The RVers Corner

Hillcountryrambler · Joined: 23 Aug 2006 Posts: 67 Location: Austin, TX

Storing my trailer battery for the winter. One side of the battery (3 cells, not overfilled) overflows when either auto charger or even trickle charger is connected.

Is battery bad and should I return?

allen self · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 67 Location: Some where in texas

You can take to a auto parts and have them check it. Every time I've done that they always said bad cell. I've had chargers if left on to long they would boil out a battery. Battery sounds Bad. Just going by the mistakes I've made.

Haffie · Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 6:29 am Post subject:

Heyas,

Make sure the battery you are charging is a 12 volt battery and the charger is set at 12 volts. Some one here tried to charge a 6 volt battery with a 12 volt charger and got the same results.

Otherwise, place the battery on a wooden board and try to charge it, making sure that the positive clamp goes onto the positive terminal.

Have a good one,

Haflinger
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January 20, 2013 - The end of an ERROR!

Mickey · Joined: 04 Sep 2005 Posts: 410 Location: PNW Salem Or.

Likely a bad battery, at least now. I'd check the voltage being applied from what ever the charge source is.

Applied voltage is dependent upon the time duration of the charge. Short term charge, measured in hrs, I'd not like to see over 14.3V. For longer times I'd try and keep it at 13.8 -13.9V. For long term float charge try for 13.2V.

Carl · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 967 Location: Orlando Florida

More than likely you have a bad cell in the battery. Go to Harbor Freight and buy one of these Item 93784-1CMH for about $20. 50 amp battery and charging system tester made by Chicago Electric. A real good piece of equipment to have on hand and easy to use. No more guessing. You can even test the battery while the engine is running to see if the alternator is charging the battery. Carl