Hello everyone…I have a 2003 Ford F-53 RVI have noticed a small leak in one of the house batteries ( I have two 12 volt batteries)To give you a better history, both batteries are exactly 3 years old, I have driven the RV for 3000 miles on the first year, and since then it has been hooked up for 6 months then another 6 months in storage, I check the batteries and add distilled water every few months, there is no corrosion or any other issues, the RV has a built-in charger that keeps them charged when I am hooked up to shore power.The RV has been in storage from March till November, last time I added distilled water was in March… when I operated the RV in November ( the chassis battery had died so I had to jump start it ) I noticed that leak or overflow on side of the caps of the second battery… I thought it was because I drove the RV on bumpy road from storage to the spot… last week I changed the chassis battery, turned the RV on for few minutes then changed the oil… then I noticed that small leak again… the panel light indicators ( with the 4 dot lights ) show the batteries are fully charged so I ruled out the issues with charging, also cannot be too much distilled water since I haven’t added any since March… the leak seems very light / small, barely wet area on the top next to the caps… so what could that be acid or water? And what are the possible causes based on the history of the RV I mentioned above ?Thank you all for taking the time to read my post

if leaking from caps 2 thing come to mine over fill or charging system a hair over what it is called for.

When they install them they very often, too often over tighten the hold down clamps, reuse old rusty one or small cheap ones and they can cut into or crack the case even if very small cracks. If your leak is around the post replace it or all of the batteries or if it is leaking from where the clamp is or anywhere else.Over heating the battery such as if they go dry and you refill and charge or desulfate, them and the clamps are too tight it may leak there or elsewhere.Not much of any way to repair the case but..I don't know everything.

If the battery is actually leaking, it is almost impossible to repair. If one cell can take a lot more water than the others, be ready to replace one or both. As stated above, it is very possible that the installer cracked the case.Matt

The water level should be just below the split ring which is about 1" or so below the top. Did you over fill?Discharged batteries fail quicker. Since one's been replaced have the other battery checked at a battery shop or auto store, usually free. Buy a digital voltmeter so that you can check the battery voltage and really know what is happening. Even the $10 Harbor Freight one should be OK. Read about battery charging voltage for bulk, absorb and float. Your battery lights are often referred to as idiot lights. Their main purpose is for the salesman to point out what a wonderful monitor the RV has. What model battery charger do you have? Some are rather poor at charging batteries. A good 3 stage battery charger will charge a discharged battery at about 14.4V for bulk and then taper the amps for absorb and then lower the voltage to 13.4V for float.

house battery leaking | Good Sam Community

Sir_Traveller
Explorer
Dec 30, 2020
I just wanted to add ( in case this could be a factor ) that I am in South California close to the dessert area, in winter it is warm during the day but cool down to mid 30s at night ( at summer when the RV in storage it is usually over 100 degrees at day and maybe 70s at night ) so there is always fluctuation in temperature between day and night but never gets below freezing 32 Fahrenheit
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 30, 2020
Hi,

I would replace them with SiO2 That would double the amp-hours available.

The charging system clearly needs some tlc.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
Dec 30, 2020
At 3 years old and going from your use and storage it sounds like the batteries are done! The on board charger, unless it’s a smart charger can over charge and boil them this will cause it to leak out the top. And being this is an 03 I doubt it has a smart charger. For your use I would buy 2 AGM batteries and use a battery tender to keep them charged. These are far better than the on board battery charger.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 30, 2020
Ok battery "leaks" come from one of two places (well one place and one large group of "other") The Filler cap. and everywhere else.

If anywhere else. Replacement is indicated. IF the battery is a GC-2 or like six volt then it is 1/2 of a 12 volt battery (You two sixes in series become one big 12) replace BOTH halves.

If it is from the cap:

I have read many say "fill with DISTILLED WATER" to the bottom of the filler tube. THIS IS WRONG!!!!!

1/8 to 1/4 inch BELOW the tube (1/8 if fully charged if not go for 1/2 then charge and try again) WHY.. Well you are looking at why.. It needs that eighth of an inch gap.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Dec 30, 2020
You can also use a hydrometer to check each cell which can help identify a bad cell.
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
Dec 30, 2020
The water level should be just below the split ring which is about 1" or so below the top. Did you over fill?

Discharged batteries fail quicker. Since one's been replaced have the other battery checked at a battery shop or auto store, usually free.

Buy a digital voltmeter so that you can check the battery voltage and really know what is happening. Even the $10 Harbor Freight one should be OK. Read about battery charging voltage for bulk, absorb and float.

Your battery lights are often referred to as idiot lights. Their main purpose is for the salesman to point out what a wonderful monitor the RV has. What model battery charger do you have? Some are rather poor at charging batteries. A good 3 stage battery charger will charge a discharged battery at about 14.4V for bulk and then taper the amps for absorb and then lower the voltage to 13.4V for float.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Dec 30, 2020
If the battery is actually leaking, it is almost impossible to repair. If one cell can take a lot more water than the others, be ready to replace one or both.

As stated above, it is very possible that the installer cracked the case.

Matt
down_home
Explorer II
Dec 30, 2020
double post
down_home
Explorer II
Dec 30, 2020
When they install them they very often, too often over tighten the hold down clamps, reuse old rusty one or small cheap ones and they can cut into or crack the case even if very small cracks. If your leak is around the post replace it or all of the batteries or if it is leaking from where the clamp is or anywhere else.
Over heating the battery such as if they go dry and you refill and charge or desulfate, them and the clamps are too tight it may leak there or elsewhere.
Not much of any way to repair the case but..I don't know everything.
crawford
Explorer
Dec 30, 2020
if leaking from caps 2 thing come to mine over fill or charging system a hair over what it is called for.

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