Strong H2S smell and dry batteries

[jklein5]

Folks--after trying to track down a persistent hydrogen sulfide smell this week I finally realized it was not a holding tank issue, rather I had a battery issue.  I have 4 batteries, 3 were in various stages of being dry in the front cells.  One battery was OK.  But when I opened the doors to the battery compartment it was obvious where the smell was coming from.  I had checked the batteries a few months ago, they were fine.  Since then the RV has been sitting while we live in it. .  These batteries came with the rig, it was new in late 2006.  One of the red heavy positive wires is burned on the exterior insulation in one of the compartments, and what  I assume should be the red wires in the other compartment are brown.

I turned off the charger, filled the batteries, and then turned the charger back on.  They began to outgas almost immediately and the sides of the batteries were warm, not hot.  I have left the charger on, the doors are open and they are charging, but the cells are bubbling and the smell is very strong at the battery compartments

Any ideas and suggestions.

Thanks

John
jklein5@comcast.net

[F4RIO]

It sounds a little early but I would say your batteries a probably toast.  My group 27 Interstates lasted a bit over 4 years. Actually one of them went and I replaced them both even though one was probably good for awhile.

<Don>

[Jeff Collingwood]

You need to buy new batteries.  Watch the level in the new ones, you charger may be overcharging.

...Jeff....

[huuligan]

Yep, time for new batteries. But, check your charger and all connections first. It is most likely over charging, maybe because of bad cable connections?? The batteries in my '06 (built in '05) are good as new and have never been warm or 'gassy', and I have never had to add water to either of them. I keep the trailer plugged in all the time during storage.

Gary

[Fred A.]

John,

You said ... I had checked the batteries a few months ago, they were fine ... that is not enough.

I think you should check the water level in your batteries at least once a month. Mine seldom need water, but I check them monthly anyway.

Fred

[Big Greg]

All very good suggestions....replace ALL batteries, ensure battery & converter connections are good, and check monthly.  You might want to replace the burnt/discolored wires.  I'd also suggest replacing the stock converter if it isn't a smart charger.  I replaced our stock Atwood converter with a Progressive Dynamics smart converter which charges the batteries based upon the batteries current charge.  The charge rate varies from 13.2v to 14.4 volts.
Anyone need the old 55a Atwood converter?    Greg

[Arizona Flying Dutchman]

My batteries in the coach were also plugged in all the time. The instructions that came with them was to check them every two weeks - easy to forget. Sure enough, had to top them off regularly. Kept a gallon of distilled water in the garage at all times for that purpose. I would recommend checking them more frequently than even once a month - twice a month worked best for me. Finally replaced them with Optima Blue Top AGM batteries from Sam's Club. More expensive, but one less thng to worry about.