Batteries in vented box not accessible

[gary s swenson]

We have a 2017 3721rl and I am having a real issue in gaining access to the two batteries to check the water level. The cover on the box has the terminals hard wired to the batteries that are wired in parallel. Just trying to find a better way to access them. Open to your thoughts or ideas. Thanks

[rohrmann]

They had to put the covers on after wiring the batteries, so it will be necessary to undo the fasteners that hold the covers on. You may get lucky and have maintenance free batteries that don’t need water added.

[BuilderBob]

The battery cover have to come of some how I cant see them wiring them with cover on.

[beeje]

My 2 six volt and 2 12 volt batteries have not been covered at all for 5 years or so. Never an issue. IMHO the covers are not needed because the front compartment is far from air tight allowing for enough ventilation.

I am very carful not to store anything metal near the batteries that could possibly fall and short them out.

[jcurtis934]

Remember the hindenberg?

[jeffba]

It only takes just once.....

[Texan]

Get some 3/4'' plywood and build your own box. That's what i did. Build you a box that is about 1 to 2'' shorter than the batteries then build a lid and put notches in the bottom of the lid where it sits down on the box. The notches will allow you to sit the lid on top of the box and not pinch the cables and wires coming in to the box. With your lid being flat on top you can cut you out a hole and screw the factory vent on top of lid. My lid is about 3 1/2'' or 4'' tall.The lid will be bulky to remove with the vent on top but you will still have plenty of room to lift lid and set aside.My box holds two 6 volt batteries. When you build your box install all your cables and wires then you can see where to notch out your lid so as to sit down flat on the box. I have an deltran 1.5 volt charger i keep connected at all times using pig tails always connected to the battery and extending out so i can plug in outside of box to keep charged and never have to raise lid except to top off water about 3 times a year.

[gary s swenson]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I removed the hard wired terminals and I was able to check the water level. After I reinstalled the terminals, I got a 13.7 volt reading. The water level was fine. Maybe there was a loose connection that I fixed when I put it back together. I will continue to see if I can make the access a little better.

[mlh]

Originally Posted by jcurtis934

Remember the hindenberg?

If the Hindenburg would have had holes in it as big as there is in the battery box it would have never gotten off the ground.
Lynwood

[MARK A]

Originally Posted by gary s swenson

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I removed the hard wired terminals and I was able to check the water level. After I reinstalled the terminals, I got a 13.7 volt reading. The water level was fine. Maybe there was a loose connection that I fixed when I put it back together. I will continue to see if I can make the access a little better.

I got tired of removing the lids and 1/2 the cables,then trying to hit the holes with the water. I purchased a battery watering system, now I give the bulb a squeeze every month or so and go on about my business.👍

Mark

[Lenny K]

I don't know what your setup looks like Gary but it sounds like the cables go over your vent covers. Would re-routing the cables, probably by buying longer ones, solve that issue?

[Lenny K]

I bought a watering can which makes topping off the batteries easy and no more water on top of batteries when missing the hole.

https://www.amazon.com/Cycle-Battery.../dp/B00NB808P0

[RoadRunnerTR21]

Originally Posted by MARK A

I got tired of removing the lids and 1/2 the cables,then trying to hit the holes with the water. I purchased a battery watering system, now I give the bulb a squeeze every month or so and go on about my business.👍

Mark

What watering system did you get? I've got one on my golf cart and it is a life saver. I was thinking about the same thing for the Montana.

[gary s swenson]

Mark a I would also like to know what battery watering system you bought. Sounds like it would be a good idea. Thanks gary

[Mikebeat1]

This is the waterer I use on my coach. Works great.

[gary s swenson]

Thanks mikebeat1 this really looks good
Regards
Gary