wazzaaaa replied:

Hi John, Would have to recomend Derek from www.sidewinder.com.au if in brisbane he knows his stuff
Wazza

TerraFirma replied:

They don't need to be hybrid batteries for use in a caravan, only deep cycle unless you need to crank and engine of them also. Normal Fullriver, Remco, Lifeline or the brand Derek sells would be fine.

Mainey (WA) replied:

John,
Since May '06 I've been using a 5 year old Delkor 80a/h DC battery as my starter battery, when I replaced my failing 4yo 700cca Overlander starter with one of my DC's, both of which (the DC's) were replaced with two new *** brand AGM Deep Cycle batteries before going away for the winter.
The Delkor is not rated as a 'starter' battery but it's old technology and it works.

I've just returned from six months in Kakadu and the far north Kimberly region and in that time have never had to rely on any externally sourced 240v power for anything, including what some may call my 'power hungry' 70lt fridge/freezer, TV, all lights and coffee maker, sure I use a good Solar system to recharge the AGM batteries, I don't expect miracles, what I do expect and receive is ultra-reliable battery performance, and yes in the short term it cost money.
The solar system has a 25 year life expectancy and the AGM's have better than 10 year life expectancy, however Lifeline and Fullriver batteries are only a few $$ less expensive, they don't have the same life expectancy - I know because I cel both brands :-)

Gel batteries recharge at vastly different rates to 'wet' sealed batteries, hence the change-over switch on 'better quality' battery chargers to accommodate this charging variation.

How will you recharge them on the road ???

The "real" reason some batteries are claimed to be more "vibration proof" has nothing at all to do with the type of 'acid' the battery uses or contains.

It's the alloy/lead plate construction technology and the actual plate mounting method used with-in the battery case that is the critical thing to look at.

Trouble is you can't look at it :-) you have to believe the advertising blurb.

Alloy c/t replied:

Fullriver AGM HGL is a "hybrid" ,not a deep cycle or a starter ,can be used either way ,,

Bilbo replied:

I'll agree with Terrafirma about Optima batteries. I have 2 in the Patrol. One for cranking and one for the fridge etc, That second one is fed primarily from 2 by 68 watt solar panels and then by a Redarc.

I inadvertently took the cranking battery down to 4.5 volts when I left the van fridge plugged in overnight and I really thought that I'd goosed an almsot brand new battery. I put it on a 3 stage charger for 24 hours and back it came. No probs since.

I also had 75 amp/hour Optima in the "Cruiser and cooked it when the solar panel regulator "punched through" and was putting 19 volts in to the battery for about 36 hours. I replaced the rgeulator and never had a subsequent prob with that battery either.

The Optima Yellow tops and Blue tops are indentical in most respects, so I've been told by the retailers here in Perth. the only differnecve being the battery terminals. The Yello ahs the normal clamp type terminal posts only and the Blue has both terminal posts and SAE thread fittings - very handy for wiring accessories onto.

They are not high amp/hour batteries but have a massive cranking capacity for their size. They are a true dual use battery.

They are not cheap though.

Bilbo