Are unsealed lead acid batteries dinosaurs? (1 Viewer)

[RogerIvy]

Need to replace one of my four batteries :Sad:

The remaining three batteries are unsealed lead acid 110ah. I've been looking online for the same type but all I seem to find are sealed (maintenance free). Are common-old-garden unsealed lead acid batteries finally on the way out?

 

[Snowbird]

I for one hope they are not on there way out. IMO they are the most suitable for leisure use.

 

[RogerIvy]

My "problem" is that I have a 50amp b2b Sterling charger and I wonder how sealed batteries cope with it?
What happens to those fumes?

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[scotjimland]

My "problem" is that I have a 50amp b2b Sterling charger and I wonder how sealed batteries cope with it?
What happens to those fumes?

if the batteries don't have vent pipes then your box should .. no MUST be ventilated to the outside .. and sealed from the hab area ... if not, have it done sharpish

'Maintenance free' is a misnomer, I wouldn't buy for leisure use ...

 

[RogerIvy]

'Maintenance free' is a misnomer, I wouldn't buy for leisure use ...

That's what concerns me, the batteries are located in the double floor so plenty of room for fumes .... Which of course are no longer a problem with sealed batteries - but I'm concerned about charging sealed batteries at a high rate.

 

[scotjimland]

That's what concerns me, the batteries are located in the double floor so plenty of room for fumes .... Which of course are no longer a problem with sealed batteries - but I'm concerned about charging sealed batteries at a high rate.

I understand your concern.. maintenance free are not suitable for high charge currents , all lead acid batteries give off some gas when charging ... is the underfloor area not ventilated ?

If not I suggest replacing with batteries that have vent tubes

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[RogerIvy]

... is the underfloor area not ventilated ?

If not I suggest replacing with batteries that have vent tubes

It's a fairly big space - probably a few cubic meters that are "interconnected", never had a problem in the four years we've had the van.

 

[jonandshell]

Open lead acid batteries are definitely not on the way out!
There are certainly no plans in the forklift world to look for an alternative when open lead acid work so well!
If you are after a quality product, it might be worth investing in batteries to compliment the high performance of your Sterling unit.
We use 'Dyno' traction batteries with our B2B charger with excellent results. Although an open unit, they do feature condensing cambers on the caps, just like 'maintenance free' batteries and so far, topping up has been barely called for.
We bought ours from a local forklift battery specialist.
Other makes worth googling would be Trojan, Hawker, CMP.
You might even save space/payload by using fewer more effective batteries than you have already.
As a guide, we have 2x 115AH Dynos and these will run our van for three days straight at well below 0 degrees. This is with the Dualtop running 24/7 and no rationing of lights and telly! Well worth considering if you have a skiing trip!

Hope this helps.

Useful links-

http://www.batt-man.co.uk/ -(for Dyno) they might be able to point you towards a local dealer.

http://www.trojan-batteries-online.co.uk/

 

[wizzer59]

Have little read of tLink Removed

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