If you notice a rotten egg or sulfur-like smell inside or near your RV, it is usually a sign of a problem with the house battery system. The smell is caused by overcharging, boiling, or a failing battery, which releases hydrogen sulfide gas, a potentially dangerous byproduct of battery failure.
Ignoring this issue can lead to:
⚠️ Battery explosion risk – Overcharged batteries can overheat and rupture.
⚠️ Toxic gas exposure – Hydrogen sulfide can be harmful in high concentrations.
⚠️ Corrosion damage – Leaking battery acid can destroy wiring and metal components.
The house battery system in your RV consists of 12V deep-cycle lead-acid batteries (or lithium-ion in some cases). The rotten egg smell is common in lead-acid flooded or AGM batteries when they:
✅ Are overcharging due to a faulty converter, charger, or solar controller.
✅ Have low electrolyte levels, causing internal components to overheat.
✅ Are old and failing, leading to excessive sulfation.
✅ Have a short circuit inside one of the battery cells.
🚨 DO NOT IGNORE THIS SMELL! It’s a serious issue that requires immediate attention.