Hot battery (2 Viewers)

[n8ess]

We noticed a smell after arriving at our camping car air, after a while l moved that the battery housing under the drivers seat had become very warm.

We were hooked up to electricity and l am not sure if this has caused the problem, we had no issues at the previous site and we were on hook up there too.

I have disconnected the hook up as a precaution for now but l would appreciate if anyone could give ma any advice on what may be causing the issue.

Neil

 

[Tombola]

is it a lead acid battery.....does it smell like rotten eggs, sulphur, if so its goosed and can be quite dangerous

is it the engine or Hab battery, turn off the hab battery charger
If its the engine battery , same, danger, .....get it checked over and make sure your control panel/charger isnt set to charge the cab battery

look for bulging or bubbling. be careful.

do you have a b2b charger that may be sending too much charge on the drive over?

 

[pappajohn]

If it smmells of rotton eggs (sulpher) then the battery may have a shorted cell and is overcharging.
Theres nothing you can do except replace it.
The gas is explosive.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Ventilate the underneath area by opening the cab doors and removing any grilles at the seat fronts and rear to allow fresh air through.unplug from hook up or pull the fuse for the onboard charger or trip the trip switch..
If thd battery shows no signs of cooling down its best to remove it and replace it ASAP.

 

[Phill D]

I agree with the points above, if it does not cool down then its best removed from the vehicle asap. the fumes are toxic and highly explosive, i would consider removing the battery out of and away from the van before settleing down for the night.

might be over cautious but better to stay safe.

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[LostInSpace]

How old is the battery?

 

[n8ess]

It is the leisure battery, I have placed a fan under the seat to cool the battery, if l disconnect the fuse will l loose the fridge?

How old is the battery?

We have owned the van for 3 years, it doesn’t look that old but who knows, I’m in France at the moment, due back on Sunday morning.

 

[n8ess]

It’s a Gel battery

 

[Richard n Ann]

Our battery got hot in 2019, it developed a shorted cell so the terminal voltage dropped to 10v, the solar controller 'sees' a flat battery and throws full power into it, overcharging the remaining cells.
Fortunately I fitted the optional battery temperature sensor so the solar controller shut down

 

[Jev88]

Check the charger before replacing in case it is over charging - it will ruin a new battery too

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[Raul]

It’s a Gel battery



View attachment 933430

Gel blisters of the plates when hot, disconnect any charge/ discharge from it, to allow it to cool. A blistered gel is close to terminal damage.

 

[Lenny HB]

It is the leisure battery, I have placed a fan under the seat to cool the battery, if l disconnect the fuse will l loose the fridge?

Yes you will lose the fridge but better to have warm beer you can't drink cold beer when you are dead.
It's best to take the battery out of the van ASAP.
Also check the charger settings in case it is wrong.

 

[TheBig1]

I think a few of you have missed the bit when the OP mentioned the battery is under the drivers seat. Not a 5 minute job to remove and beyond the ability of many motorhomers. Those seats weigh more than you might think

 

[Lenny HB]

I think a few of you have missed the bit when the OP mentioned the battery is under the drivers seat. Not a 5 minute job to remove and beyond the ability of many motorhomers. Those seats weigh more than you might think

Best to find somewhere else to sleep then, I wouldn't want to be in a van with a battery giving off hydrogen sulphide fumes.

 

[LostInSpace]

Disconnecting the negative lead off the battery should do for the journey home. (if the battery can not be removed)

You could buy some ice cubes from the super market to keep the fridge cool for the journey home.
Remember that the plastic bags will leak when the ice turns to water.

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[Phill D]

Hope all is well for the op this morning

 

[n8ess]

I will try to find a local garage to get the battery checked out, should l just ask them for a like for like replacement or would l be able to increase the battery size

 

[n8ess]

I was fortunate parking next to a very nice French couple, they translated for me to a local garage who diagnosed the issue as a failing battery. The battery has been replaced and all is looking good

 

[Tombola]

I was fortunate parking next to a very nice French couple, they translated for me to a local garage who diagnosed the issue as a failing battery. The battery has been replaced and all is looking good

Good going well done. You can rest easy now. Enjoy your trip