|
|
08-15-2018, 05:16 PM
|
#1
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Springfield
Posts: 71
M.O.C. #19030
|
Sewer Odor in Pass-through
We have a 2016 Montana 3711FL (front living room), immediately behind the living room is the kitchen sink and kitchen, then the bathroom, and then the bedroom. When running a box fan in the kitchen in front of the steps leading up to the living room there is strong sewer odor coming into the camper from the step vents under the steps and there is also strong sewer odor in the pass-through compartment; sometimes the odor is even strong enough that it can be smelled in the basement. Does anyone have an idea of why we are experiencing this odor from the front when the black tank and bathroom are in the back?
__________________
Carol & Rick (Fur kids - Jack & Daffy)
2016 Montana 3711FL Legacy Edition
2019 Ram Laramie 3500, Crew Cab, 6.7L Cummins, 8' Bed, DRW, 20K Hitch
|
|
|
08-15-2018, 05:28 PM
|
#2
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
If you have a cracked tank, vent pipe issue or slow leak back there the smell could be finding a way along the choroplast until it finds a way into the utility area and from there the area below the stairs is available.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
|
|
|
08-15-2018, 05:45 PM
|
#3
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ishpeming
Posts: 216
M.O.C. #18650
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick G
We have a 2016 Montana 3711FL (front living room), immediately behind the living room is the kitchen sink and kitchen, then the bathroom, and then the bedroom. When running a box fan in the kitchen in front of the steps leading up to the living room there is strong sewer odor coming into the camper from the step vents under the steps and there is also strong sewer odor in the pass-through compartment; sometimes the odor is even strong enough that it can be smelled in the basement. Does anyone have an idea of why we are experiencing this odor from the front when the black tank and bathroom are in the back?
|
On one of my units I had a horrible odor. Turned out to be a bad battery, case was bulged out and it was hot.
|
|
|
08-15-2018, 07:39 PM
|
#4
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Springfield
Posts: 71
M.O.C. #19030
|
I'll check the batteries tomorrow night after work. The other day when I walked under the front by the exterior battery vent, I could smell the odor at that exact point, I thought the smell was coming from the basement compartment. It would be nice if this is the culprit. If not, then this weekend I guess that I'll try removing the pass-through panels and see if I can reach the front holding tank vent. The last resort, I'll remove the choroplast and try to see if the holding tank is leaking. Thanks for the ideas.
|
|
|
08-16-2018, 05:31 AM
|
#5
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Ishpeming
Posts: 216
M.O.C. #18650
|
Following
|
|
|
08-17-2018, 11:47 PM
|
#6
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Goldbar, WA.
Posts: 168
M.O.C. #21854
|
Also following. I'm getting an odor in my 2018 3950BR and I did catch a whiff of it in my passthrough as we hooked up tonight. Please let us know what you find.
__________________
2018 3950BR - MORryde X-Factor, Disc Brakes, 3rd AC, Stacked W/D, Winegard Trav'ler (DTV), 2000w inverter, EMS-HW50C
2022 Ford F-450 Limited Diesel Dually - B&W 25k Hitch
|
|
|
08-18-2018, 07:04 AM
|
#7
|
Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Camden
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #20575
|
I had same issue in a 3791RD. Thought it was a sewer issue and even put a water seal in the sewer hose. Order got worse over a couple of days and then I walked by the battery vent and I knew it was the batteries (I have two). The batteries were so hot that the battery box was too hot to touch by hand to get the cover off. I turned battery disconnect off and let cool for about an hour. Both batteries were still too hot to remove with bare hand so I had to use leather glove to remove and replace. I found that the wing nut for the positive terminal on the battery was very loose. I replaced both batteries with AGM type batteries. No issues since.
Goose
|
|
|
08-18-2018, 10:53 AM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Cuyahoga Falls
Posts: 721
M.O.C. #18572
|
Could be the check valve for the black tank flush.
__________________
ATC/NAC Jerry A. Burkholder, USN (RET.)
Rule #1. The Chief is always right.
Rule #2. When in doubt, refer to rule #1.
|
|
|
08-19-2018, 12:57 PM
|
#9
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Springfield
Posts: 71
M.O.C. #19030
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bierp
Also following. I'm getting an odor in my 2018 3950BR and I did catch a whiff of it in my passthrough as we hooked up tonight. Please let us know what you find.
|
It looks like the batteries may have been the problem. I was finally able to work on it yesterday and after removing the battery cover the terrible smell was almost overwhelming. Anyway, I took the batteries out, one battery was completely dead and no fluid in any of the cells, the other battery, fluid was only visible in one cell and that battery had a charge of about 9.75. Replaced both batteries and 3 new cables because the cable ends had about 1/4" of exposed wire strand at the lugs. Camper has been closed up now for about 24 hours with air-conditioners running and a box fan placed in front of stairway to help move air around. Did a smell test this morning and no odor, the DW checked the camper about 30 minutes ago and said no odor, it smells like a new camper again. Thanks for the help and ideas!
