TYPE OF BATTERY

Three Rivers??? Is that a new brand or have you been watching cowboys and Indians again;>)

Steve.........I knew is was something river.....ye'h FULLRIVER

Kelpi,
I took Jim's advice and got an AGM. I went for the Remco 100Ah, the build quality looked good and the bloke at Batteryworld had high praise for them. I think I've had it for about 6 months now and I'm very happy with it. I'm considering getting another one as I'm running a 110l waeco from it and it does have it's limitations in that particular application.
Blue

(Quote) Only thing is, most 'experts' recommend that you don't charge them in parallel with a normal vented battery (end quote)

Norm,
Do you know how they recommend them to be charged out in the bush and well away from an independent power supply, do they recommend you also use an AGM starter battery (or a really long extension lead) L0L.

Hi Mainey,
I think you know more about this subject than me. I've spent the last couple of months researching and trying to learn as much as I can on the subject. The main thing I've learned is that everyone has an opinion on batteries and charging..... and they are all different!
As to charging AGMs in parallel with normal vented lead acids, many people do it, but the detractors say they are not getting a full charge and just don't know it.
Some isolator manufacturers (Redarc is one) now state that you should not do it.
Three ways I am aware of to mix batteries, but avoid the problem are:
1. Use a Rotronics isolator, which never connects the batteries in parallel.
2. Use an inverter and 3 stage charger as you would at home. This one is particularly useful when the AGMs are in a trailer or caravan. It reduces the impact of voltage drop over the long distance and you still get a full charge. There are some inefficiencies with this system, but they are minor in practice as AGMs charge quickly. A 3 to 4 hour drive will generally get you to full charge.
3. Use a solar system and a good regulator for the aux, but you will need to have it set up to use while driving (ie on top of vehicle or caravan).
All of these are more expensive than a normal solenoid system, but my 'research' suggests they will work better.

Number 2 has the advantage that you now have an inverter for other use when camping and a 3 stage charger for maintenance charging when you have access to 240V. Number 3 gives you a solar system for when you are camping. If you would have one (or both) of these arrangements anyway to meet your camping needs, they are probably good systems.

I still haven't installed mine yet, but am leaning towards the inverter and 3 stage charger. Need to get my skates on as I've got some big trips planned for August and September. At the moment, I just have a 120AH AGM in the back to run the fridge. I make sure I have 240V available every couple of days to recharge. I have also recently bought a Kipor 1KVA inverter generator which extends my time if necessary. I guess that is a 4th system which may be OK for some people.
Happy to hear your comments. I've been doing lots of reading and listening, but have little practical experience on this issue.

Norm,
I use the solar system method because I camp in one spot for many weeks at a time, I don't rely on the vehicle to charge the DC battery system.
My next battery system will probably be Fullriver AGM, when the DC Delkors die.
Different driving times will alter the method used for recharging the aux battery, a solar system would be a complete waste to someone who drove every second day, they would be far better with a decent alternator recharge system.

Yes Peter, Val is very helpful. A good web site with lots of info and links. He is also happy to give advice over the phone or via email. So you don't have to live on the Gold Coast to use his knowledge.

Dont like high temps ? only on paper , have 2x 80amp AGM under bonnet of turbo diesel ,1 as starting and other as aux separated by ROTRONICS , both charge to 100% ,whats more have 3x 80amp fullriver AGM on campertrailer charged in para via anderson plug from vehicle mounted aux ,all 5 batts charge to 100% in all temps that QLD can dish out ,, be less worried about temp , after all AGM was designed to withstand millitary specs and the EXTREME heat/cold as encounterd in space ,, NASA use AGM in the space shuttle.