Venting AGM Batteries

[chobe2]

We would like to put two AGM batteries inside our truck camper under the dinette seat. My research is giving me mixed messages about venting so I wrote Lifeline and asked them. This is their reply:
"They should be vented to the outside. They can safely sit under the dinette but they should be in a box and that box should be vented to the outside."

I have read about many who have installed these batteries under the seats with no venting but maybe this is not safe to do?? What do you all think?

[Reddog1]

I am another posting Joe Schmo. I have had an AGM inside my TC without venting since 2005. Never had an issue. I would not put it in a sealed container. I believe it is pretty much spelled out in the literature. Most people do not realize that many if not most computer UPS's use AGMs, and they are vented into the room they are placed.

If you ask the manufacture any question, keep in mind the attorney's have their input.

Lots of people confuse gel cell batteries with AGM batteries.

Lifeline says:
"Never install batteries in an airtight or sealed enclosure and make sure installation is adequately ventilated."

Key words, "airtight" and "sealed enclosure".

Wayne

[ab257]

If you overcharge your AGM batteries, you can generate hydrogen gas:

https://www.boats.com/how-to/sealed-batteries-still-need-venting/

[full_mosey]

Hydrogen rises and acid mist sinks. A closed box with a vent will aid in releasing H gas.

I have had AGMs on their sides and under the rear seat in the van for over a year. If they were emitting acid, don't you think there would be a blemish on the carpet? A van is not a sealed compartment, and is therefore its own vent. There are too many cubic feet for any dangerous accumulation.

I also keep AGMs in the TT under the dinette seat. The space under the dinette seat is not a sealed compartment and your RV is too large for any dangerous accumulation.

Thermal runaway is your real concern and a plastic box will be of little help.

IMHO and YMMV.

HTH;
John

[rottidawg]

I have a Four Wheel Camper and they install AGM batteries with no venting....they sell hundreds, if not thousands of campers.

I have two AGM in mine and have no issues and have never heard of any complaints from owners or on the forums. Other manufacturers do the same, All Terrain Campers and Phoenix come to mind.

[DownTheAvenue]

chobe2 wrote:
We would like to put two AGM batteries inside our truck camper under the dinette seat. My research is giving me mixed messages about venting so I wrote Lifeline and asked them. This is their reply:
"They should be vented to the outside. They can safely sit under the dinette but they should be in a box and that box should be vented to the outside."

I have read about many who have installed these batteries under the seats with no venting but maybe this is not safe to do?? What do you all think?

I think you should follow what the experts (the manufacturers of the batteries) tell you to do rather than what any Joe Schmo posts on an internet forum.

[2oldman]

I smell acid every now and then from my AGMs, so I guess it's a good idea to vent them. I wouldn't hesistate to try what you want anyway...see if you get any odors.

[_DJ_1]

I have read yes and no so many times when I put my AGM inside my camper I used the vent system from the old wet cell. It was all ready there. Personally, I would vent them.