LarrynBarb
NE Kansas
Senior Member
Joined: 01/15/2005
View Profile
|
We recently had to replace all 4 of our 6 volt deep cycle house batteries.
These new batteries are the Interstate Workaholic U2200 models and they have a (new to me) different style of caps that I have never seen before. Each battery has a single style twist on filler cap.
The cap fits down into all three ports and then you flip or twist the top of the unit and all 3 of the caps twist or lock into place as one single unit. I have never seen such a gizmo.
My problem or question is that with all four of these batteries interconnected and with all the wires going back and forth from battery to battery, the wires are all in the way of removing this new style cap assembly.
Have other folks encountered this same problem and what did you do to remedy this problem?
I want to be able to routinely check the fluid levels and add distilled water as needed, but if I can not remove the caps without having to remove the battery cables, that will be a problem.
I went back to the RV dealer who installed the batteries and they were equally as baffled as I am. They are contacting the manufacturer to seek a solution, but have not got an answer as yet.
Appreciate any suggestions that you could offer.
Larry
05 Fleetwood Discovery, 39J
07 Ford Explorer, Sport Trac, 4 x 4
Blue Ox baseplate, Ready Brute Towbar w/built
in supplemental surge brake system
FMCA, Good Sam's, Golden Age Passport
|
hershey
Albuquerque,(fulltime) NM, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 06/04/2003
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have the same cap system and I too had a problem with some of the caps access. I lossened the cables and was able to tweek the cables around to a point that I can now easily remove the three cap combos without any problem.
hershey - albuquerque, nm
Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
NASCAR 20 - - 99
|
ArchHoagland
Clovis, CA, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 11/28/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
I have the same caps and, like hershey, had to move some of the wires around.
I'm surprised the RV dealer wasn't familiar with these type caps.
I like mine as it makes it a little easier to refill, which I do about two to three times a year.
2004 Monaco
La Palma 36DBD
Two Slides
2 Potties
Workhorse 22 chassis
8.1 gas engine & Allison transmission
6.9 MPG based on a 6,000 mile trip around the U.S.
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
US Gear Toad Brakes
|
lanerd
Ridgecrest, CA
Senior Member
Joined: 03/03/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
As with the two previous answers... I did the same with my four units. Loosen the nuts and move the cables so the caps can come off then re-tightened. Took me about five minutes to free up all the caps. Your dealer must not have wanted to do the work. IF for some reason you can't move the cables sufficiently enough to enable you to remove the caps, then have longer cables made so that you can. Just about any automotive parts store can make 'em.
good luck
Ron
Ron & Sandie
'08 Safari Simba SBD35
86 Toy 4x4 P/U for Toad.
Tow Bar: Sterling
Brakes: Unified
Toys:
Yamaha 660R Raptor (mine)
Honda 350ES Rancher (hers)
64 Fairlane w/351c - 4sp
Both Fed CS Retirees
Hobbies:
DW's: Quilting
Mine: DW
RETIRED!! How sweet it is....
|
Hookum
Tucson, Ariz.
Full Member
Joined: 08/01/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
My coach ('93) has had these 3 caps twist together type forever, so this is not new technology. The problem is WHO installed the cables. They use as short a cable as they can to save $5 and they never have to deal with it.
My suggestion would be to bite the bullet and buy new and LONGER cables so that they have some flex and movement in the cables and it makes it easier to remove the caps.
|
|
|
SpinRite
Research Triangle, NC
Senior Member
Joined: 07/17/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
Advance Auto Parts carries pre-made cables in a few stock sizes up to about two feet long, or so. They cost less than $10 each (two years ago, anyway).
'94 Holiday Rambler Navigator
38', Cummins 8.3 300hp, Allison 3060
pushed by a 2005 Honda Element
|
barnaclebill
Atlanta, Michigan or towards the sun
Senior Member
Joined: 03/09/2005
View Profile
|
You can run the cables under the "unicap" between the cell openings if needed.
|
Hurricaner
Hurricane Utah
Senior Member
Joined: 02/17/2007
View Profile
|
Quote:I went back to the RV dealer who installed the batteries and they were equally as baffled as I am. They are contacting the manufacturer to seek a solution, but have not got an answer as yet.
You have to be kidding me. Find a new RV dealer, gees. 
Edit: It should be real apparent to a dealer that the obvious solution is to reroute the cables, you might need to make all new ones or just a couple but come on now...this ain't rocket science.
Sam
* This post was
edited 09/21/08 06:48am by Hurricaner *
Sam & Kari
Hurricane, Utah
2004 34' Damon Challenger 315
|
Kamphiker
South Florida (this 'aint paridise anymore)
Senior Member
Joined: 07/09/2002
View Profile
Offline
|
I have read other Owners solving problems with products similar to this Kwik-Fill battery maintenance
Search the Technical forum There have been many post of similar problems and fixes.
'01 Yukon, 5.3, Z82 Tow Pkg., 3.73 Axle,Wait4Me Performance Custom PCM , 17" Escalade rims - Reese Dual cam - Hi-Lo Classic "Funchaser" Campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains NP
Elkmont Campground Pictures (SMNP)
NEW-> Memories of OLD Miami, Fla. (pictures)
|
dav5942
Stuart, FL
Senior Member
Joined: 05/24/2004
View Profile
|
Throw the caps away, as they are prone to leaking and replace with single "water miser battery caps"!
2007 Newmar 42' Mid Engine w/Fatboy,ATVs-in Garage,lifted Jeep(s) in tow, Hog Valley Florida(a diamond in the rough),'09 Alaska again!
2007 Tour Alaska Fishing '08 Tour Grandchildren Newmar Mid Engine
|
|
|
