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Hi Folks,

We're due to have our first trip of the year at the weekend and I'm worried we might have to cancel because of a battery problem.

I've kept the battery topped up over the last few weeks by periodically ensuring van is hooked up the mains and the control panel is switched to "caravan" (as opposed to car or central position).  However, this evening I smelt a strong smell coming from the battery compartment (almost acidic in nature) and could hear a hissing sound coming from the same area. 

I quickly unhooked the mains power and checked that there was still life in the battery - the internal lights still worked indicating that there was.  However there is still a hissing noise coming from the battery and the acidic smell.

Anyone any ideas?  The kids will go mad if we have to cancel our first outing!

Thanks in advance!
Gareth & Family

Sounds like one of the cells is shorting out.

Keep all naked flames away from the battery. Check the voltage.

Disconnect the battery and if it is still fizzing its knacked

Valid point - but I was confused by the fact that it still had some charge left to power the lights? 

I was worried in case the electronics for ensuring the battery didn't overcharge were broken - just wondered in case anyone else had experienced anything similar?

PS - my last reply was to TekkieAnnie.

PopTopMan - thanks for the tip.  The onboard volt-meter hovers around the middle indicating it's holding some voltage.  With everything switched off it's still hissing - it seems like it needs replaced.....

Thanks to you both for such speedy replies!  Appreciated!

Could be a faulty battery or worse it's being over charged because of a faulty charger, also how old is the battery and if oldish when did you last top it up?

Check the shape of the battery, if it's bulging instead of straight sided this is a sure sign of over charging.

Hi Gary,

I reckon the battery is about 6 years old.  It has recently been charged - within the last week.

I nipped out to check the shape of the battery - unfortunately I think the sides are slightly bulged (although it's hard to tell under torchlight!).  It's still hissing and I can see liquid gathering at the base (there's been no AC power attached for approx an hour now).  Something tells me this is not going to be good news .....

Yeah, seems like the battery is a gonner ....

Hopefully it's only an issue with the battery and not the charger.  I'd dread to think what a replacement charger would cost ......

I agree, sounds to me that a cell or two is short circuit and at that age I'd expect it!!

Once replaced it's then a simple job to check the output voltage of the charger, this should be no more than 13.8v which as a fairly accurate guide is 1/3 up the green on the meter

Thanks to everyone for their advice - appreciated!  I'll purchase a new battery and take it from there.

If the voltage reading is too high once it's been replaced and is being charged via the onboard charger then I'll need to ask someone to have a look at the charger.  With batteries costing approx £60 here's hoping it's only the battery that need's replaced!