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et2's avatar
et2
Explorer
Aug 17, 2013

Check those new batteries.

We just bought a new Fleetwood DP. It was made in January 2013 according to the tag on the side of the MH. We took delivery about three weeks ago. I ordered the Pro Fill RV 2000 battery watering system, as the house batteries aren't easy to get at to check the water level or add any if needed.

After installing the system (3 sets) to maintain 6 golf car batteries I attached the fill tube and topped the batteries off. I was surprised on the amount it took to top them off. It was about 6 - 7 pumps of the bulb until it firmed up indicating that the two batteries on that set were topped off.

It's obvious they were " overlooked" when the technician prepped our MH for delivery. With all due respect he did "tell us" to make sure we maintained the water levels. You would think being that it sat for 8 months they would keep them maintained.

Makes me wonder If there was any battery damage done to some cells being low. All that being said it will be a breeze keeping them topped off with the battery watering system.

https://www.flow-rite.com/battery-watering/marine-rv/ordering-info
Class A
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    Pop-Pop C wrote:
    Ok, I have the coach batteries under the slide out tray.
    The caps are a hex and have a seal on the corner. Would have to
    dig the seal out with a screwdriver. Take caps off with a socket.
    Chasis batteries are the same.
    First time I have expereinced this.


    Are your batteries flooded (wet batteries), or AGM or gelled? I'm referring to flooded batteries in my post. The traditional batteries with round caps on top. 6 volts have 3 holes and 12 volt probably have 6 holes with two caps to cover the 6 holes.
  • dougrainer's avatar
    dougrainer
    Nomad
    Aug 17, 2013
    et2 wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    "...as the house batteries aren't easy to get at to check the water level or add any if needed."

    And you're surprised 'they' didn't check them.


    I do know the manufacture requires the dealer to keep the units maintenance up until sold. I was told that by Keystone at one time as I had a wheel bearing failure. So I would expect that it's maintenance should be kept up in order to validate the warranty.

    Am I surprised they didn't check it or maintain it? Not one bit. And if I end up with a dead cell due to the water level being too low, I would certainly get the blame for not keeping it topped off.


    Who told you the OEM requires dealers to maintain units on the lot?
    What Stick does the OEM have if a dealer does NOT maintain?
    There is NO requirement for the dealer to do ANYTHING to keep any warranty in effect. Yes, if the batteries are dead and they freeze, the Dealer is responsible for replacing. NOBODY will warranty Frozen damaged batteries. Wheel Bearings are NOT a maintenance item for unsold units since the ONLY mileage on the bearings is the delivery mileage from the OEM. IF Keystone told you that it is because THEY did not want to pay for a legitimate warranty item. Besides, Wheel Bearings/Axles are the responsibility of the Axle maker/supplier. Doug
  • Pop-Pop_C's avatar
    Pop-Pop_C
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    Ok, I have the coach batteries under the slide out tray.
    The caps are a hex and have a seal on the corner. Would have to
    dig the seal out with a screwdriver. Take caps off with a socket.
    Chasis batteries are the same.
    First time I have expereinced this.
  • Smitty77's avatar
    Smitty77
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    I agree they probably were not hurt from being a bit low, as long as the 'meat' remained covered... More of a probability that they were not kept charged up, and a discharged battery has some of it's life drained away...

    OP - Not much you can do about this now, but for others buying a rig that has been on a lot for a period of time, I recommend you always do an 'independent' inspection of the batteries. Cell by cell - before purchase is completed. If bad, then a condition of the sell is a replacement of 'all' the batteries, to keep them 'matched'. And, specify the exact battery to use. I've known others that had bad OEM Interstates, and replaced them with Lifeline AGM's - paying the difference in prices.

    OP - If the coach has a warranty. Do the Cell by Cell test, and if bad, get it replaced now while you can.

    We too had the fill system in our previous Bounder, sure made maintenance easier!

    Best to all,
    Smitty
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    zman-az wrote:
    Were the batteries full charged before you filled them. Should never top them off when discharged as the fluid level will rise after they charge.



    They were.
  • zman-az's avatar
    zman-az
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    Were the batteries full charged before you filled them. Should never top them off when discharged as the fluid level will rise after they charge.
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2013
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    "...as the house batteries aren't easy to get at to check the water level or add any if needed."

    And you're surprised 'they' didn't check them.


    I do know the manufacture requires the dealer to keep the units maintenance up until sold. I was told that by Keystone at one time as I had a wheel bearing failure. So I would expect that it's maintenance should be kept up in order to validate the warranty.

    Am I surprised they didn't check it or maintain it? Not one bit. And if I end up with a dead cell due to the water level being too low, I would certainly get the blame for not keeping it topped off.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Aug 17, 2013
    "...as the house batteries aren't easy to get at to check the water level or add any if needed."

    And you're surprised 'they' didn't check them.
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2013
    It's unlikely the water was low enough to cause damage...they hold a surprising amount.

    I also have the profill system and 6-7 pumps really isn't that much water. Check the level change in your supply jug before and after topping off....I use a marker and can tell how much is used each time. I'm going ~4 months between watering.

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