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tim1970's avatar
tim1970
Explorer
May 31, 2018

Venting for Battery adequate?

I am about to replace my 12volt with 4 6volt batteries. Currently my 1 battery is inside a plastic vented box which is inside of the front storage on my 5th wheel. (2017 Jayco 29.5 BHDS) The inner compartment where the battery is is enclosed on all sides except the front, so when my large storage compartment door is shut it is basically isolated (but not air tight) from everything else in that storage area. Then on the left and right hand sides of the storage compartment there is about a 3 inch space at the top of the wall, which leads to my side storage compartments. Then, on each side door there is a circle vent to the outside.

To make a long story shorter, will this be adequate for venting my new 4 6 volt batteries if I keep each one of them in a vented box, without having to actually run a tube vent all the way to the side doors?

Hopefully this makes sense. If not, I can try and get some pictures tonight.
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    I can visualize it and IMHO it lacks a lot as far as adequate ventilation is concerned.

    Here is a not so improbable scenario...

    Battery or cell ages and goes bad. Battery emits a lot of corrosive fumes -- anything in that compartment will get saturated including wood and cloth. Metal will corrode.

    Hydrogen gas goes straight up then vigorously wanders around on the ceiling looking for a way out. If it doesn't find a way then overhead a pocket of hydrogen is formed. H2S and H2SO4 are heavier. Battery boxes with inch and a half single vent exiting the box at the top will stop explosion and corrosion hazards.
  • Sam_Spade's avatar
    Sam_Spade
    Explorer
    May 31, 2018
    tim1970 wrote:
    I am about to replace my 12volt with 4 6volt batteries.


    Wow. That's quite an upgrade. Wonder if your converter/charger will handle that much capacity ?

    IF.....you get AGM type sealed batteries you won't have to worry about venting at all. Yes, that will be expensive but they should last longer AND you never have to check the water level.

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