2010 Springdale 26BHS: When I plug into shore power (30amp) I wake up the next morning to overheated batteries that are smoking and putting out that wonderful smell. Here is some history: years ago I drove away from the house to leave and forgot to unplug my shore power pulling the cord out from the back of the trailer. I was able to reinstall the 3 wire cord to the back of the trailer (not directly connected to the converter because it is in the center of the trailer and the cord just hooks to a junction box in the rear). I am not sure if this is related to my battery problem or not. The trailer works fine if I disconnect the batteries when I am plugged into shore power but that is getting old. Do you think I hooked up the wires incorrectly or has my converter gone bad?Thanks for any help!

While it is possible that may have hooked up the wires wrong (e.g. by swapping the hot and neutral or some such), that could not be the source of this problem. Either the converter is putting out too high of a voltage, or there was something wrong with the battery such as a shorted cell or lack of electrolyte. (Even if the batteries were in OK shape before, they are certainly not better off for the treatment they've received!)

That is what I thought. I have been through several batteries so I do not think the battery is the issue. I guess its time to replace the converter..... Thank you.

Ir they are smoking, I bet they aren't working very good while dry camping over night either. It seems you would tend to your batteries, test them or maintenance them.And if you don't have a voltmeter, get one.What does the battery meter read when they are connected,....does it show over chargimg. Those meters are good for something.

That's why they are in a vented storage area!Glad you are safe.

Since no one mentioned, I must ask, you did check the water level in the batteries, didn’t you? Smoking batteries can be very dangerous. Fire is the next step.....

Smoking Batteries | Good Sam Community

Ed_Gee
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2018
Tocwby wrote:
Ed_Gee wrote:
I wish the original poster would confirm that he has checked the water level in that battery or not!!

I am the original poster. they are non service deep cycle batteries. I have replaced them several times over the last few years that this has been happening.

Several times this has happened!!? Then I would certainly think your charger is overcharging the batteries! Yes, with the batteries disconnected your 12V lighting and appliances may still work.....surprising you have not had something burn out, though. You REALLY need to get a voltage reading on that charger! . .. . Or just replace it.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Mar 19, 2018
There is a universe of difference between 14.0, and 14.4 for a high antimony battery. 14.0 is too high is applied longer than 2-days at >70F temps.

WFCO the powdered milk of dairy products...
RJsfishin
Explorer
Mar 19, 2018
OP Quote:
I am very familier with 12 volt vehicle systems
--------------------------------------------
Is that why you didn't check the output voltage of the converter while your batteries are smoking ?
Tocwby
Explorer
Mar 19, 2018
I am still trying to get back to the trailer to Fluke the charger and make sure but after reading all the posts, I am pretty sure that is the problem.

If it is the charger, what are your thoughts on replacement? replace the entire converter/charger/distribution panel or just remove the converter/charger and replace it?
DrewE
Explorer II
Mar 19, 2018
Tocwby wrote:
I am still trying to get back to the trailer to Fluke the charger and make sure but after reading all the posts, I am pretty sure that is the problem.

If it is the charger, what are your thoughts on replacement? replace the entire converter/charger/distribution panel or just remove the converter/charger and replace it?

Assuming the rest of the panel is not in bad shape, I'd go for the latter option. It's certainly a lot less wiring hassle to contend with.

Bestconverter.com is a good source for the converter, and they are quite knowledgable about the various options and what would be the most straightforward for your particular panel. I'm generally a fan of the Progressive Dynamics converters myself, all other things being equal.

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