Battery explosion

We just had a trip a month or so ago in the 2551.  Everything was fine.  Got home the steps failed, or partially did.  Sometimes they work, sometimes not.  So we need to get a number for a new motor.  However, yesterday I heard a loud explosion.  Smelled a sulphur smell and found it to be a house battery.  We leave it plugged in to shore power.  Is that a bad idea for some reason?  These may be the originals, no way of knowing.  It's a 2010.

What size batteries do I need for this replacement.  They still test fine BTW.  Go figure.  Glad nobody got hurt. 

Assuming standard lead acid batteries I would check the water level right away.  Sounds like the battery producing hydrogen gas during charging.

An 'explosion' near the batteries MIGHT be hydrogen gas from the batteries that encountered a spark somehow.  I've seen that happen and a small amount of gas makes a rather loud noise without much damage.  However, I would be concerned that the battery compartment is not venting enough to clear the gas when the batteries are charging.  If you get enough gas concentrated the 'bang' can be large enough to do real damage.

The other concern is where did the spark come from?  Hydrogen does not just go bang all by itself.

On the other hand this might be something entirely different.............

Barb

The things to look at in the step operation.  There are several things that would prevent the steps from working properly.  

1.  With the door open and  looking into the PC there is a plunger type switch in the lower right hand corner.  Check this switch to make sure the plunger moves freely and is not corroded.  The contacts within the switch may be dirty.  Rotating/spinning the plunger will usually clean the contacts.  I have found this to be the most common cause of step problems for me.

2.  The adjustable bold/nut mounted in the door that activates the plunger may need to be adjusted.    It can be adjusted in or out a little to change how far the plunger is pushed in.  This causes the contacts to meet at a slightly different point and might help if the contacts within the switch are worn and dirty.

Time to dive under the PC.

3.  The switch from step 1 is mounted in the door frame and a large portion is outside the PC and  exposed to the elements.  Check for corrosion on the switch and wires.

4.  The step mechanism is also exposed to the elements.  Check to make sure all the pivot points move freely and nothing is binding.  Lubricate if necessary.  I personally use CLP (available at Wal-Mart in sporting goods department) and I stay away from WD40.

5.  The last thing to check is the van battery.  Make sure it is fully charged and in good operating order.

Here is a link to Kwikee Step Manual - https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/manuals/pg-1422279-888-Rev-OI.pdf

Barry

 Batteries should be serviced once a month... That means checked and distilled water filled to the line.. Do not overfill. We use a new small bottle which has a pointed end to be sure to get the distilled water into the hole and not all over.  We have also always left out rig plugged in.  Never had a problem .. In fact the batteries that had an 18 month warranty lasted over 4 years.  This is one of those maintenance things like the generator.. They need   Their check ups just like we do. I usually am just the go-fer  but I do whatever I am asked to be helpful.  Off and running on Monday.  Luv to all, Patricia

Barb

The things to look at in the step operation.  There are several things that would prevent the steps from working properly.  

1.  With the door open and  looking into the PC there is a plunger type switch in the lower right hand corner.  Check this switch to make sure the plunger moves freely and is not corroded.  The contacts within the switch may be dirty.  Rotating/spinning the plunger will usually clean the contacts.  I have found this to be the most common cause of step problems for me.

2.  The adjustable bold/nut mounted in the door that activates the plunger may need to be adjusted.    It can be adjusted in or out a little to change how far the plunger is pushed in.  This causes the contacts to meet at a slightly different point and might help if the contacts within the switch are worn and dirty.

Time to dive under the PC.

3.  The switch from step 1 is mounted in the door frame and a large portion is outside the PC and  exposed to the elements.  Check for corrosion on the switch and wires.

4.  The step mechanism is also exposed to the elements.  Check to make sure all the pivot points move freely and nothing is binding.  Lubricate if necessary.  I personally use CLP (available at Wal-Mart in sporting goods department) and I stay away from WD40.

5.  The last thing to check is the van battery.  Make sure it is fully charged and in good operating order.

Here is a link to Kwikee Step Manual - https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/manuals/pg-1422279-888-Rev-OI.pdf

Barry

Barry we looked up the information on here about the steps and tried most of these things.  Hammered on it, it comes out on occasion.