I believe AGM batteries don't need ventilation while charging either. Still quite heavy, but less expensive than Lithium. Can be turn on it's side too.
On Mon, Mar 1, 2021 at 8:50 AM Michael Diehr <
md03@...> wrote:
Bernie,?
Lead acids do vent nasty stuff - hydrogen gas (explosive) and sulfuric acid vapor (toxic, corrosive).? Ventilation is required.?
Have you considered upgrading to a Lithium battery? ? They are much more expensive in initial purchase, and can't be charged at temperatures below freezing, but on pretty much every other metric they are vastly superior to lead acid batteries and will probably outlive the van. ? One Lithium battery will outperform two lead acids, and they don't require any ventilation, etc.
Mike
I've purchased a battery box, cables and second identical coach battery in order to add the battery in parallel.? I was planning on installing the battery box direclty next to the existing coach battery on the floor of the van in the rear storage? area, and then running the cables through holes I'll drill through the passenger rear enclosed storage area and the existing battery box.
I've read that lead acid batteries can produce explosive gasses and ventilation is needed to prevent a dangerous situation.? The existing coach battery box has a vent hose to the exterior of the? van and seems to be sealed otherwise.? I purchased this box for my setup:??.? That box has fairly large openings under the lid to allow cables into the battery and is therefore not sealed.? Once the box is in place it will be surrounded with stuff in the cargo area and will not have much air movement around it.
Question is...? Is ventilation truly important and what amount is needed?? Could I just run a vent hose, similar is size to the existing coach battery vent hose, from the new box into the old box, and would that be enough?? Even with a connecting vent hose in place, is the fact that this box is not sealed a problem and? should I be looking a buying a different battery box?
?
Thanks!
