Batteries are essential for powering your RV and keeping it running smoothly. Without a healthy battery pack, you can’t start the engine or power the lights in your rig. A damaged or non-functioning battery unit can cause all sorts of problems, so keeping it in good working condition is essential. How to tell if my RV battery is bad, that’s what you must be thinking.
Over time, your RV battery will slowly lose its ability to hold a charge and eventually need to be replaced. But how do you know when it’s starting to go bad? There are a few signs that the rig’s battery is on its last legs.
Let’s discuss the signs that will tell you about its health condition.
Contents
How to Tell If My RV Battery Is Bad
A bad battery can cause electrical issues. The lights will flicker or go out entirely when it’s not providing enough power. The battery pack also powers up the water pump, television, fans, and other electronics that run on the DC power system. It can be a nuisance at best and a safety hazard at worst.
The following signs would indicate that the RV’s battery is not in good working condition:
1. Not producing enough power
If your RV battery isn’t producing enough power, it’s probably because the cells are damaged. The reasons could be overcharging or deep discharge. You’ll notice that your lights are dimmer than usual and some electric appliances don’t work as well as they used to. If this is the case, it’s recommended to have an RV battery monitor for checking your battery’s heath.
2. Leaking acid
If you see acid around the terminals of your RV battery, it’s time to replace it. It’s a dangerous situation as the acid can cause damage to your RV. If you notice any leaks, taking quick action is necessary.
3. Broken battery terminals
Acid corrosion could be one possible reason for broken terminals. It can happen if you don’t clean the terminals regularly or if you don’t use the right kind of battery terminal protector. Either way, it’s time for a new battery.
Also, if you notice any corrosion on the battery terminals, it’s time to clean them off. Use a wire brush to remove the corrosion. Once the terminals are clean, coat them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or battery terminal protector to help prevent future decay.
4. Swollen battery case
How to tell if my RV battery is bad? When you see bulges on the case.
A battery swells because of overcharging. Rapid overcharging causes excessive heat and pressure to build up inside, creating the danger of explosion. Slow overcharging triggers cell expansion by causing oxidation and flaking in the positive plate.
If you notice this, take the battery out of your RV and have it checked by a professional.
5. Making strange noises
If you notice your RV battery making strange noises, it’s time to take it to a professional to have it checked out. The battery may be simply alerting about a voltage drop and needs to be recharged, or there could be a more severe problem.
6. Giving off a smell
Overheating is the main issue behind a rotten egg smell. A battery can overheat because of overcharging, excessive voltage transfer from the converter, and when the cells are too dry. In these cases, overheating boils the acid inside and causes the emission of sulfur fumes.
7. Showing voltage issues
When the battery is not functioning correctly, you should check its voltage with a multimeter to detect an anomaly.
A fully charged 12V battery should have a 12.6 or higher voltage. Only a half-charged battery can show a voltage below 12V. So, if you find discrepancies in the voltage reading, the battery must have a problem.
8. Showing specific gravity issues
You can check the battery’s specific gravity with a hydrometer if you don’t have a multimeter. A fully charged 12V battery should have a specific gravity of 1.265 or higher. If not, consult a professional mechanic to find out what’s wrong with it.
How to tell if my RV battery is bad? Just watch out for these symptoms. Taking prompt action whenever you see these signs may save repair costs.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your RV Battery
How do you make sure your RV battery doesn’t die on you? Well, follow these tips:
- Keep the battery pack in a well-ventilated place. Lead-acid batteries give off gasses (hydrogen gas) as they charge and discharge, and those gasses can be explosive. So, gasses can build up in an enclosed space and cause a serious problem.
- Clean the battery regularly. Corrosion on the terminals can lead to all sorts of problems.
- Don’t overcharge. So, be careful how long you leave it plugged into a shore power outlet.
- Extreme temperatures can damage your RV battery. If it’s too cold, the battery can freeze, and if it’s too hot, it can overheat.
- Use a battery maintainer. It saves the RV battery from damage by keeping it charged during inactive periods.
Following these simple tips can help make the RV battery last longer and prevent your RV battery from dying untimely.
