Really bad smell in the van (36 Viewers)

[Jimbohorlicks]

Not sure where the starter battery is on your flair. Ours in in the passenger footwell on a Peugeot. Maybe a flair owner can advise where your batteries are. If thd smel is in the cab area rather than the hab area

 

[Mikey RV]

Did you find out what the smell was Gina. Hope it’s all sorted.

 

[ManTheVan]

A rotten egg smell is often hydrogen sulphide. It’s what is produced by stink bombs, but also what can be produced if a lead-acid battery is overcharged.

https://ehs.umass.edu/sites/default/files/Battery%20SOP.pdf

 

[HKF]

One thing I have learned from today and the danger of a fried battery is listen when you are being shown stuff. I was shocked that I didn't know how to turn off the solar power which was still charging the battery on the van. Now I know

I've no idea how to do ours. How would I do it, please?

 

[David and Sally]

I've no idea how to do ours. How would I do it, please?

If you have fuses in the solar supply just pull one. Otherwise find the solar controller and disconnect the red wire. Keep it away from the black (or blue) wire.

For example, on this one the left red shown as Solar Positive.

But it a wake up call for all of us to know where everything is and how to isolate them.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[HKF]

If you have fuses in the solar supply just pull one. Otherwise find the solar controller and disconnect the red wire. Keep it away from the black (or blue) wire.

For example, on this one the left red shown as Solar Positive.

But it a wake up call for all of us to know where everything is and how to isolate them.
View attachment 919675

Thank you so much but I have no idea where the controller is. Do you have any idea where it might be located, please?

 

[Abacist]

Thank you so much but I have no idea where the controller is. Do you have any idea where it might be located, please?

You need to say what van you have as every manufacturer is different with lots of different models etc. and they put stuff in different places!

 

[David and Sally]

Thank you so much but I have no idea where the controller is. Do you have any idea where it might be located, please?

Try, near the place where the solar wire goes into the van through the roof and into a locker there. If not, wardrobe etc.

 

[David and Sally]

You need to say what van you have as every manufacturer is different with lots of different models etc. and they put stuff in different places!

Benimar Europe 740

 

[Spriddler]

You need to say what van you have as every manufacturer is different ...........

Are you looking at the post on your phone ?
Tip....
If so, you need to rotate it to Landscape layout to see...........

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Gina M]

It still smells in the van this morning. Batteries have come down slowly to 12v at the start of this the hab battery was 14v. Hopefully, when Mr Gina M gets back this afternoon we can open the bonnet and look in the engine and see what state the battery is in. I suppose we may still find a decomposed mouse in there but the smell is so strong it would have to be human remains!! I have been thinking for weeks now that I need to move the van away from the house in case of a fire in the van. This has been a wake up call for sure.

 

[scotzsue]

Hope all goes well for you Gina M wont be your waste tank, the smell wouldn't have changed if it was. speaking from experience of both

 

[HKF]

Try, near the place where the solar wire goes into the van through the roof and into a locker there. If not, wardrobe etc.

I'm not with the MH at the moment but I do know it's not in any of the lockers of the wardrobe. I'll have to have a good fish about when I get back. Thank you

 

[Gina M]

I'm not with the MH at the moment but I do know it's not in any of the lockers of the wardrobe. I'll have to have a good fish about when I get back. Thank you

Yes, it is a good idea for you to know where fuses and everything is and how to isolate them. Yesterday was my wake up call.

 

[ChrisL]

I suppose we may still find a decomposed mouse in there but the smell is so strong it would have to be human remains

You haven't got an illegal immigrant trapped in some small space somewhere have you? Or strapped to the underneath of the van

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[VXman]

It still smells in the van this morning. Batteries have come down slowly to 12v at the start of this the hab battery was 14v. Hopefully, when Mr Gina M gets back this afternoon we can open the bonnet and look in the engine and see what state the battery is in. I suppose we may still find a decomposed mouse in there but the smell is so strong it would have to be human remains!! I have been thinking for weeks now that I need to move the van away from the house in case of a fire in the van. This has been a wake up call for sure.

