I recently bought a 1995 Hymer B594 and overall I'm very happy with the van.
One small issue is the battery. It's fitted with a good quality fairly new car battery rather than a leisure one. Ordinarily I would leave it be for the present but I'm keen to have a pair as I need a fair amount of juice from time to time. I'm also intending to fit a solar panel or two.
As the batteries need to be paired I'm not going to buy a second identical car battery so have been looking at a full replacement. I've been recommended gel type as they have a greater capacity than wet acid and can provide double the power output.
My question is has anybody had recent experience of gel batteries and other than regulating the charge more carefully are their any issues I should be aware of? Also how suited are they to solar charging.
While they are about 40% more expensive it would be worth it if I can squeeze more power into my battery compartment (under the floor on the off side of the cab.
Many thanks.
One small issue is the battery. It's fitted with a good quality fairly new car battery rather than a leisure one. Ordinarily I would leave it be for the present but I'm keen to have a pair as I need a fair amount of juice from time to time. I'm also intending to fit a solar panel or two.
As the batteries need to be paired I'm not going to buy a second identical car battery so have been looking at a full replacement. I've been recommended gel type as they have a greater capacity than wet acid and can provide double the power output.
My question is has anybody had recent experience of gel batteries and other than regulating the charge more carefully are their any issues I should be aware of? Also how suited are they to solar charging.
While they are about 40% more expensive it would be worth it if I can squeeze more power into my battery compartment (under the floor on the off side of the cab.
Many thanks.