot weather 95+. Once a month to start and adjust as needed with experience. Some converters have a low float voltage and you may not need water but once a year. Older batteries tend to use more water.
Fill to 1/4" to 1/8" below the split ring that extends down into the cell. Just touching the ring is absolute max. Distilled water only.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675 watts solar
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bill h
coastal reconquista
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Joined: 08/02/2001
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The final point is the plates must stay wet. You need to learn the particulars of your own situation and then monitor accordingly. The battery companies usually tell you to fill to a certain point, which is fine, but lower doesn't hurt as long as the plates stay wet. I keep mine lower to keep the top dryer, but that means I have to check it more often.
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Tvov
CT
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Joined: 07/19/2003
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I check the battery water level rarely, about twice a year. In the Spring after "un-winterizing", and in the Fall when winterizing. I have had to add water maybe once in 8 seasons.
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2008 F-250 CrewCab 5.4L,
2004 21' Forest River Surveyor
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Dave H M
IL
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I can't rememer when I checked mine. Maybe two years now when it was new. the top of the batt is dry and I bet it does not need water.
* This post was
edited 10/25/11 06:06am by Dave H M *
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rvten
Crossville,TN
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Joined: 11/30/2000
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Check mine once a month.
Tom & Bonnie
Crossville, TN.
Aspect 29H 2008 Type C
Ford Flex SEL 2010
There is no B+
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Traveler II
Minnesota
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Joined: 05/30/2003
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I check our every quarter.
Jim & Jane
2011 Cameo 34SB3, Mor/Ryde pin, Trailer Saver BD3 Air Hitch, Bigfoot Levelers,
2008 Chevy 2500 HD
"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." JFK
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Nights camped in 2012 - 112
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kampinguru
Ontario
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In response to your other question, the batteries are not used but they are required when on shore power. The converter will provide most 12v power but some things like the fridge require the battery to actually function properly. Not sure why, but some have commented here that the fridge does not work unless the battery is hooked up. My trailer has a battery disconnect switch that I turn off when on shore power to keep the converter from constantly charging and boiling the batteries. If you are on shore power most of the time and do not have one, you might want to consider installing a disconnect switch.
2000 F-250 S/B 4X4
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ksg5000
Oregon
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Joined: 06/30/2008
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Depends on your converter and how often your plugged in. Older single stage converters will tend to require more frequent water replacement. My rig stays plugged in when were not camping -- with the old style single stage converter I was required to put in water every month or so -- with a newer multi stage converter I check every 4 months or so.
Kevin
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Old-Biscuit
Across the USA
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Joined: 06/20/2009
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We FT so our 5'vr batteries are always charging/discharging etc.
Check levels once a month and when I do need to top them off I use one of those old style battery filler jugs.....like the old time full service gas stations.
Picture
Get them at most any auto parts store.
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