The battery would be on 14v if on EHU as it would be charging. When unlpugged and not in use it should settle at 12.7 and might drop a little from that over time. However, if it has dropped to 12 in such a short time it would suggest the Battery is not well. 12 volts is only about 50% charge. You shouldn't let the battery go below this.

I think you need to get the battery (s) checked out.

 

[Gina M]

Just going back, to test if it is grey tank, put in all the plugs to see if it reduces the smell.

Good idea I shall give it a try.

 

[Abacist]

Are you looking at the post on your phone ?
Tip....
If so, you need to rotate it to Landscape layout to see...........

View attachment 919677

Oh Dear! That’s me being taught a lesson! Apologies everyone!

 

[Gina M]

Latest news. No bodies of anyone in the engine. Engine battery looks ok on first sight and no smell. Really strong sulphur smell in the garage where the leisure battery is located and that battery is 7 years old. Just unscrewing the panel now to get to it.

 

[ChrisL]

Latest news. No bodies of anyone in the engine. Engine battery looks ok on first sight and no smell. Really strong sulphur smell in the garage where the leisure battery is located and that battery is 7 years old. Just unscrewing the panel now to get to it.

You might find now would be a good time to switch to lithium, it's a bit of an investment but the difference in performance is very significant, I had one fitted a month ago and it's been great.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Gina M]

I can't get my head around this battery thing. If the sulphur is leaking from the battery can it still be charging and it is 12.6v at the moment?

 

[ChrisL]

I can't get my head around this battery thing. If the sulphur is leaking from the battery can it still be charging and it is 12.6v at the moment?

I think the sulphur smell is caused by the battery overheating causing the sulphuric acid to emit hydrogen sulphide gas which is extremely combustible and smells strongly of sulphur. This may be caused by over charging.

 

[Gina M]

I think the sulphur smell is caused by the battery overheating causing the sulphuric acid to emit hydrogen sulphide gas which is extremely combustible and smells strongly of sulphur. This may be caused by over charging.

The van has been on the drive for months on EHU plus we have to solar panels.

 

[Just smiffy]

The van has been on the drive for months on EHU plus we have to solar panels.

Maybe get the on board charger looked at as it might have gone south….

 

[varaizian]

If it hasn't been been used recently check that the U bends for the sink, basin and shower tray have not dried out in the summer heat. Always assuming you have had any!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Abacist]

Maybe get the on board charger looked at as it might have gone south….

If the charger is OK check the setting is right for the type of batteries. If you change to Lithium you’ll probably need a new charger anyway.

 

[Gina M]

It seems that our leisure battery became over heated for some reason as it was at up to 14v and had a heavy sulphur smell coming from it. It is now back down to 12.6v we have taken it out of the van and Mr Gina M is confident it can be put back in and re-used as normal. It is 7 years old and shows no sign of any damage no leaks or swelling or smell of sulphur anymore, does anyone else agree. I googled it and was told no, it's a fire hazard

 

[M-J]

It seems that our leisure battery became over heated for some reason as it was at up to 14v it is now back down 12.6v we have taken it out of the van and Mr Gina M is confident it can be put back in and re-used as normal. It is 7 years old and shows no sign of any damage no leaks or swelling or smell of sulphur etc. does anyone else agree. I googled it and was told no, it's a fire hazard

I wouldn’t be putting it back in.

 

[Gromett]

It seems that our leisure battery became over heated for some reason as it was at up to 14v it is now back down 12.6v we have taken it out of the van and Mr Gina M is confident it can be put back in and re-used as normal. It is 7 years old and shows no sign of any damage no leaks or swelling or smell of sulphur etc. does anyone else agree. I googled it and was told no, it's a fire hazard

I wouldn't be putting it back in.

 

[David and Sally]

Not at 7 years old. Replace it.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}