Club 80-90 Forums

Has anyone fitted their leisure battery externally? I saw a t5 with this done and it got me thinking. I know some sort of cage would have to be made up to hold it but what else would have to be done?

Andy

Any reason why you'd want to?

CovKid wrote:Any reason why you'd want to?

Hi El
Batteries like many of us dont like the cold. They dont work as well. In a big way.
The only reason anyone would mount one outside is for reasons of space or to directly connect equipment.
Its also potentially dangerous and prone to damage and theft.
I guess it also avoids having to vent it lol.

Covkid, like Cafnod said "space and to avoid having to cut holes for venting"

Use Gaffer tape to hold it up
So when you go over rough ground it will fall off without causing much damage to your van.

Are there holes in the floor for the batteries behind the seats?
Hydrogen is lighter than air, so the gas will go up, not down to vents are a little pointless, or am I talking pants?

The reason why I ask is in my van the leisure battery is under the rock and roll bed taking up space, also I'd like to be able to charge the battery when on hook up which I wouldn't be able to do where it is posistioned at the moment.
So if it was mounted outside the van how would the temperature effect the battery? Also if I get a leisure battery that was squat enough then surely ground clearance shouldn't be that effected?
Or am I just barking up the wrong tree?

Andy

el sketcho wrote:The reason why I ask is in my van the leisure battery is under the rock and roll bed taking up space, also I'd like to be able to charge the battery when on hook up which I wouldn't be able to do where it is posistioned at the moment.
So if it was mounted outside the van how would the temperature effect the battery? Also if I get a leisure battery that was squat enough then surely ground clearance shouldn't be that effected?
Or am I just barking up the wrong tree?

Andy

freezing conditions would kill a battery quicker than if it were inside.
If the electrolyte is frozen it would terminally damage the active material on the plates.
then when the alternator gives it a kick the localised current density heating would see it off completely

There are low freezing point batteries available but at a significant cost obviously.

WHY CANT YOU CHARGE THE BATTERY UNDER THE ROCK AND ROLL BED FROM HOOKUP? why would it be possible outside?
My van is diesel and I have a 90 amp low profile leisure under the drivers seat, with a lid on it and a 75 amp starter used asa a leisure under the passenger seat with a lid , plus other stuff in there. Both charge on hookup. and alternator as does the starter battery if need be.
Kev has explained the probably short life of your lerisure battery by hypothermia at this time of year if you leave it outside.

I'm under the impression (though could be wrong) when a battery charges it releases flamable/explosive gasses.

el sketcho wrote:I'm under the impression (though could be wrong) when a battery charges it releases flamable/explosive gasses.

Very tiny amounts of hydrogen.

I have 2 batteries in my van, both charging when I am driving, and no bang yet

el sketcho wrote:I'm under the impression (though could be wrong) when a battery charges it releases flamable/explosive gasses.

Batteries release gas yes, and they should be vented yes, but that does not mean they have to be outside to be charged or used.
Batteries have also been known to explode but generally it is by doing something very stupid to them although I am sure many people know someone who has seen it or been told about it or whatever.
Thirty plus years in the motor trade and it has not happened to me but have seen it once by somebody using one of the old type prong cell testers, which were always an accident looking for somewhere to happen anyway. vent your battery all it requires is a hole with a grommet for the vent tube to go through and then it will charge fine.

el sketcho wrote:I'm under the impression (though could be wrong) when a battery charges it releases flamable/explosive gasses.

yes but it won't ignite without ignition

do you have switches under your bed?

these draughty old vans vent all gasses out after a short time ...ask my wife about that

Ok points taken but the main reason for thinking of moving it outside is to free up some space.

el sketcho wrote:Ok points taken but the main reason for thinking of moving it outside is to free up some space.

OK what is wrong with the place VW gave you?

is it used for summat else?

There is ONE unused place. Thats the area above the gearbox and behind the rear seat bulkhead. Undo a rear wheel and take a peek! Its pretty big under there.