flbobnmar
South Florida
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Joined: 08/28/2007
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Upon returning from our trip to North Carolina and Texas, I performed my post trip inspection and discovered that both battery straps had failed. The plastic connectors were completely broken. (Thank you DOT Louisiana for your wonderful roads). The battery compartment and tray were full of corrosion from the electrolyte splashing about. I suppose I should be thankful that I didn't crack a battery or have them jump the tray and cause havoc. Our Seneca 35GS is just a year and a half old and I am a little surprised by the failure. Have any of you folks experienced the same and do you have a recommendation for a more sturdy arrangement for replacement. I've seen many examples of straps on the net, but would appreciate your comments.
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CISCO8325
Peoria,az.
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Joined: 07/21/2006
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yup same here I went to home depot and bought net wider type one with metal latches..JMHO
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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I like to use the one inch wide, 6000# polyester webbing, with a metal cam buckle to hold my two batteries in place.
If the plan is so great, why doesn't it sell itself?
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n5tc
Salado, Texas
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Joined: 11/18/2005
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Those straps with the plastic connectors are prone to break.
Tom and Judith and Yappy Schnauzer Sable
2010 Allegro 32BA
Honda CR-V Tow Car
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bumpus4
Tn
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Joined: 12/20/2008
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Have same Seneca. Was it the coach or chassis batteries? On second thought I think my chassis batteries uses metal tiedowns.
But I will check them anyway. Thanks for the information.
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flbobnmar
South Florida
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The 'coach' battery straps failed. I replaced them temporarily with tie down straps that have a spring pressure clip. After having done so, I don't think they'll stand up to the great roads in LA.. My plan is to replace them before my next trip with the ratcheting type connector which I feel will be more suitable, (from Home Depot). These new straps are either nylon or polypropylene, I'm not sure which. I currently use this type for hurricane tie down for objects in my stick house pool area. I'll have to do a little research on how effective they'll be when exposed to battery electrolyte.
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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the 'spring pressure clip' is known as a 'cam buckle' in the web & tiedown industry. It (cam buckle) functions properly only when the webbing is fed through it in the proper direction
The Home Depot straps are polyester webbing not nylon or polypropylene. Polypro is okay for CTR (California truck rope) but is not woven into a webbing as far as I know.
You should NEVER tiedown any load with nylon as nylon will have a bit more than 10% stretch, thus your tiedown will always loosen. Using nylon webbing (which is designed for lifting purposes, not tiedown) with a ratchet is pointless.
Lastly, polyester is the better webbing to be used in an acidic environment (vs. nylon)
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flbobnmar
South Florida
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Thanks for the feedback. You've provided my research for me. I appreciate the information, especially when it come from a knowledgeable person.
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Anytime. Over 13 years as an industrial sewer of custom web tiedown and lifting assemblies as well as wire rope and synthetic rope splicing.
Always happy to help other RVrs when I know a little about the subject.
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Dakzuki
Carnation, Wa, USA
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Joined: 11/01/2002
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This was not addressed but liberal use of baking soda mixed with water will neutralize the acid spillage. When you get no more foaming you have got all the acid. Rinse thoroughly. Have fun.
95 Chinook Premier
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