mineral oil in rv batteries

n7bsn wrote:
I figured this was all snake oil
So, I talked to a friend and...

OK, first who he is.
He is what is referred to as "Subject Matter Expert" by the US Navy.
You know, the people that use the largest, heaviest, most amp-hour wet-cell batteries there are (ie they are in subs, yes even nuke boats have propulsion batteries).

His statement, yup, they are snake-oil.
Now the Navy really isn't concerned about cost effective solutions, when lives and mission are on the line, the best solution is what they want.

Yes the oil might reduce water evaporation, except that when the vehicle is in motion the oil is sloshed up on the cell and the water and oil would constantly be mixed. It's the oil being splashed on the exposed electrodes that is another real concern, this oil coats the electrode, impairing the functioning of those electrodes.

Final thought, if you want to extend the life of your batteries, do proper maintenance.

Perhaps you should have talked to me. I served and qualified on both conventional and Nuclear powered Submarines. We certainly did not use any additive on the conventional boats. Different application On the nucs...

On conventional boats the concern was hydrogen gas and the potential for clorine gas... Each cell had positive ventilation with glass bowls to catch the acid that had to be drained... I know since I had two above my bunk. You are talking apples to bananas comparing an RV installation with a submarine.

I am not advocating mineral oil or the additive I use..Just relaying my experience. Those of you that are unencumbered by experience or specific knowledge are not adding value to this thread. It is difficult to be patient with some of the trolling.

JohnnyT