traction bateries

[nesty]

I haven't used my much since going away to Scotland in May. I just done the odd weekend etc, which they were fine. I am going away in August though, so should be able to have a more updated log by then.

I've never recharged mine up so far, as like taking them out of the van and charging.

I mainly used mine for stereo and lights, water pump and propex etc. Mine always lasted the entire evening. It's difficult to gauge the length of charge.

When on the Scotland trip. I was in the campsite for 5pm used the batteries until midnight, then lightly in the morning. After that the batteries got a charge, as I would be on the road for another 5/6 hours getting to the next point in the journey.

Sorry I haven't got more of an update for you on this.

Nesty

[lloydy]

Would a 12v one give you the same sort power/length of time before recharge
http://batterymegastore.co.uk/product/T1275/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Or would two 6v be better?

[kevtherev]

I have pondered this question too
they are sold in 6V "cells" I'm not sure why, unless it's to do with the industry that they are used for
but I can't see any advantage other than space, the fact you can split the batteries up is one.

[lloydy]

They seem to be 1/2 the amp hours. Doesn't seem to be anything gained in having two, size wise. 12v one is about 80mm longer, other dimensions are the same

[kevtherev]

After nesty's trials I'll be having one once the old one has give up.. I've read up so much positive stuff.
only negative is the price.

[lloydy]

12v or two 6v?

[nesty]

After nesty's trials I'll be having one once the old one has give up.. I've read up so much positive stuff.
only negative is the price.

They ain't cheap. I got mine for about £220 delivered and that was the previous years price. However any real decent leisure you are paying £150 and these are far more compact and have great power.

[Iceworx]

The 12v leisure battery I have is off a golf buggy

Must be the same sort

[kevtherev]

12v or two 6v?

two 6V mate..

[jebiga41]

sorry to resurect this thread but does anyone know how much they weigh?

[kevtherev]

Not to much more than a 110 amp leisure.
Why would weight be a consideration... Just curious?

[jebiga41]

Thanks so they are not too bad thought they would weigh a ton lead and all, due to the van being an offroading Syncro don't want anything too heavy to add to it's bulk

[Mr Bean]

I don't mean to put a damper on things but unless there has been a recent quantum leap in Lead acid battery technology there are just three basic types - the ones for starting engines the ones for running TV's etc. and traction batteries for - you guessed it - traction! Using the wrong one for the job may not give best results. Leisure batteries don't like super high boost charging as this can reduce their life. You can get all sorts of gismos for charging and managing them but at the end of the day You don't get nothing for nothing. It is true to say that an intelligent charger is a good investment. A good indicator of a batteries capacity is how much it weighs - more lead - more storage capacity. Septin traction batteries need to be a bit more robust which might make them heavier. Me - I am waiting for silent petrol or diesel generators to arrive. Nothing pee's off your neighbour than a two stroke generator stuttering away all the time. They are nearly here in the form of Honda four strokes but just a bit too dear for me at the moment.
Cheers
Wolfie

[centro]

Right, I am going to take the plunge soon and get 2x6v Trojans. The only place I can put them is under the back set/bed (which is where my current liesure battery is?. I expect I will usually charge the batteries in the shed - I have a Lidle charger for that, but would like to charge them when on hook up as I have I have an onboard charger behind the passenger seat.

My question is, how cautious should I be about the batteries letting off nasty gasses?

I wouldnt be charging the batteries from hook-up whilst we were sleeping in the van or sitting in the van.

Thanks

[kevtherev]

the lidl charger won't make them gas
try not charging them at all.... do it at home and then again when you return