12V RV battery repair

If it has spilled, it has to be re-filled with acid to the correct strength.

If the batteries are not damaged, the acid must be replaced with the correct type. If you ever add water to a battery, it must be distilled water, not tap water that contains minerals in it.

If the batteries are damaged, then they must be replaced.

Jerry G.

"Pop the caps off somehow?" This a "sealed lead acid battery?" In theory they don't leak even when upside down - or so the hype says. Doubtless there's some mechanism to vent a case under pressure since venting is likely to be less likely to create a lawsuit than bursting.

They (regular liquid electrolyte cells) don't "have" to be replaced simply because you lost a little acid. You do need to add dilute sulphuric acid to replace what was lost (or if it was an insignificant amount like 3-4 ounces in a large battery just top off with distilled or de ionized water.

An old fashioned garage will have a "box" of the correct strength acid and will likely do it for little or nothing. My local farmer's supply place sells the whole gallon bag for $4. I've gone both routes - to fill dry shipped motorcycle batteries.

Now, if the batteries tipped over last season and you haven't done anything since, a loss of acid is probably the least of your worries.

Dilute sulphuric is dangerous - keep away from metals use only polyethylene or glass or rubber to handle it. Wear safety glasses.

Concentrated sulphuric is viscous and oily yellow in appearance - and goes through skin like it isn't there - the so called dilute stuff is still very dangerous - treat it with respect.