Forum Discussion

Explorer

Dec 14, 2014

maintenance free batteries

Hello,
My 2014 crusader 295 model came with a Interstate battery that is I believe maintenance free. I recently pried the caps off and fluid level was below plates. I filled to ring level and charged with commercial charger and got over 13 volts. Now fast forward about 3 months and with a battery minder attached ( unattached while checking voltage ) I am only showing 11.4 volts. Does anyone else add water to a maintenance free battery?

13 Replies

2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 14, 2014
Dakota98 wrote:
Install a discount switch & all should be good.
Um, the discount is at the store. I think you mean disconnect.
Dakota98
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
All lead acid batteries require water occasionally. Obviously, yours needed it.

Do you have a Battery Discount switch installed? I suspect not.

The battery minder will not put enough amps back into the battery to maintain max charge if the battery is under load.

Install a discount switch & all should be good.
downtheroad
Explorer
Dec 14, 2014
We have a couple of Interstates on our rig. I check them from time to time and have had to add water occasionally.

If they have caps that you can pry off then they are probably not true maintenance free batts.