Loose Battery Cable IMPORTANT-READ IT

[starsea]

Today I noticed my Parkliner had no battery power after a week long camping trip. I took the cover off to check the batteries and found that the nut on one of negative posts had came loose. The cable was still attached but not making enough contact to complete the circuit. After tightening it up it started charging. I am going to add lock washers to the posts to keep this from happening again. A loose connection at the battery could cause a spark and with the propane tanks close by things could get ugly. Batteries also produce hydrogen gas, albeit a remote possibility, still significant enough to consider.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Not only a spark but a high enough resistance to get hot and start a fire. I believe that's the reason most RV have the house battery outside.

[Wayne Collins]

I suggest a star type washer, not a spiral lock washer. But, it sounds to me like whoever put that wire on the battery did not torque it up to start with.

How can we change the battery cover so we can get at the battery without removing the LP tanks ????

[starsea]

Thankfully removing the tanks is quick and easy.

[Wayne Collins]

Originally Posted by starsea

Thankfully removing the tanks is quick and easy.

Perhaps if you're young and strong. It should NOT be necessary>

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

Not only a spark but a high enough resistance to get hot and start a fire. I believe that's the reason most RV have the house battery outside.

I would say the primary reason is off gassing, or acid leaks.

But this reminds me of another thread where the owner had a little smoke coming from the breaker / fuse panel inside the camper. It turned out to be a loose connection to one of the 120 VAC breakers. Towing a trailer around does tend to loosen things up and it is good practice to check all electrical connections every once in awhile.

[Raz]

Unless they've changed Parkliner used Optima blue AGM batteries. Acid leaks and hydrogen gas are really not an issue especially compared to wet cells.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Raz

Unless they've changed Parkliner used Optima blue AGM batteries. Acid leaks and hydrogen gas are really not an issue especially compared to wet cells.

But of course Byron and I were talking about "most RV [sic]..." and most RV's still use lead acid batteries (and the need for good connections apply the same)

Originally Posted by Byron Kinnaman

... I believe that's the reason most RV have the house battery outside.

[Raz]

I believe that Parkliner has located the battery on the tongue for quite some time. Early models were moved there after a thermal runaway issue.

[Franswa]

if there's gonna be a fire.......


I want to know about it right away

[starsea]

Originally Posted by Raz

Unless they've changed Parkliner used Optima blue AGM batteries. Acid leaks and hydrogen gas are really not an issue especially compared to wet cells.

I bought mine used. The owner said the battery was changed from inside to outside. It has two "Super Start" black lead acid batteries in it. I have an AGM in my boat. Much better IMHO.

[Raz]

Originally Posted by starsea

.....I have an AGM in my boat. Much better IMHO.

I couldn't agree more. I noticed a small spark every time I disconnected. Most likely the hardwired detectors. For safety reasons I've had an AGM battery on my trailer for over 10 years.

[Alex Adams]

What I was thinking about doing for when I store the trailer in the winter would be to put in a battery switch so I can cut power to the trailer while it is sitting. That way if the wee beasties chew through wiring or something else, there is no possibility of any regretful combustion! It would also work for when I want to remove the battery leads; no spark.