dual batteries

Hi Cainy,
Haven't stated what 2nd is for. Am presuming that it is to run car fridge or similar. If it is the case I would suggest the deep cycle for its capability. Longer lasting than a high cranking battery.

Darryl

You've opened a can of worms on this one. Personally I run a Deep Cycle and do exactly what you are proposing to do. IMHO that's what deep cycle batteries were designed for and that's what you should use. I don't have problems with charging etc as some people will tell you. However in saying all this I know of a lot of people using cranking batteries as Aux batteris and as long as they don't let them run down too low they don't seem to have any problems either. You will find that a cranking battery will charge quicker than a deep cycle, but a deep cycle will take more punishment as there are less cells in it and the cells are actually bigger and stronger than a cranking battery.

Shop around with batteries before spending your hard earned $$$ as the prices can vary dramatically. Don't just look at battery shops and auto shops, try some other alternatives. I got some excellent prices on batteries through an agricultral supplier.

Agreed. I use an N70ZZ size deep cylce in my patrol and find it does take a while to recharge after two or three days camping. I used to use a normal cranking battery in my last forby without any real drama's but thought I'd give the deep cylcle a go this time.

Check out these sites for a bit of info on batteries ,inverters and solar.

http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/Info.htm

Mr Val at fridge and solar is very helpful and looked after my needs with an AGM battery, which is used to run car friodge. He has some excellent technical articles , on above thread.

This one I came across following a post by a member of forum

http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm

Pedro

cainy,

How about doing a search of the Forum Archives. This question has been raised at least a thousand times.

Me? I use two Century Overlander 4x4 700cca(17 plate) cranking batteries coupled with a Rotronics MH10 battery isolator. I run a fridge, HF, GPS, Inverter, Flouro light etc of the 2nd battery. Battery can last up to 48 hours running the fridge full time on low setting. My touring does not involve sitting still at campsites so the batteries get charged up regularly as I am usually on the move.

Works a treat!

Cainy,
the web site mentioned above ->
http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm
"Marks 12 volt info" was excellent reading and I found it was not biased as most are, by not selling any products, only offering genuine and relevant information.

I also would recommend you get a Deep Cycle battery for the reasons mentioned on the web site and my own personal experience with DC batteries, and more importantly a decent isolator, as the isolator actually controls how and when the auxiliary battery is charged, as is mentioned elsewhere some people can get two days from a start battery when used as an auxiliary battery, because their batteries get charged up regularly as they are usually on the move.

I use Deep Cycle batteries and a solar panel because I don't like the idea of having to start the vehicle daily just to recharge the battery, my batteries recharge while I'm diving or eating, without any noise or me being there to turn it on and off.