Batteries and propane alarm

[TRIRTWO]

Well we had the RV(2020 337rls) out at a local lake. We left for a while and when we came back the black alarm(propane) detector was going off. I checked all the connections and shut the propane off and vented the RV. There was a pungent odor but not propane bittarent. My batteries are original and I have noticed that they are not keeping a full charge. I also noticed the the inverter was running more than usual. After clearing the air in the RV, when I opened the front bay I could smell the odor again. Both batteries were warm almost hot. I can only assume that the propane detector was going off from the batteries gassing. One of the batteries has a cover that vents out of the bay and the other does not. I have a few questions: I am not sure how the inverter works so if I am wrong let me know. I have to assume that when you are on shore power the 12v system is run off the inverter. I also have to assume that if the full charge or close to full charge is not kept on the batteries the inverter will keep trying to charge them. This would explain the gassing or boiling off of the batteries. I am not sure what inverter is on the 337rls as some draw from the batteries to make 120ac and some just bypass when you are on shore power. I have to still think the inverter is supplying the 12v system because everything still works when I disconnect the batteries. The next question is about batteries. If I replace with AGM batteries will I have to change out my inverter or will the one I have work. I hope this helps others cause it is a little worrying that lead batteries can have this problem.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Just one item: make sure your nomenclature is correct. The "Converter", not "Inverter", charges the battery/ies and supplies DC voltage for items that use 12V DC. The "Inverter" supplies 120V AC power which the inverter supplies from the 12V DC power.

 

[orbsah]

Last year the rig parked next to us was putting out a very pugent odor. Smelled like sewer, but to make a long story short, the LA batteries were found to be bone dry. I never realized before that batteries put out a smell like that.

The manual for my propane detector states that it’ll detect “other gases”, not just propane.

If you have 2 LA batteries up front and only one is vented, that’s a safety issue that you need to resolve first.

 

[TRIRTWO]

Well here we go again. You are right that I should have said converter. I am not sure I even have an inverter but it is wired for solar but that may mean it is ready to have one installed. I have read up on the battery disconnect and the gas detector. I wanted folks to know that the gas from bad batteries was detected and hopefully they won't have the same issue. I see the disconnect will stop charging but the batteries will still power the 12v safety devices so there is a constant draw. When I store my rv it has a 30 amp plug to maintain things. If you are on shore power do the batteries supply the 12v power or does the converter? I am going to install a cut off switch with the new batteries or should I forgo that and just use the one in the bay. Mainly use the rv in spring and fall the rest of the time it is stored. Can I get rid of the 2 27grp lead acid batteries and just use one LiFePO4 battery or do I need 2. I was looking at this battery-WEIZE 12V 100Ah Mini LiFePO4. Is it big enough or do you have some other recommends. I don't know what converter I have but will it charge a lithium battery. In some posts I see a WFCO WF-9855 converter but not sure till I check.