Battery Levels??

TBWard · 06-30-2018, 12:51 PM

OK, so don't laugh, but we are total "newbies" and we are not sure what level the battery fluid is supposed to be. When we look in, obviously there is fluid there, but how do we know that it is at the correct level?
We have a 2018 Vista 32YE with 2 house batteries. The guy at the auto parts store said that we aren't supposed to take the caps off and basically said they are maintenance free and if we do add anything, it is supposed to be battery acid, not distilled water.
We are confused as to what we are supposed to do, everyone says that the batteries must be checked monthly??

Oldchinahand · 06-30-2018, 11:37 PM

While all things are possible, it is not my experience that you could easily remove the caps from a maintenance free battery.

Since apparently you can, I would purchase a battery filler at an auto parts store, and use it to fill. It is designed to fill to the proper level.

The old school method is to look into the open cell. There is a tube going into the cell with two slots opposing each other. If the water surface appears to be pulled into an eye shape by the slots, level is good.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Oldchinahand · 06-30-2018, 11:50 PM

Also, use distilled water in your battery filler. Not battery acid.

Fair Winds and Following Seas

Tucsontoy · 07-01-2018, 08:42 AM

If they are maintenance free, they most likely say "AGM". If so, do not open them. If you can see a boat or RV picture on the side of the case the might be cheep RV batteries. Winnies are not known for being made with "good" batteries. Take a picture and there are many members here that can identify what you have.

LarryW · 07-01-2018, 08:46 AM

Steer clear...completely clear...of anyone and any auto store who advises adding battery acid.

BobC · 07-01-2018, 10:10 AM

Most maintenance free batteries I've seen don't have caps that are intended to be removed, pretty much have a flat, featurless top, but some do. Here's a link to some info from Car Talk on the subject:

https://www.cartalk.com/content/toda...free-batteries

Bottom line - If your caps do remove, go ahead and check them periodically and top off as needed with distilled water only.

I agree, steer clear of that auto store, the guy there doesn't know what he's talking about.

TBWard · 07-01-2018, 11:01 AM

Thanks

jerichorick · 07-07-2018, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBWard

OK, so don't laugh, but we are total "newbies" and we are not sure what level the battery fluid is supposed to be. When we look in, obviously there is fluid there, but how do we know that it is at the correct level?
We have a 2018 Vista 32YE with 2 house batteries. The guy at the auto parts store said that we aren't supposed to take the caps off and basically said they are maintenance free and if we do add anything, it is supposed to be battery acid, not distilled water.
We are confused as to what we are supposed to do, everyone says that the batteries must be checked monthly??

Your spec says you have 2 deep cycle marine batteries. Look at the brand and model # then go to the web for care info.

grtharris · 07-08-2018, 02:13 PM

TBWard, Parts catalog shows you have two NAPA #8240 Batteries. Which should be checked for correct water level. When you look in the fill hole you will see a ring down about an inch. The water should touch the ring. And as mentioned before distilled water only.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBP8240
Battery - Marine & RV Deep Cycle - Dual Purpose - Universal Group 24DCM

travelboy · 07-09-2018, 03:27 PM

Accurate advice by folks.