AGM 12 Volt Venting and Battery Box Ideas

[mwdilday]

I have a 2024 GD Solitude with the upgraded solar package. It has a 3 KW inverter which requires 4/0 wires from the batteries. It came with 1 battery which I replaced and added the second battery. Problem is with the 4/0 wires being so big in diameter it is hard to route the wires through a small hole in the factory provided boxes. I ended up cutting half of the end out of the cover to get the wires through which is what the dealer did for the first battery box. Now they are vented inside the front compartment. Questions are:

1) Do 12 volt AGM batteries need to be vented? My research says yes but wanted others' opinions.

2) Any ideas on a source for a battery box for 2 group 31 12 volt batteries?

Thanks.

 

[sande005]

Yes, all lead acid batteries need to be vented. They generate hydrogen gas when charging, which we all know is much lighter than air. So for safety/efficiency they should be vented from the top of the compartment, without runs that will allow "bubbles" or pools of gas to accumulate.

BUT...there may not be a need for dedicated boxes. AGM's are fully sealed. Besides venting, the box is normally a catch basin for any acid that may leak out of a conventional battery. And protection against other things coming in contact with the terminals, creating sparks. In my boat, the pounding of the waves caused frequent splash out and acid accumulation in the installed boxes. Going to AGM's just required a tray to provide a way to strap them down. In their location, there is more than sufficient external ventilation, air movement, and upper openings to prevent gas accumulation.

So, take a look at whether not using boxes is feasible. Does the area get a lot of airflow naturally? Does it have openings higher up that can let H2 vent out?
My old fifth had a 1 1/2"" vent hose that came out the side from the top of its boxes - so perhaps fab up a hood for above them, to catch H2 and duct to the exterior. Like a hood above the kitchen stove, but simpler.
Then also use rubber terminal covers to protect against accidental sparking....

Or, to forestall some from piling on ,,,think about going to lithiums....

 

[mwdilday]

Thanks [MENTION=7033]sande005[/MENTION]