traction bateries

[lloyd]

Start at $85 here:
http://www.bradsgolfcars.com/batteries.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ghost123uk]

Tip = if you wish to avoid the initial high charge rate that an alternator will supply when attempting to charge a flat (or nearly flat) battery of the type talked about here, fit a 21Watt indicator bulb in series with either of the leads (safer in the black (earthy) -ve side). This limits the charge current to around 2 amps and, when the bulb starts to dim, (meaning the battery is no longer "nearly flat") you can remove the bulb and connect straight to the alternator as usual. (you can get a suitable bulb holder from the breakers )

Do take care wiring these type of batteries up - one mistake can result in an explosion and a shower of sulphuric acid ( I saw it happen once - done by a GPO mechanic making a mistake dropping a spanner across the terminals = not nice )

[eatcustard]

I find this is a better battery

but size is a problem

[nesty]

Intresting thread. A friend of mine offered me a 2nd hand massive Varta deep cycle battery. It's the 240ah version, damm massive & heavy!

I have a 90 amp altenator and 2 other batteries onboard. Would a 90 amp charge all 3 ok. Bearing in mind I would have 380ah in total just on the Leisure side!

[kevtherev]

you wouldn't need the other leisure.. just a starter

[nesty]

OK, I am planning a UK tour. Though I won't be hooking up to 240v pick up. I want enough power to see me through. I went away last time when had a single Leisure, that packed up and I was left with no lights and no heating. Really cheesed me off!

[ghost123uk]

If you don't have an automatic split charge system to charge your leisure battery off the alternator (when the engine is running) you can always CAREFULLY use "jump leads" from your main battery to your leisure battery to charge it. Note = only connect them up after you have started the engine (to avoid stressing the leisure battery).

Please Please, as always with "jump leads", take care to get your reds and blacks (positive (+ve) and negative (-ve) ) the right way round !! - Again one mistake and you can have an explosion and sulphuric acid all over the place !!

[nesty]

What I did for temp measure was clip on my starter pack jump pack to the Leisure. It brought me a day or so of power.

[ghost123uk]

What I did for temp measure was clip on my starter pack jump pack to the Leisure. It brought me a day or so of power.

I take it you do not have an automatic relay installed that charges the leisure battery whenever the engine is running ?

[nesty]

Sorry to re-harsh this thread.

On these Trojan Battery. I suppose you wire in series to make a 12V circuit?

If you had 2 of these in series. What battery you wire the campers postive and earth leads too? Would be postive & earth on one chosen battery?

[kevtherev]

yes 6v in series to make 12
wire them van live------ pos(batt)neg-------pos(batt)neg----ground

[nesty]

Ok, I've taken the plunge on these. I just wanted something that had a bit of power and judging from the measurement they won't take up much room either!

[toyclean]

This looks interesting, I came here via the solar panel thread. I don't understand muhc about batteries so can anyone advise on what the quoted specs, eg. Reserve Capacity: 25A: 415 mins / 75A: 110 mins mean in terms of 'real' usage?

I see what was said about charging from an alternator so sorry if this seems dim: could I just replace (subject to dimensions) my leisure battery with one of these beasts?

As ever, thanks!

MT

[kevtherev]

'real' usage?

OK inreal terms if you were stuck in the desert for two months, using the on-board lighting and pumps etc these batteries would just deliver, without recharging, as the power release is so slow.
However this comes at a price... and these batteries need phased chargers to get the best out of them.
so to answer your question , yes it would replace your aux batt but you would have to treat it differently

[nesty]

Kev

Ive got my Trojan's in the van now. I have hooked them up to the feed the split relay charger provides for recharging.

However, are you saying that I should disconnect them from this feed and use them solo and just recharge when getting a chance using 240V pick up and re-charge using my Lidl 3-stage charger?