Camping World installed 6 Volt Batteries in front "sealed??" compartment

[Bogey3025]

IMG_5272.jpg
Redwood 36RL 2016
I have sent a few Private Messages and appreciate the information that we have received. We thought we should put this out there for the forum....
(The batteries are not AGM or dry cell)

Last weekend we planned to spend the weekend at a state park. When we got to storage the batteries were stone dead ( in two weeks they completely died, they were in the off position) we had our generator with us, charged them up and headed to the camp ground. Got things charged up enough to run for the night.. Next morning checked inside the battery boxes and found two 12 volt batteries with corrosion on the post ?!?! Called Camping World, they arranged to get the rig in right away... Confirmed that we were promised two 6-volts. You can see in the picture we added two more. When we went to pick it up we questioned the safety of the install, there is no venting.
They said our front compartment is sealed, and the venting is in the floor of the "sealed" compartment... Have you seen this before, do you think it's safe... very concerned. Service Manager at Camping World Avondale,AZ said there is NO reason for concern, the "gases" from the batteries do not rise ...We question his knowledge on gases and on the install. Thoughts??
Thanks.

[atom ant]

It is not correct.

ventilation includes the bottom vent out the bottom of the battery box, and the top vent. Hydrogen actually vents out through the top, but needs the make up air in the bottom to start the circulation. They need to fix that.

Batteries produce Hydrogen. If it didn't rise, the Hindenburg would have had a real issue trying to fly.

[Bogey3025]

Thank you for your response!! We totally agree, hoping we are able to address it with them tomorrow. Service manager kept saying our front compartment is sealed....

[mstan]

Does anyone know who installs the batteries and the wiring in the battery compartment? Does the RW Factory ship them to the dealers with the batteries and wiring all complete? or Does the Dealer install the batteries and finish any wiring? Just curious.

[atom ant]

Originally Posted by Bogey3025

Thank you for your response!! We totally agree, hoping we are able to address it with them tomorrow. Service manager kept saying our front compartment is sealed....

Tell him the fact it is sealed make it worse! Nothing in there is intrinsically safe (spark proof), including the slide pump solenoid, brake actuator, even the small resettable breakers on the battery bus bar. Saying its sealed is like saying its OK to store gasoline in the furnace room as long as the door is shut.

The battery boxes he sold you are for outdoor installations such as on the tongue of a TT, or even marine where the engine compartment is mechanically ventilated.

I know why he sold you those - the 6v don't fit in the typical battery box for that compartment because they are so tall, so he used what he could make fit.

[brenkco]

When we spoke via PM, I thought they might have installed them in the gen bin on the left. Brad is correct, these need to be vented. The link to the battery box I sent you will work just fine. Double check the 2nd link to make sure the 6 volts fit that box.


Ken

[Bogey3025]

Thanks Ken. I think what the SM means by sealed, is that it's sealed from the living quarters. We agree that they need to be vented. What's crazy is they originally told us they needed to find boxes with venting and there would be a delay picking up our rig. When we called and they said it was ready, and we saw that they never installed the correct boxes we were shocked. Everyone here is so helpful. We appreciate your help.

[Bogey3025]

Spoke with a Redwood service rep (they were very informative)...the batteries must be vented. Back to Camping World.

[Ford truck guy]

What a run around !!!

[Bogey3025]

I know, right?? This forum and Redwood's team are always there to help. Like so many others, WE LOVE our rig! Funny...all of our frustrations have been with Camping World and NOT Redwood...but that's a good thing.

[RWJSIM2003]

What you have had issues with Camping World !!!!! I can't believe that