Battery question

[SteveMissingDix]

Hi All,

I have a house battery that is swollen up a little near the positive terminal.

My first question is what could cause this?

Second, I have room for another battery and I just wanted to know how to go about adding another to the house.
photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129918769@N06/16092136120/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/129918769@N06/16093377209/

Thank you,
Steve

[Flanz]

Well, if your replacing the batteries, then this will be a good time to add another one. Batteries should always be replaced at the same time with a battery of the same date code or very close to it.

Weak and old batteries will draw down on a new and strong battery....YMWV

-paul

[Johnny_G1]

Sulphated, battery is toast too many discharges and over charging are a cause.

[Bumpyroad]

10forty2 wrote:
Overcharging is the likely culprit, but it can also come from a short circuit.

Your house system is likely 12VDC, so each battery would have to be 6VDC and be wired in series to achieve the 12vdc required. You can power the house with a single 12VDC battery but many prefer the extra amperage you get by having 2 6VDC batteries.

or two 12 volt batteries.
bumpy

[pianotuna]

Hi,

As batteries age the negative plates begin to grow so the case may swell. Time to replace what you have. If you dislike maintenance then consider AGM or LI batteries.

If you don't boondock then any type and size of battery will do the deed.

[SteveMissingDix]

Hi Dakota,

The link you provide leads to SLA batteries. Mine require water and are not sealed. Were you suggesting I replace with this type of battery? I am not sure I understand your post.

I am new to having a coach so thanks for the info.

Thanks,
Steve

Dakota98 wrote:
Battery FAQ

What causes a swollen battery ?


Immediately remove the battery from the device. A battery becomes swollen as a result of overcharging.
Excessive current will flow into the battery after the battery has reached a full charge.
The constant current will cause decomposition of the water in the electrolyte and premature aging.
At high rates of overcharge a battery will progressively heat up. As it gets hotter it will accept more current, heating up even further.
This is called thermal runaway and it can destroy a battery in as little as a few hours. The heat will cause the battery to expand.

[kaydeejay]

IOW it's probably toast!!

[Dakota98]

Battery FAQ

What causes a swollen battery ?


Immediately remove the battery from the device. A battery becomes swollen as a result of overcharging.
Excessive current will flow into the battery after the battery has reached a full charge.
The constant current will cause decomposition of the water in the electrolyte and premature aging.
At high rates of overcharge a battery will progressively heat up. As it gets hotter it will accept more current, heating up even further.
This is called thermal runaway and it can destroy a battery in as little as a few hours. The heat will cause the battery to expand.

[10forty2]

Overcharging is the likely culprit, but it can also come from a short circuit.

Your house system is likely 12VDC, so each battery would have to be 6VDC and be wired in series to achieve the 12vdc required. You can power the house with a single 12VDC battery but many prefer the extra amperage you get by having 2 6VDC batteries.

[2oldman]

Those pictures don't help much. google swollen battery.

[Bumpyroad]

I think a swollen battery case is a bad omen, but I am sure some guru will comment. since you want a second battery might as well get two matched.
bumpy