Leisure battery matching

[cosmicsheep]

I'm sure this has been asked before but i can't seem to find a definitive answer.

When purchasing a leisure battery, do i have to match the AMP rating to my starter battery or alternator? Are all batteries made equal?
I don't want to spend a fortune but i want something that works.

thanks,

CosmicSheep

[Plasticman]

I assume you have a split charge system fitted? if so then get a leisure battery that fits where you want to put it, matching batteries is more for when you have more than one leisure fitted.
and if you have no split charge then you need to make/buy whatever and fit it, see wiki ^^^^^^^^
mm

[cosmicsheep]

No split charge yet. Was thinking about one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0792888144

just wanted to make sure that i didn't buy a battery that would overload the alternator or anything like that.

thanks for the info

[jim potter]

i have one of those powering a car battery that im using as a leisure unit, to power my dvd player, charging sockets and inverter in the rear of the van.

it works well, is adjustable at which point it comes on . and does what it says on the tin. you can hear it click in and out when the battery needs charge .

im soon to add a 240v hookup , so will be looking to retain this for when im travelling to and from sites.. mine i think also has a permanent 12v for a elec fridge or such like .

[ghost123uk]

just wanted to make sure that i didn't buy a battery that would overload the alternator or anything like that.

No worries there, just buy the biggest one that will fit where it is going.
Also spend as much as you can afford, cheap leisure batteries are false economy.

[California Dreamin]

Technically two different capacity batteries connected in parallel are seen by the alternator as one 'big' battery and charged accordingly. What this often means in practice is the higher capacity battery not reaching full charge state which over many charge cycles can be an issue.
So fitting two different capacities involves some accepted compromises. To minimise any negative effect that this might have simply charge each battery independantly every few months (especially the leisure).

The split charge relay on the link is adequate, however, some users choose a slightly higher rated unit for longevity.
I have a personal hatred of anything resembling a 'Scotch loc' electrical connector. The connection itself can be hit and miss and is often unreliable over time. Yes.. quick and easy but can lead to problems a couple of years after fitment.

Martin

[Oldiebut goodie]

I have a personal hatred of anything resembling a 'Scotch loc' electrical connector. The connection itself can be hit and miss and is often unreliable over time. Yes.. quick and easy but can lead to problems a couple of years after fitment.

Martin

'Brocott professional electronics' - that's a joke if they use scotchloks.