How often have you had to add to your house batts?

[Maladjusted]

I have 4 six volt batts for house batteries. I have read that they have to maintained by adding electrolyte (distilled h20), but how often. Just trying to gauge whether or not to purchase the "fill kit" from CW or the like.

Use the Coach 2 weekends per month, at campgrounds, stays on shore power parked at home.

Thanks in advance,
Mal

[Fifty4F100]

RayChez wrote:
If you are hooked up to shore power all the time, you should check your batteries at least every three months and add distilled water as needed.

If the batteries are new they do not need much water, but as they get older and most RVers do not equalize their batteries because they do not know how, the batteries will start using more and more water.

You should also check your battery cells every so often with a hydrometer to see if you have any bad cells. Once you have a bad or shorted cell, you will need to change the battery out.

I use tap water in my batteries, always have. Of course Memphis water is VERY good. An electrician friend told me years ago that distilled water is OK, but not absolutely necessary.

[Fifty4F100]

wa8yxm wrote:
Varies depending on converter and age of batteries.

When my rig was new... annually.. 8 years later 3-4 times a year, Some folks every 1-3 weeks.. (They need to upgrade their converters for the most part) but that gives you the range.

I would check once a month till you know better.

Where might I find my converter? I have to fill with water almost every month when I keep mine plugged into a power supply.

[Peralko]

I stopped adding water to the house batteries since I got the AGM batteries!;)

[imgoin4it]

duplicate post

[imgoin4it]

Check them once a month. may not have to add water but check them anyway.

[RayChez]

If you are hooked up to shore power all the time, you should check your batteries at least every three months and add distilled water as needed.

If the batteries are new they do not need much water, but as they get older and most RVers do not equalize their batteries because they do not know how, the batteries will start using more and more water.

You should also check your battery cells every so often with a hydrometer to see if you have any bad cells. Once you have a bad or shorted cell, you will need to change the battery out.

[hipower]

Usually check them monthly and need to add water 2-3 times a year. Seems to depend on how hard we use them.

[mscamping]

I check them the 1st of the month and give them a squirt with a baster every other month.. I don't trust myself to let them go longer and remember to check and fill..Mike Mathews..

[wa8yxm]

Varies depending on converter and age of batteries.

When my rig was new... annually.. 8 years later 3-4 times a year, Some folks every 1-3 weeks.. (They need to upgrade their converters for the most part) but that gives you the range.

I would check once a month till you know better.

[J-Rooster]

When, I'm in the Pacific N.W. cool temperatures once every 4 to 6 months! When I'm in Arizona every 2 months.

[The_Shadow_Nos]

We are fulltimers and I add water ever month.

[w4phj]

I trickle charge about 1/2 amp and have to add about 2 quarts every 6 months to my 4 house batteries.

[w4phj]

I trickle charge about 1/2 amp and have to add about 2 quarts every 6 months to my 4 house batteries.

[full_mosey]

Maladjusted wrote:

electrolyte (distilled h20)

That is like saying jumbo shrimp!
Distilled water is what you want as it devoid of any electrolytes.

The acid stays in the battery and does not evaporate with the water that is lost. So yes, distilled water is what you add.

HTH;
John