Is it Okay to Install a Regular Battery Inside the Coach?

[Johnny_Dearborn]

So here's my situation: My 22 foot Shasta had only one puny coach battery that couldn't keep up with my power needs. Because there was no room outside the coach, I had an extra battery installed inside the coach under one of the rear seats. I used an expensive AGM battery because there's no venting to the outside which apparently is necessary for a regular battery. (GSM's don't vent gas and don't need water.)

Well, for the second time, this Northstar AGM battery has died on me. I'm 2,000 miles from home and don't feel like buying another one. How bad is the venting situation for a regular battery? Can I just wrap it in plastic? It's under the seat in a contained plastic battery box... is the venting thing that big a deal?

By the way, when an AGM battery goes, it gives off all kinds of horrible fumes. Smells like bad rotting garbage.

Thanks... John

[Johnny_Dearborn]

kwplot34 wrote:
put the battery in a sealed battery box that has a hose to vent it outside the coach.

I like that idea, but... I'm in Minneapolis right now and home is in San Diego. Battery went out last night in Wisconsin. Not sure where I can even get a replacement AGM here. Just thinking of putting a cheap battery in and winging it until I get back home in September. Wondering where on the scale of stupid that is...

John

[ScottG]

Good advice above.
What ever you do, dont wrap it up or fail to vent it.

[kwplot34]

put the battery in a sealed battery box that has a hose to vent it outside the coach.

[Johnny_Dearborn]

Yeah, but how much is it actually putting out? I used to have my starter battery in the back of my '74 Landcruiser right behind the driver seat. Never once thought about it... (Of course, I was young and dumb and this was way before the internet properly educated me on all the things to be afraid of.)

[Lwiddis]

The AGM battery died for a reason. Buying a new battery won't solve the problem.

[EV2]

I would not. Remember, hydrogen gas is explosive. (Hindenburg)