This is not for a Bay but the questions still stand and I suspect TLB is one of the better places to ask them. Currently (hohoho) I'm on that first steep bit of the learning curve, so "bear with". There are two main questions: What make? What type? To ignore the "what make?" for a second ... I've come across three Yuasa batteries that all have the same dimensions and low profile needed for where it's going. They're not massively different on price. They're labelled: L36-100 (100ah) L36-EFB (100ah) L36-AGM (95ah) As I understand it, correctly or otherwise: An AGM has relatively new structure to it that means no venting needed ... but the 400 cycles quotedby yuasa is a high claim, and there are certain conditions under which the cycle life would drop significantly anyway. (An explanation of those conditions would be useful.) The EGM is an improved version of the good old wet flooded battery, needs venting, and the Yuasa one is proving to have a BETTER cycle life than the claimed 160. The L36-100 is a bit flaky for leisure work compared to the other two ....... ? As for what make, well I've already got lost in the conflicting opinions around reliability etc. Other makes do have 110ah options in the lower profile though. The context for all this is that although the van is 2009 it doesn't have start stop etc, so not smart charging ... which may render the AGM pointless? We're soon to have 12v and 240v leisure LX fitted (want to be able to show "pro" fitting when we eventually sell) and solar will come along further down the line. Usage will probably change gradually of the next ten years from occasional, with hook up, to more frequent, longer trips, with less hook up. If you're still awake at this point, any comments welcome!
For me, out of those 3 options, the most durable technology will be the AGM. However, it's not as simple as which battery. The question becomes more relevant when you add in 'AND which charging system/systems'. I can happily kill a perfectly good, high quality, AGM battery with a VSR split charger that is using alternator output to manage a basic voltage output from the starter battery circuit. Do the basics Mike. Work out how many beans you think you need by doing a power audit. Relate that to how you'll be charging. I.e hook up, driving, solar, add 20% for safety and then look at battery capacity. Then look at how to charge that battery. We are currently going down the battery to battery route with the T3 because I'm using lithium for leisure, but a B2B charger will allow you to set charge parameters specifically for your choice of battery.
I'm a leisure battery murderer so I would go for the cheapest. I've never ever managed to make one last even half a season.
Thanks, yes, already thinking AGM is OTT for us as we're going to be on a VSR. Having to vent the battery not an issue either.
Then go basic but good quality, relative to the size restriction you have. Molteni Mike on here has run for years with second hand starter batteries from scrap yards and a simple manual change over switch. Our most reliable set up has been serviceable (can take off the caps and top up with distilled water) flooded lead acid batteries for both starter and leisure. Bullet proof and cheap to replace if you have to whilst travelling. If you've got the space and the payload for lead batteries keep it simple
There doesn't seem to be much in it for pricing ... £10 here or there depending on the supplier. @theBusmonkey As we're "building up and finding our way" still, the whole power bean counting thing has become more a case of "might as well future proof it with the higher capacity".
The most important thing which is where I fail, is to fully charge the thing as often as you can and absolutely definitely straight after you've been camping. I also boiled one almost dry just leaving it in the car park, solar attached and set up correctly as far as I'm aware... then the solar pegged out too. I'm also a fan of bog standard lead acid batteries.
Hear what you're saying. I'm trying to keep the leisure LX tucked away so that it can remain an MPV (building related van, possibly wedding bus, family people mover ...) so looking at just the one low profile battery, under the driver's seat, and some subtle "boxing in" for the rest of it.
Future proof it with the charging system as best you can. Like @Zed says, the easiest way to upset the system and kill a battery just before you need it is to inadequately charge it. Capacity can be managed, ie you can switch things off if you need to, but to switch it off you've got to have it in the first place. Jaca, Pyrenees, New Year, snow, dead battery. Ask us how we know
Halfords do a 100AH wet cell lead acid that fits nicely under the spare wheel well. Maybe not "cheapest" but widely available as it can be purchased at any Halfords branch when you discover you need another. Use a VSR and keep it simple. Solar maybe and a hookup charger/maintainer (look at 12voltplanet.co.uk for cheaper alternatives to Ctek) to the leisure battery. VSR automatically tops up starter battery when LB gets well charged or vice versa when the engine is running.
Definitely going to be VSR. There will be 12v and 240, and eventually solar. Apart from the solar this is all to be fitted for us, so it has a "warranty" and better for when we sell. The only bit of their standard kit that I could maybe swap out if necessary was the battery. I can get the newer lead acid type elsewhere for the same that they're asking for the more basic version, so it seemed worth looking into. I think the Halfords 100ah is too tall, but will re-visit
Hi. Not to purposely jump on this thread, but I am seriously thinking of running a leisure battery too, for this new year of camping.( Now I have a engine that works). I have an old Dynamo set up on my engine, but is this the bit of kit I need to rig a battery up? Thanks in advance.