|
|
|
08-20-2018, 05:53 AM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Auburn
Posts: 879
M.O.C. #18474
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick G
It looks like the batteries may have been the problem. I was finally able to work on it yesterday and after removing the battery cover the terrible smell was almost overwhelming. Anyway, I took the batteries out, one battery was completely dead and no fluid in any of the cells, the other battery, fluid was only visible in one cell and that battery had a charge of about 9.75. Replaced both batteries and 3 new cables because the cable ends had about 1/4" of exposed wire strand at the lugs. Camper has been closed up now for about 24 hours with air-conditioners running and a box fan placed in front of stairway to help move air around. Did a smell test this morning and no odor, the DW checked the camper about 30 minutes ago and said no odor, it smells like a new camper again. Thanks for the help and ideas!
|
Glad you found it. We love it when someone solves a problem.
__________________
2020 Montana 3790RD Legacy EditionOnan, TST TPMS, TrailAir pin, Discs,
2013 F350 DRW 4x4 CC LBViair 10007, Ride-Rites, Westin HDx, 12k Smittybilt
|
|
|
08-20-2018, 10:53 AM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
|
Make sure you check the water level on a schedule otherwise you'll have the same problem again. Also make sure your batteries are 100% charged between trips otherwise it won't take long to kill them.
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
|
|
|
08-21-2018, 08:53 PM
|
#12
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Springfield
Posts: 71
M.O.C. #19030
|
Thanks for the advice on keeping the cells filled and batteries full of charge. Last year we had a 50 amp outlet installed on the exterior of our garage so the camper is plugged in either at home or in campgrounds from April thru November. What is the standard lifetime expectancy of a deep cycle Group 27 battery? Our warranty paperwork said they were only guaranteed for 1-year, but they lasted from August 2015 until now (August 2018).
|
|
|
08-21-2018, 09:07 PM
|
#13
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
I've always figured I could get three years out of a properly maintained battery. After that I checked them closely. AGM batteries seem to last much longer and don't need much in the way of maintenance so I use them exclusively now.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
|
|
|
08-21-2018, 09:24 PM
|
#14
|
Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Springfield
Posts: 71
M.O.C. #19030
|
Dang, live and learn! I should have done some research before buying those high priced flooded batteries. Hopefully, I'll get more than 3 years of use out of these especially since I'll be keeping an eye on the cells. Thanks for your help.
|
|
|
08-21-2018, 10:52 PM
|
#15
|
Established Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Soda Springs
Posts: 19
M.O.C. #10139
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick G
Dang, live and learn! I should have done some research before buying those high priced flooded batteries. Hopefully, I'll get more than 3 years of use out of these especially since I'll be keeping an eye on the cells. Thanks for your help.
|
Well so far I've gotten over eight years on my properly maintained - four six volt - purchased from costco - golf cart - deep cycle - flooded cell batteries...so there is always hope.
Keep a close eye on water levels (use only distilled water to refill) and buy a hydrometer to check for dead cells.
|
|
|
08-22-2018, 09:37 AM
|
#16
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
|
I got 7 years out of my 4 x 6volt Interstate before they started using too much water and not holding the charge as long as I thought they should of.
I am now using 4 x 6volt Trojans for the past 4 years and they're going strong. I will easily get 7 years out of them also.
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
|
|
|
08-22-2018, 11:51 AM
|
#17
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Bastrop
Posts: 2,892
M.O.C. #20753
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenny K
I got 7 years out of my 4 x 6volt Interstate before they started using too much water and not holding the charge as long as I thought they should of.
I am now using 4 x 6volt Trojans for the past 4 years and they're going strong. I will easily get 7 years out of them also.
|
Are the Trojans flooded or AGM?
Thanks
__________________
Mocha, one-eyed toothless, hurricane survivor, Pirate dog
2019 20th Anniversary Edition 3701LK
B&W 20K for Ford OEM Puck
2018 Ford F-350 Lariat CCLB PSD DRW KJ5CQH
|
|
|
08-22-2018, 05:48 PM
|
#18
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
|
The Trojans are flooded.
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
|
|
|
08-22-2018, 06:01 PM
|
#19
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Goldbar, WA.
Posts: 168
M.O.C. #21854
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenny K
The Trojans are flooded.
|
You can’t really expect me to read that with a straight face...
|
|
|
08-26-2018, 02:55 PM
|
#20
|
Established Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Rancho Cordova
Posts: 16
M.O.C. #18236
|
Hi
Has anyone else tried these? They are battery fill kids which make filling the batteries much easier. I have to say, I really like these suggestions and ideas.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|