WE have found the problem with the bad odor coming from our storage areas. It is coming from the batteries, The tops had come off and most of the water is gone. We are pretty sure that's our problem. I want to thank everyone for your help.
Montana 2008 Mountaineer travel trailer 32FLD
2006 Ford F350 PSD, Lariat, CC, LB, SRW and Blue ox sway control
Now you get to decide what to do about replacement!
The whole battery discussion swings on what the goals are.
If you want the minimum number of cells then six individual two volt cells is the best of all worlds (600 amp-hours per cell, and up).
If there is room for an odd number of batteries and the choice is between six volt and twelve volt jars, twelve volt wins on capacity.
If there is room for only two batteries twelve volt wins on redundancy and six volt wins on the number of cells.
If a large inverter (1500 watts and up) is to be run at "full bore" then twelve volt wins even against six six volt (assuming equal amp-hours of capacity), due to the larger voltage drop exhibited by the thicker plates.
Flooded cells remain, for the time being, the "best bang for the buck", but the trade off is regular maintenance and a pair of wool pants.
If one does go to agm chemistry, it would be wise to heed the advice of the particular maker on charging parameters, given that the cost of such batteries may far exceed the cost of a good converter.
Most RV's are woefully low on amp-hours of capacity, and many folks abuse their battery bank by going to far lower states of charge than is good for longevity. To me, it is a no brainer to maximize the capacity.
Balanced wiring for battery banks is often hit and miss (mostly miss, I fear). It should be addressed.
No matter what voltage or chemistry is used, good charging practice need to be followed. If that is done, 2 volt, 12 volt, and 6 volt battery banks may last many years.
So, find out the goals, use what ever works for a battery bank, and go camping.
For my further thoughts on battery banks surf here:
Glad you found it and you probably have the cleanest storage compartments ever seen (LOL). BTW, your batteries are most likely toasted. Now you get to see how expensive being an RV owner can be.
Your going to want to upgrade your converter. Your existing unit slowly overcharges the batterys resulting in the damage you found.
Thanks for updating us!
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
Thanks for the update...figured it had to be the batteries but what threw me was that you said it wasnt a sulphur smell. My vote is for 2 6volt batteries.
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