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Why Is My RV Battery Boiling When Charging?

Why Is My RV Battery Boiling When Charging

If you notice that your RV’s battery is boiling when you’re charging it, then it is most likely because of overcharging. This overcharging could happen due to a dead cell in the battery. 

Hence, as the charger keeps on charging it, it results in overheating. This overheating then causes the battery to boil when you are charging it. 

Moreover, if your battery keeps on boiling, it can harm your vehicle. So, to know more about why your RV battery keeps boiling when you charge it, read on. 

Is It Normal for a Battery to Boil When Charging?

No, it is not normal for a battery to boil when you are charging it. It is mostly because the boiling battery usually has some underlying problem causing this issue, like overcharging batteries. 

So, when the electrolyte solution inside the battery starts boiling, it may create hydrogen gas which is highly flammable when it comes in contact with the oxygen present in the air. 

Thus, if you notice your battery boiling when you are charging it, you need to check it as soon as possible to prevent any further serious damage. 

What Makes a Battery Boil Over?

As mentioned above, a battery can boil over due to many reasons. Some of the most common ones include: 

Reason 1: Overcharging 

One of the most common reasons why an RV battery is boiling when you are charging it is because it has been overcharged. 

What happens here is that if there’s a dead cell inside a battery, then the alternator will keep on charging the battery. This leads to overheating of the battery which then causes the electrolyte solution inside it to boil over. 

Reason 2: Overfilling the Battery 

This reason is mainly applicable if you have to constantly fill water inside your battery to make it work. It is because batteries contain a mixture of water and electrolytes and some batteries do require refilling the battery with water. 

In this case, you need to follow the manufacturer’s guide to know how much water you need to add to the battery. If you add more, it can cause your battery to boil when you’re charging it. 

Reason 3: Using a Defective Charger 

Keep in mind that it is not always an issue with the battery as sometimes chargers can also cause the battery to boil. 

So, if you are using an external charger to charge your RV battery, then it might be defective. Moreover, it can also happen if you charge the battery for too long and it causes overheating. 

Hence, given above are some of the major reasons why your RV’s battery might be boiling over when you are charging it. So, depending on the reason, ensure that you find the proper solution to prevent more damage. 

If you are looking to replace your current RV battery, then we recommend using an AGM battery like this one by WEIZE. These batteries also use AGM technology, which keeps everything sealed, and is in a tamper-resistant container. This battery can also withstand harsh temperature changes, cold or hot, which makes it an ideal battery for an RV.

What Causes an RV Battery to Explode?

You may have heard about vehicle batteries exploding and it is quite true that an RV battery can explode too. But, what is the cause behind it and how can you prevent it from happening? Let’s see. 

The reason why an RV battery explodes could be related to the release of hydrogen as a byproduct. So, if there’s any defect in your battery such as overcharging, then an explosion might happen. 

It is because due to overcharging, your battery’s electrolyte solution starts boiling which further releases hydrogen. Now, if this hydrogen comes in contact with the air’s oxygen, then it can cause an explosion as hydrogen is extremely flammable. 

Keep in mind that an RV battery only explodes in the worst of the cases where the production of hydrogen gas is a lot. However, if you want to prevent this from happening, read on. 

Can You Overcharge an RV Battery?

Yes, it is possible to overcharge an RV battery, just like any other battery around you. 

It is because these batteries contain an electrolyte solution whose levels have to be maintained to work properly. 

However, when you overcharge this battery or keep it charging even after it has charged, then the electrolyte levels can drop. This can cause a lot of battery problems, including depleting battery life and boiling battery too. 

Some of the reasons that cause overcharging of battery include:

  • Faulty charger
  • Charging it even after it is recharged fully
  • Overfilling a battery with water

Hence, it is totally possible to overcharge an RV battery due to the presence of electrolyte inside of it. 

Tips to Maintain Your RV Battery Properly

If you wish to extend your RV battery’s life and to prevent problems, like battery boiling, then try out the tips given below: 

Tip 1: Check the Electrolyte Level If Required

One of the main reasons why your battery’s life might be depleting and it might be boiling is because of overcharging and heat. So, you must take care of it. 

To do so, you may want to check the water levels of your battery, especially during the hot temperatures, and if you have overcharged it. If you notice that the electrolyte solution is depleting, then add distilled water accordingly. However, here too ensure that you don’t add too much water. 

Tip 2: Use the Right Type of Water 

Now, you may have a question regarding what type of water you should use. Well, it is best that you go for either distilled water or even mineral-free water. 

Keep in mind that you avoid using tap water as it may lead to calcium sulfation which can further harm your battery. 

Tip 3: Charge Your Battery Properly 

Moreover, when you charge the battery, you again have to do it in a proper way. First of all, go for a bulk charge that can charge the battery at least 90%. 

Then, go for absorption charge as it can help in charging the rest 10% while at the same time preventing gassing or bubbling. Lastly, go for float charge that can help in maintaining the full charge. 

Tip 4: Make Use of the Vent Caps 

Did you know that keeping vent caps on can help with reducing the loss of water due to bubbling and gassing?

Hence, if you want to do that, make use of the vent caps as they are quite helpful. 

Tip 5: Go For Regular Maintenance and Recharge Your Battery 

If you want your battery to last long, then you have to go for regular maintenance. This can help in avoiding any unforeseen problems with your battery. 

Moreover, make a habit of charging your battery as soon as you see that it is discharging. It is because doing this will prevent sulfation which is the main cause of a dead battery. 

Final Thoughts

To conclude, your RV battery is susceptible to a lot of problems. One of the major ones being the boiling of batteries. 

Moreover, this overboiling issue can also cause more damage to your battery and in the worst-case scenario, even cause it to explode.  

So, you need to make sure that you don’t neglect this problem and consider it as a normal thing. Instead, find out the problem and a proper solution for it.

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