How long do these batterries last?

[dsprik]

We have been living in our 3400 fulltime for over a 1 1/2 years now. I have never had to add any water to our cheapo class 24 battery (dealership supplied). I have had one 55 amp converter eat itself up and be replaced. Cheryl has been thinking that the lights (12v) have seemed a little dimmer than before. But our converter does not seem to be working overtime.

The the front legs seem to be working harder these past few months. Slides seem to be intermittently slow on occasion - slides are not stopping however. Not sure if any or all of this is related, but I was just wondering if it would be worth my time and money to upgrade batteries at this time. Might resolve some gremlins.

Also, from reading on the MOC, I am amazed that I have never had to add water to the cells. I check every month. Just checked today. One cell may be getting a little low, but still covering the metal. I will pick up some distilled water this afternoon and add.

[Fire5er]

Somthing dosen't sound right. We have had to topoff our batteries every other month or so, and ours is less then a year old and we only use it for weekends and vacations. Let us know how much water you have to use when you topoff them later today.

[VanMan]

Maybe it's that COLD winter weather where you are !!

[EagleRunner]

Dave,
Actually, the experience you are having much parallels mine. I have only had to add water once in the past year, and that was about two weeks ago. My Montana is a bit older than yours too boot and I leave mine plugged in all the time. During the winter months I don't check it as often, but I do check the batteries about once a month during the summer heat. The batteries are holding up just fine.

Tom

[hazmic]

I would suggest that you get a IQ4 for your converter. You may need to remove the battery and have it load tested to find out if it is good or not. If you need to replace it the load test will tell. The IQ4 maintains the battery when plugged in. With out it the converter will charge even when not needed. It will cause the battery to sulfate the plates. Hope this helps your problem,but the battery needs to be tested. Age means nothing.

[dsprik]

I did see some white color down in a couple cells that I don't remember seeing before. Maybe sulfur buildup? I have waffled on the IQ4 (cheap at only ~$25) as there was some talk here on the forum that I may have this already built in to my Iota 55 amp charger that I put in new (who knows how long it was in inventory, though) last spring.

[ols1932]

Dave's original question was how long do these batteries last. Dave, it really depends on the amount of use, charging and recharging. Most of the wet cell batteries that come in the units will last a very long time with proper maintenance. My experience with the wet cells was that I could never seem to keep enough water in them. Plus, when I went to solar, I needed a battery that would give me reliable amounts of amperage storage. So, I chose to go with the Lifeline D8 12-volt batteries. Cost is high, but as I've posted many times before, "You get what you pay for."

Orv

[Mudchief]

Dave, like Hazmic stated above the only way is to load test them. However you will know when you try and put the slides in or out without being hooked up to shore power. I have always run my batteries until they fail. I also have not had to add water to my battery and it stays hooked up to electric when stored in our barn.

[hazmic]

The IQ4 plugs into the DSL 55 amp converter. Look the converter up on IOTA's web site. Also you will find out about IQ4.

[Waynem]

It is very surprising that you have not had to add water yet. Wet cell batteries typically evaporate, and when being constantly used, boil off a little.

I use a very (what I consider inexpensive considering the ease of use) batter filler bottle that I bought for my golf cart several years ago. Don't have the cart, but still have the filler. The simplicity is that you just push the spout into the battery hole and the water stops at the proper level automatically.

Here is a link as to what it looks like and cost.

Battery Filler Bottle

[OntMont]

I agree on the IQ4 for the Iota converter, well worth the small cost. It will take of your battery and make water addition minimal. Check the Iota website for more info.

[dsprik]

Thanks all for the input. I will look into upgrading my battery and adding the IQ4.

[kegger5769]

OK got me thinking (could be dangerous), I looked on the IOTA web site and found the IQ4, and it looks like you just plug it into the converter, is that correct ? If that correct, I have a 2006 3400, so where is the converter located to plug the IQ4 in ?
BTW I too have to add water in only a few cell every 3 months but only use the Monty once a month for a long weekend.
Thanks for the help.
Kim G.

[OntMont]

That is correct and it is usually mounted behind the breaker panel.

[hazmic]

When you look at the IOTA web site you can see drawings on the converters and it will show that on the DSL you plug it on the top and back by the fan. Its a phone jack and just snaps in. Hope this explains what you wanted to know. As asked by Dave you can not put a time on battery's as new ones can be bad and other times they can last for years. Load test is the best way to check a battery. You might do a check by disconnecting the shore power and check the voltage and turn on all the 12 volt lights and fan then check the voltage and see how far it drops. A dead battery will check at 12 volts. If the voltage drops down the battery should be tested by the load test.

[bw2]

The 2006 3400RL converter is behind the fuse panels located in the water-closet. Not a real convenient space to work in. As an fyi, this is where I located my Progressive (I think that is the name of the surge protector)surge protector.

[kegger5769]

OK thanks now I know where the converter is located and leads me to one more question, do you have to pull (remove) the breaker box to get to the converter ?
Thanks again (always good info on MOC !!)
Kim

[TLightning]

quote:Originally posted by kegger5769

OK thanks now I know where the converter is located and leads me to one more question, do you have to pull (remove) the breaker box to get to the converter ?
Thanks again (always good info on MOC !!)
Kim

Yep, that's the only way to get to it. But once there, just plug the IQ4 into the phone jack and you are set.

[dsprik]

Does the IQ4 have it's own power source, or does it draw off of the converter?

[kegger5769]

OK so it looks like I have to pull the breaker panel, any suggestions on where is a good place to buy the IQ4 and is this a all day project ??
Kim