Comments.. and Question On Battery Box

[GreatWhite]

DW and I took our first trip in the RV. We picked it up out of state and towed it successfully to Jackson Rancheria in Jackson, CA. This is probably the loveliest 'campground' we have ever been at and the price was great. I went with a group of RV'ing woodcarvers. We go out monthly to various campgounds in N. Calif. We "owned" the clubhouse which was immaculate and wonderful for our needs. Pool was heated at this time of year.... couldn't believe it. and the hot tubs were super. Went to the casino for a great buffet. There is a super walking path around the campground that changes altitude slightly... all paved with blacktop. Beautiful landscaping and lawns.. seems like they are mowed daily.. needed or not.

On to the RV. As I've mentioned in a few prior posts.. we bought a 2013 Mountaineer 295RKD. Beautiful layout and this was our "shakedown" cruise. We did find a few thing that need attention. Stove works great.. but couldn't get the oven to light. Screens in the emergency exits won't stay in place. Got delivered with a dent in the side. "Lock open" on the freezer doesn't work.. and, so far, only a few more minor items.

However, the dealer promised to install two 12v Interstate batteries. It came with one. The one it came with had a vent hose that went from the battery box to an outside vent. Well, they installed two new battery boxes.. neither of which have a vent.. They simply cut the hose that went from the box off at the vent.. they didn't install new vented boxes.

So, my question is.. how important are these..? In the past, I've never had vented batteries.. but, I assume that there is a reason to have them if the mfg went to the expense of installing them in the first place. What say you.. the braintrust of this group?

[Art-n-Marge]

I believe all batteries need venting of some kind. Just because it's not vented doesn't mean it shouldn't have been. Batteries emit explosive vapors especially when being used, and being recharged. The hazard is that if enough vapor is released it can collect and create an explosive situation. Venting is supposed to relieve this situation. While rare problems have happened, but I've also read of this happening under a vehicle's hood and those batteries just rely on the openings around the engine to vent any gas. Knowing this, my batteries (used to have two, now down to one) are not vented to the trailer vent and I have not had a problem but the front compartment on my rig has lots of openings that could be helping get rid of the gasses.

Since I'll be converting to 6v sometime soon, then when I install new boxes to fit them I will be installing a proper vent.

Regarding your stove, does your rig use a pilot light? Did you try lighting the oven manually? Do you know how?

[GreatWhite]

Thanks Art. Yes, tried to light it manually.. didn't know if the sparker would work. I can't even hear the gas escaping in the oven.. With prior ovens, the sound made it obvious.

Re the batts, there is ventilation in the front hatch.. which is also designed for a genny.. but, just seemed strange that they would just cut it off and not do it "properly".

I'll call them with a pick list of issues tomorrow.. and ask about the batt compartment.

[Alwims]

Take it back and insist they install the batteries with vents to the outside as Montana intended. Don't let them tell you different. If you ever saw an unvented battery explode you won't soon forget it and if you happen to be close, well lets just say................ Batteries can be very dangerous if not properly taken care of!

[drknapp]

I also feel that it needs to be redone. We bought two also when we bought ours. The dealer installed a second box with a vent hole and connected hoses from both boxes to a tee and then a hose to the vent to the outside.

[laverdur]

By all means, the batteries should be vented. I had a second 12 volt battery installed in my 2012 3150RL prior to delivery and my dealer installed a vented box for the second battery and connected the vent to the factory vent for the first battery. RE: lighting the oven pilot with a sparker, not sure it will work. There is a thermocouple that needs to be heated up with a flame while the oven knob is held in. Once the thermocouple is heated the pilot will light. This thermocouple prevents gas leakage from the main burner if the pilot goes out when the burner is turned on.

[GreatWhite]

We used half a box ( ) of wooden matches to heat that thermocouple.. zilch..

[GA Mountaineer]

quote:Originally posted by GreatWhite

We used half a box ( ) of wooden matches to heat that thermocouple.. zilch..

I use a BBQ lighter. Turn the knob to pilot, and be sure you push the knob IN while you try to light it. It helps to have someone else to push the knob. Also be sure that you have lit the stove first, if the gas has been turned off at the tanks.

[DQDick]

I'm assuming you are trying to light the oven, not the range top. Light the range top first. It doesn't have a thermocouple and when it finally lights you'll know that the gas has arrived at the oven. Then get down, reach clear in the back of the oven, have someone else push the pilot button in and then light the pilot. Use a flashlight to make sure you have the flame from your lighter in the proper place.

[Trailer Trash 2]

there is nothing more fun to make and that is Hydrogen gas. isnt that what the Hindenberg used.
get them vented



the only time that you dont have to vent your batteries is if they are gel or Optma type with no maintenance required.

[Captain Joe]

Installed mine and used the T-clamp for venting. Agree with others, make them do the job right.