Battery Steaming, Hissing and Smelling like Sewage

RS

RSTOUTE

Member
Joined
Nov 11, 2018
Messages
15
Location
Opelousas, LA
2707 Towlite - I'm hoping someone here can help me out. While camping, we started smelled something like from the black tank, it kept getting stronger.
Opened the battery compartment and found the battery hissing and stinking!
It continued to hiss and stink even after removing the battery and connections.
This was a group 27, marine dc battery replaced just 7 months ago. We were on the ac pole, not drawing any dc current. So don't know what caused it. The other battery it was hooked to was a group 24, marine dc battery.
 
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Either your battery is going bad or the converter is overcharging the battery. I consider it a dangerous situation. If it's gassing off it could be explosive. Unplug from shore power to see if the hissing stops. Next, uncap the battery to release any gas that may be built up. Don't do anything that can cause sparks closeby. Feel the battery to see if it is warm. If you have a multimeter check the voltage of the battery when and when not on shore power to see if there is any change in voltage.

I'm not an expert and open to any suggestions.
 
Thank you..Put the meter to it, the converter is overcharging! Yes it is dangerous, we were quite shaken when this happened! The panel/converter will have to be changed out. Would you have any suggestions on where to get that from?
 
Dh ordered our new converter from Best conver.com

I spoke with the tech Randy at best converter. Have the model# of your old converter. This is a good time to upgrade. Sometimes the converter you have is no longer made. Many rv owners from Airforums .com use this supply place. Think airstream owners. Hopefully you are handy and can install this your self.
 
I believe your converter/power center is an Elixir brand. Bestconverter has a Boodocker converter that will slide right to replace the old one. You don't have to change out the whole power center. A few screws and about five wires to unhook and hook back up. My wife's cousin changed his last summer in his 2009 24L. The only part that you have to deal with is the wiring that deals with the lift system. It a much better converter than the Elixir, it's a true four-stage charger. Take photos before taking it out to cut down on errors.
 
Thank you so much. That confirms what I had found on the Best Converter website. I will be ordering the Boondocker exact replacement> One Question, ; there is a 30 amp replacement and a 45 amp replacement. The 45 amp is a 4 stage charging unit and the 30 amp sounds like a single stage unit. Is that right?
Thanks Again,
Warren
 
Getting a converter.

Call best converter and see what the tech recommends. My guess would be the 45amp boondocker replacement. Think of it as a christmas present to your self!!Some back posts are on this subject. When DH replaced ours he needed some more wire that he purchased at Auto Zone. If you are installing and you have questions call Best convertewr for free tech support. Our lights went dim and would also dim when the furnice kicked on. We have donated our 1990 25ft. classic to a veteran in need of shelter at his parents house. Down the road we will have to replace the converter in our 1996.
 
I'm guessing you have a 45 amp converter. It should be shown on a sticker somewhere inside the cover of the power center. You don't want to go higher than the original capacity because of the wiring gauge that feeds to the battery. You definitely want the four-stage unit, it's the best for battery life.
 
One more thing. I would not connect a Group 27 battery to a Group 24. They have different capacities and this could lead to one overcharging if the other is at a different level. I think you should replace your two batteries with two of the same brand, model and size. They should also be the same age.

- Jack
 
JackandJanet said:
One more thing. I would not connect a Group 27 battery to a Group 24. They have different capacities and this could lead to one overcharging if the other is at a different level. I think you should replace your two batteries with two of the same brand, model and size. They should also be the same age.

- Jack
Click to expand...

I agree with Jack.
 
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