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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> RV Maintenance and Technical Tips -> ok just how do I check the battery for fluid level, and just where is it?
Post Info TOPIC: ok just how do I check the battery for fluid level, and just where is it?
huck


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ok just how do I check the battery for fluid level, and just where is it?
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We've had the rig for one year and when I read that folks have had to add distilled water to the battery after a year I get nervous since I have no clue on where or how to do this. Can anyone help?



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RickandJanice


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If you are not familiar with batteries, be sure to wear safety goggles and rubber gloves so you do not splash acid in your eyes or get it on your hands. There should be caps on the top of the battery. Depending on brand, they will be either individual caps that screw in or a rectangular cap (most common)that presses in and plugs three holes at a time. You may need to pry very gently with a screw driver to remover the rectangular cap, alternate from end to end until they pop off. When looking into each hole, you will see a short plastic cylinder that extends into the cell. The acid level should be up to the very bottom of this cylinder, if not the cells can be topped off with distilled water. Do not fill above that or it could boil over when charging. Good Luck and be careful!!

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Rick and Janice

2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3, Mor/Ryde King Pin and I.S., 17.5" Wheels w/ H Rated Tires, Automatic Level Up,

2012 Ford F450 Lariet, 6.7 L, CC, 4WD, DRW w/ Air Bags, Reese Signature 25K Hitch
Terry and Jo


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Without knowing what type of RV you have, it is hard to answer as to "where is it."  However, Rick and Janice has good advice for you.  As an aid in filling the batteries, you might consider a battery filler similar to the one at the link below.  It is designed to shut of the flow of water when the battery cell is full.  I noticed that they also had an "extension" for use in tight spaces, which might apply in a lot of RV's.

The Water Boy

Terry



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Terry and Jo

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2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout

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huck


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We have a 2012 Big Horn 5th wheel, I guess it would have been a good idea to id the RV before asking. Thanks all



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Gary


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I think the battery is on the passenger side of the rig, forward most compartment.


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Dreaming and doing the homework necessary.

Looking at:
F-350/Ram 3500 type truck, possibly an Airstream or a smaller 5th Wheel.

However, there is still time to change the configuration, just a plan.
RVKevi


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We have a 2011 Big Horn and the battery is where Gary said it is. It is under a plastic cover.

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Kev & Vi

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TXRVr


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The only thing that I would add to RickandJanice good advise is to be careful about spilling water on the top of the battery. Also, there are two types of batteries. The closed cell type isn't designed such that you can add water to it.   You'll find out which one you have when you look at them.   



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DebandDon


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Further, once you take care of this chore you should consider checking your battery water levels monthly. I add a little distilled water every month if the battery has been on a charger since the cycles of charging/discharging tend to dry up the water level over time. It can vary according to heat and humidity. You do not want the water level to be below the lead plates you can see inside the battery casing.

Don



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