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joebedford's avatar
joebedford
Nomad II
Sep 15, 2019

Danger from charging golf cart inside toy hauler??

We left our toy hauler in Florida for the first time. DW's golf cart is in the garage. I didn't hook it up to any kind of tender so I have no idea if we'll have 6 flat batteries in November or not.

I was worried about hydrogen build up inside the RV.

Is that a realistic concern?
  • Those 6v do gas a lot. Had two in the truck camper with the battery box inside and not well vented to the outside, but it was open somewhat to the inside. Could not reno that away.

    On converter, the battery fumes kept setting off the LP alarm, which was down by the battery box. Also you could smell the batteries.

    Lesson learned/confirmed! Could not re-design the 1981 camper, so got AGM batteries instead.
  • We leave out golf cart in Arizona for at least 7 months through Summer Fall. Top them up and disconnect a cable to prevent parasitic draws. Seems to work for us...they remain reasonably charged when we return.
  • Not a concern. Cracking a window as you should anyway for ventilation will allow hydrogen to escape. It's lighter than air.

    Also you have to really be charging them for any major amount to build up. A tricke charge to keep them topped off is absolutely no concern.
  • Not really so long as there is some air movement. I have to say that I've never seen a battery explode, heard of it happening but I've never had it happen personally
  • Yes! Without ventilation not only can the explosive gases buildup but those gases are also corrosive and will attack aluminum the worst but also other metals are favorite targets for those gases. You did the right thing by not leaving a charger on those batteries - especially if you're not using a "float" charger.

    First to do is air it out real good before powering anything up.