Batteries Fall 2002 Rexhall Industires, Inc. Newsletter
	Memo from Mesa.... Are Your Batteries Terminal? For some of our readers the season is coming to an end. For others, they are beginning to think about leaving the cold & spending the winter in a warmer climate like sunny Arizona. But regardless if your season is coming to an end soon or just beginning, batteries should be of interest to you. If you are coming to Arizona, stop in and see us. Batteries What every RV owner needs to know: House batteries or coach batteries are very different from chassis or engine batteries. House batteries, aka deep cycle batteries, are designed to be heavily discharged & recharged many times without damage. Engine batteries, SLI (starting, lighting and ignition), are built to deliver a large burst of engine starting current, which is replenished by the engine's charging system. The engine starting batteries are engineered for maximum power in the smallest, lightest package. However, the plates tend to be very thin, making them prone to cracking and buckling during heavy discharges. Some SLI batteries won't withstand more than a few complete discharge/recharge cycles without sustaining permanent damage, making them a poor choice for use as a RV house battery. Sadly, the house batteries are usually the weakest link among all the typical RV self-containment systems. Currently available in several distinct technologies, the original flooded-cell design uses flat lead plates that are immersed in an electrolyte solution composed of sulfuric acid and water. Inexpensive and widely available, these batteries are very forgiving of overcharging, since the non-sealed construction makes it easy to replenish any water lost to evaporation. When properly maintained, some of the better brands are capable of delivering long, trouble-free service. Since exposing the battery plates to air may permanently reduce capacity, it is essential that the electrolyte level in flooded-cell batteries be checked periodically. Only the water in the acid/water electrolyte is lost to evaporation, so only distilled water should be used to replenish it. Batteries under light usage will typically require water every couple of months. More frequent watering may indicate heavy service or battery overcharge, and less frequent watering may indicate chronic undercharging. The occasional application of an equalization charge is beneficial in extending the life expectancy of non-sealed flooded-cell batteries. Some multistage battery chargers have a built-in equalization function. Typically performed once every few months, this procedure supplies a deliberate overcharge that lasts for up to 8 hours, thereby helping to remove plate sulphation and thoroughly stirring the electrolyte. Equalization may cause the battery voltage to rise above 16 volts, so it's important to disconnect any 12-volt DC loads beforehand. Also, significant gassing and water loss will occur, so provide adequate ventilation and top off the water levels frequently. Equalization should never be used on sealed, maintenance free, or gel-celled batteries. Safety First Battery electrolyte is poisonous, corrosive, and can cause severe skin and eye burns. Flooded-cell batteries can produce hydrogen gas in potentially explosive concentrations during the recharge process, so it's essential to provide adequate ventilation, avoid electrical sparks and open flames. Finally, most batteries are capable of supplying enough current to instantly melt metal hand tools or jewelry, so care should be taken to prevent accidental contact with exposed terminals and wiring. Always wear face, hand and clothing protection when working around batteries. Remember, don't get shocked by maintenance time and cost, stop in and check out our prices. Doug McFarland Service Center Manager - Arizona You can visit or contact our Service Center in Arizona at: 3302 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85213 480-324-2211
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