Embarking on a leisure battery - advice needed

[Fande t25]

Prior to paneling out my van I have decide to install a leisure battery whilst I have access to all the existing wiring. I've read many posts and browsed the wiki and just wanted to check with you guys before I purchase a battery and split charge relay.

The battery I am leaning towards is http://www.tanya.co.uk/xv100mf-Powerlin ... P8960.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The split charger as follows http://www.autoelectricalpartsuk.co.uk/ ... 72733.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm keen to know if I have made good choices before I spend my hard earned money.

The electrics currently go through an Autosleeper Control Panel.

Also I'm unsure of what else I need in the way of wires, fuse types, fixings etc...Basically anything else I need to buy.

Thanks

Eric

[CovKid]

some info to chew on:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... s_that_fit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... it_charger" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Fande t25]

some info to chew on:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... s_that_fit" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... it_charger" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thank you, been chewing over the wiki for a while now. Just checking if any one else had any opinions on my planned purchases.

Eric

[bootie3367]

Prior to paneling out my van I have decide to install a leisure battery whilst I have access to all the existing wiring. I've read many posts and browsed the wiki and just wanted to check with you guys before I purchase a battery and split charge relay.

The battery I am leaning towards is http://www.tanya.co.uk/xv100mf-Powerlin ... P8960.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The split charger as follows http://www.autoelectricalpartsuk.co.uk/ ... 72733.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm keen to know if I have made good choices before I spend my hard earned money.

The electrics currently go through an Autosleeper Control Panel.

Also I'm unsure of what else I need in the way of wires, fuse types, fixings etc...Basically anything else I need to buy.

Thanks

Eric

Eric, that's exactly the battery I got and it fits lovely under my LHD drivers seat. Can't say about the split charge as mine was already installed and works so no need to get a new one.

Just one word of caution, before you get the chosen battery delivered, make double sure you are getting the 175mm height unit (by calling them and telling them to check the height and confirm it over the phone to you). First one they sent me was a 190mm unit, all sorted in the end at their expense though.

JM2PW

Jon

[Fande t25]

Thanks for the tip Jon, I will definitely call them first. Glad to hear the battery fits under the seat.

I've seen another relay kit that comes with all the wiring and a cheaper price too (nicked from another topic)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-Heavy-Dut ... 41731a765d" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eric

[California Dreamin]

Hi there,
Yes that's the link I posted....very good value for the components bundled. 100 amp relay with fixed strip 40 amp fuses, the heavy wire looks to be over 45 amps....all heavy enough for what you want. This split charge kit isn't smart so the 'switch wire' will need taking back to the alternator exciter circuit so not quite as simple to wire, however, in my opinion once fitted these tend to be more reliable than the 'voltage sensing' type of relays.

As for the battery...well I remain very sceptical about it's authenticity...how a small brand can somehow make a 100amp leisure battery the same physical size of most 75ah batteries. Lets put it this way, sticking a 20p label on 75ah battery which says it's 100ah doesn't make it so. I remain unconvinced.

Martin

[Fande t25]

Thanks for that link Martin, I'm ordering the relay tonight. Also ordering the battery, hey if no one gives it a go how can we know it's the real deal or not

You mention wiring back to the alternator. I take it that's the diagrams in the wiki showing the relay wired to the thin alternator wire ? I'm doing the wiring myself, not done anything like this before but always willing to give things a go.

Thanks again

Eric

[California Dreamin]

Yes all straight forward and it looks like the kit is supplied with comprehensive instructions (Raw Components)
As for trying the battery....others have already purchased the low profile version and fitted it without issue..but that's not what I'm getting at.

Yes the low profile version fits....is it truly rated at 100ah? well the label says it is and so do the salesman on the phone (I've already given them a call myself) does this mean it is what it says it is.....I'm not convinced.

Will it work, of course it will but will it actually perform as a 100ah battery, I don't think it will.
Why am I so cynical? well I've seen this sort of thing before with computer components where 'power supplies' were labelled in a similar way.....so called 700 watt PSU's that are as light as a feather and wouldn't power gaming graphics cards. Like I say...a sticker costs 20 pence.
I know that the very sophisticated charge testers the battery shops use are able to accurately measure CCA/ah? so if any of you guys who have purchased this battery have the opportunity to have it tested properly...that would be good.

Martin

[Fande t25]

Martin,

I see where you're coming from. For a similar price what in your opinion is the best battery I can buy that fits ?

Bought the relay last night but not the battery yet.

Thanks

Eric

[California Dreamin]

Eric....perhaps I ought to shut up about this battery as unfortunately the only other alternative I can recommend in this price range would be a Code 100 starter battery which are around 72ah.
Bit lame compared to a 100AH lol although not bad against an 80ah (which I suspect is what the numax product really is.)

Use CP5LESS at the checkout for total incl FreePost £54.90

http://www.carparts4less.co.uk/cp4l/c/V ... 02f&000020" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[Fande t25]

Thanks for your replies Martin, if only budget wasn't an issue but alas these beasts are expensive to do up initially before taking into account all the other things that are cropping up. For example driving home yesterday I noticed the speedo has stopped working

And glad I saw your link for the relay, saved me a little sum of hard earned cash

Eric

[nesty]

If you don't mind losing a small bit of floor space. Get 2 Trojan 6V together and make a 12V Serial circuit.

I done this in my van and have never ever used 240V pick up since. I just use these for anywhere I go. They take a lot of abuse and pay you back in time in the money you save for shelling out on pick up.