Leisure battery advice

James-Alex

James-Alex

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Joined
Oct 3, 2020
Posts
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Location
Bath. Somerset
Funster No
76,519
MH
Autotrail excel 640G
Hi all.

We currently have one of these in our van. Not sure if I should buy a straight swap replacement or do you folks recommend something else.

concerns with different battery would be any changes to panel/solar set up. Not sure if it would make difference if I upped the size to 120ah battery? Looking for a battery the same dimensions so it fits the same locker. It’s under the seat inside hab area.

We mainly only do a weekend of grid. and have a 100w solar
Thanks for help in advance
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If you click on a battery supplier they usually have the dimensions so you would see if you can get a slightly bigger battery in. Battery mega store etc .
 
Ivory55 said:
If you click on a battery supplier they usually have the dimensions so you would see if you can get a slightly bigger battery in. Battery mega store etc .
Click to expand...
Do you see any issues getting a bigger ah battery and just plugging it in? Really not sure on batteries tbh. Just want to get one that’s good, happily power lights and a bit of tv.
 
Going from 100Ah to 120Ah should not affect the chargers or the solar controller. You'll get a 20% increase in capacity, but also probably a 20% increase in weight. So you'll need to eat 20% more spinach if you are installing it yourself.

It will take 20% longer to full charge , but you probably won't notice that.
 
As long as it fits in the space buy one with the highest aH.

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Jimbohorlicks said:
As long as it fits in the space buy one with the highest aH.
Click to expand...
The one I currently have looks like a wet type. I notice Agm are more expensive. Could I swap out to one of them with just swapping over? Have no idea at all what is best the solar is just connected into the auto trail mains power thing I believe
 
If you have a 3 way fridge and don't hammer the TV etc then 100ah battery and your solar will be fine for a few days. Don't get too hung up on having huge batteries and huge panels if your electric usage is minimal.
 
James-Alex said:
The one I currently have looks like a wet type. I notice Agm are more expensive. Could I swap out to one of them with just swapping over? Have no idea at all what is best the solar is just connected into the auto trail mains power thing I believe
Click to expand...
AGM is better than a lead acid and should last longer. If you swap to a different battery type than you currently have you may need to alter your controller to suit the battery type so it charges correctly.
 
If you go to an AGM battery you would need to change the settings on your solar controller and mains charger, if they are able to be changed, or replace them if they are not configurable.

Edit: Jimbohorlicks beat me too it. :giggle:
 
Cheers. Not sure what the set up is. I can’t see any thing other than cable off the battery terminals. No idea how it’s set up currently. Just a standard auto trail Sargent control panel.

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Have you run our of power ever? If not then save your money.
 
Russell's Dad said:
Have you run our of power ever? If not then save your money.
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Not yet but over the weekend the battery was showing below 12v without watching any tv. Not sure how old the one we have is. Thinking of a like for like swap. The NCC rating is a C on the one we currently have.

Category C is for users that require a lower capacity battery to cover basic operation of their habitation equipment for short periods away from a hook-up)

would like one with a A rating
  • Category A is for higher storage capacity for people who frequently use their caravans or motorhomes away from electrical hook-ups
 
The more battery power you have ,the better At least you can watch your TV without worrying about losing power and damaging the battery.
 
Jimbohorlicks said:
The more battery power you have ,the better At least you can watch your TV without worrying about losing power and damaging the battery.
Click to expand...
Would be nice to have had the tv on over the weekend. Some people had tv on after a day of no solar generated yesterday. We turnt are one on and it went to poor battery state on panel. Think battery is knackered. Would like to spend a bit more and get extra but my knowledge of electrics is so basic I don’t want to go messing around.

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Have you got a gas fridge? If not then get as big an AH a battery as you can with the same dimensions. 12v compressor fridges are hungry.
 
James-Alex said:
Would be nice to have had the tv on over the weekend. Some people had tv on after a day of no solar generated yesterday. We turnt are one on and it went to poor battery state on panel. Think battery is knackered. Would like to spend a bit more and get extra but my knowledge of electrics is so basic I don’t want to go messing around.
Click to expand...
Don’t worry you’re not the only one, we have to get people to sort stuff like that for us
 
Russell's Dad said:
Have you got a gas fridge? If not then get as big an AH a battery as you can with the same dimensions. 12v compressor fridges are hungry.
Click to expand...
Yeah we’re on gas for fridge. So not really any drain other than the lights and minimal water pump use.
 
What size solar panel do you have, example- 60w, 100w, 150w, smaller larger? Than these, if smaller it is very possible not enough trickle charge for you leasure batt. Larger is better, 150w or more I would suggest. Yes, battery replacement would be required as well, I have a 110a, plenty for my needs.

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Flook said:
What size solar panel do you have, example- 60w, 100w, 150w, smaller larger? Than these, if smaller it is very possible not enough trickle charge for you leasure batt. Larger is better, 150w or more I would suggest. Yes, battery replacement would be required as well, I have a 110a, plenty for my needs.
Click to expand...
We have a 100w roof mounted one. Think I’m just going to get the same battery as replacement. See how that goes
 
I would have thought that a bit small, at least a 120w, 150w better. Still see how you go with a replacement battery, I hope it lasts for you.

All the best James.
 
Cheers for all advise folks! I’ve got an exact match battery arriving tomorrow.

reference connection to of new one, would I just switch of the main control panel in cupboard to swap over? Don’t want anything to go off bang
 
James-Alex said:
Cheers for all advise folks! I’ve got an exact match battery arriving tomorrow.

reference connection to of new one, would I just switch of the main control panel in cupboard to swap over? Don’t want anything to go off bang
Click to expand...
Have you got a solar panel connected ? If so put a thick towel over it to block out light and charging while you’re disconnected.
 

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