RV battery overheating is a common issue among RV owners and it can quickly become a problematic situation. Whether you are dealing with a bad battery, a poor connection, or something else – an overheating battery on your RV is nothing but trouble.
In this article, we’re going to offer a step-by-step guide to assessing your RV battery and discuss the most common reasons for RV batteries overheating.
Step-by-step diagnostics for RV batteries overheating
Finding out why your RV battery is overheating can be achieved through a tried and tested diagnostic check.
1. Check your electrolyte and water levels in your RV battery. If your water levels are too low, try topping it up with distilled water. A good tip to avoid water loss in the future is to keep your vent caps on while charging as it stops water from boiling.
2. Check your connections. Take the time to check over every wire and appliance that is hooked up to your RV batteries and make sure they are all in good working condition. Any loose connections or frayed and damaged wires could be causing your RV battery to overheat.
3. Inspect your charge controllers. Most charge controllers include a digital display that shows temperatures and a few other settings options. Try to find out if any issues are presented on the display.
4. Check your user manual. Many RV batteries require specific settings to work optimally, so check the user guide to make sure that all of the settings are correct.
Common issues that cause RV batteries to overheat
Overcharging or undercharging your battery
Keeping a fully charged RV battery on a continuous charging cycle can cause overheating, and it is bad for the lifespan of the battery too. Similarly, undercharging your RV battery can cause it to drain too far and cause issues with it.
Ventilation
The ambient temperature around an RV battery can affect its performance, so proper ventilation is an important part of ensuring a healthy battery. Without fitted vents, batteries are prone to overheating when they are in a small space and used.
Phantom draining
Many peripherals will constantly drain power from your RV battery, which can cause overheating. Appliances like clocks, radios, and refrigerators are known phantom drains for RV batteries – so don’t overload your RV battery with these.