linking batteries

[Pilks]

I am currently looking at linking two small (amps) batteries together to increase the amount of amps I have on my leisure batteries. But can I link a standard distilled water battery and a gel filled battery togther?? will I still be able to then charge it with one of those intelegant bateery charger?

Any advice is gladly recieved.

Cheers
Dave

[Red Westie]

When you think about it most leisure circuits are doing just that, linking a starter battery, say 64 amp/hour lead/acid with a leisure 85 amp/hour through a relay.
So it can and does work.
However, the ideal scenario is two batteries of the same type and capacity.
The reason for this is simple, two different capacities and types are unlikely to reach their full charge state at the same time. Therefore, Individual cells maybe unevenly charged.
The alternator isn't sophisticated enough to sense these discrepensies and an uneven state of charge will increase over time resulting in an overall battery unit (the two connected together) that isn't anywhere near 100% charged.

This isn't as bad as it sounds and the solution is simple, just disconnect them regularly (say every couple of months) and fully charge them seperately with a stand alone charger to get all the cells (6 in each battery) back up to 100% charge 1.280 specific gravity.

Martin

[Pilks]

Martin
Thanks very much for the feedback, that's been a big help will add the extra battery this weekend.

Cheers
Dave

[kevtherev]

I have two identical starter batteries connected and used on my leisure circuit.
The extra stamina means no power worries over a three night weekend.