Troubleshooting Battery Boil Over With Possible Faulty Power Converter Unit

Updated 06/21/2022 | Published 06/19/2022

Question:

Our 2021 Baystar came with a PD9245 charger and 2 Interstate 24M batteries. I went in my shop the other day where the RV is stored and on shore power all the time to run dehumidifiers. We are on the Gulf Coast of Texas where the humidity is always high. I saw the coach batteries had boiled over and water was low even though I just checked them a few days earlier. It looked to me like the plates in the batteries were crystalized and disconnected voltage was only 11 volts. The charger voltage was 14.4 all the time so I am assuming I need to replace. I would like to go back with the same charger since it looks like you guys have it for a fair price. I would like to upgrade to a different battery. Is the SLI24MAGMDC Duracell Ultra BCI Group 24M 12V 78AH 800CCA AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery compatible with this charger? It has a 30 month warranty is why I chose it. I hate having to spend this money on such a new unit, but I dont want to ruin more batteries. Also Newmar has the charger completely enclosed except on the top. Is this an issue?

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

In storage mode, the output voltage increases to 14.4v DC for approximately 15 minutes every 21 hours to help prevent sulfation of the battery plates. The converter output should be 13.6. When disconnected from the battery, or when the batteries are fully charged. When the shore power is connected the battery voltage should rise close to this as it charges.

Remove the battery from the equation and check the output voltage of your converter. If it's still showing 14.4v then we know it's defective and will need to be replaced with the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power RV Converter and Smart Battery Charger - 45 Amps # PD9245C.

The # PD9245C is compatible with lead acid batteries so it will work with the Duracell battery you referenced. You will want ensure there's room for air flow for the fan to properly cool the unit. If the fan is being blocked by a wall you'll want to remount the converter to provide better air flow.

expert reply by: Kevin C