dual batteries

Makes sense to me - As gel cells like to be chagred at a slightly lower voltage therefore it will reach a full charge before the starter battery. There may also be a slight voltage drop if it is the rear that will also be compensated for.
In camping / travel mode it should work better than two equal cells. Just make sure that during everyday use or once its fully charged you disconnect the two so the gel isn't constantly over charged.

Hi rors.. i have a quick disconnect plug for doing just that... :o)_____________________________________________
Countin the days till July 5th. *Cape York Trip*
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Rod , I actually charge 3 batts with our "base model",,850 cca start, 850 cca aux in vehicle and another 750 cca in camper, have run both aux down to 11.25 volt,, started vehicle and let idle ,20/25 min, all 3 batts fully charged 13.85 volts,, all 3 batts same age and make [ 3 yrs young ],,, would be interested to know how much quicker your system at 3 times the price is,,,PS, Ford Explorer altenator 14.58 volts /145amps at idle ,500revs.

Pub

Got to admit. That sounds pretty good. Good luck to you.

Hi Michael,

Did the ARB Battery tray fit without drilling additional holes in your GU ?

Do you have the 3.0L TD ? Safety Pack ?

Thanks
Phil P

Hi Phil have done the same as micheal, run everything off the starter battery including fridge and lights and have an anderson plug between second battery, when i pull up disconect second battery. The one battery lasts about 3 days in the tropics and still can start the 4.2 diesal on the sme battery, for longer stays i run the motor at about 900 revs for about an hour daily and if any thing goes wrong plug in the anderson plug and start of the second battery, and my alternator is only a 50 amp. i have been doing this for 10 yrs had no problems and usually get about close to 3 yrs from the battery. I also change over the batterys every 6 months .Col

Phil, i have a 4.2 d with no abs and airbag, i am not really familiar with the layout of 3,0l d, i think i drilled 1 hole from memory. arb is made fairly well, and well priced. Michael

Hi Colin, i leave both batteries connected as is said i have voltage cutout on my fridge but i can disconnect the auxilially Battery if needed. It is not hard to get used to connecting or disconnecting as most 4x4s have the bonnet up for showers or just to see if anything has fallen off and for fluid level checking. I think the money can be better spent elsewhere, not to mention if the solenoid fails. Simplicity is the best system. I also buy 2 new batteries every 12months, normal starting batteries,$100 each from Birkinhead batteries, N70ZZ they work fine. A lot is made of solenoids and expensive batteries to no real advantage. Regards Michael

hi mike totally agree simplicity is best. I do a lot of camping where there are no other vehicles so always disconnect 2nd batt, for piece of mind also have auto cut out on fridge. I use yuasa batteries and the extra price is worth the extra 2 yrs and reliability. The money i saved i put into buying a decent aussy made fridge freezer ie an explorer as the insulation is far superior than imported brands which leads to lower power drain on the batteries, more piece of mind . Cheers Col

Michael,

The only issue some people would have would be cramped space for a second battery, so the need for smaller batteries of equivalent performance to "sloppy" lead acid, or batteries that can be installed in other-than-normal orientation. The alternative types of batteries may also last longer and be able to sustain more 100% deep cycles than even the best lead acid. Having used "Odyssey" batteries in UPS and emergeency lighting situations (actually to provide "quiet" power overnight - no generator - for a friend) I can personally attest to their reliability (2 yrs daily use so far), and I would imagine the other sealed compact types would be of similar quality. It just seems like false economy to pay $200 a year for "sloppies" than spend $670 (Odyssey v1000 (46Ah)x 2) or if you have the room $870 (Odyssey v1500 (77 Ah)x 2) for maintanance free batteries that will have a usable life of 5-8 years, and can be recharged in less than 1 hour from dead flat WITHOUT damage (alternator premitting, and no, you won't burn that out either) No sulphating, no top-ups, lighter- you can treat them like dogs and they come back for more.

I am not an employee or representitive of Odyssey batteries.

Hi Gary, we all have our ideas about what is best for a situation. Batteries can fail for a number of reasons and i can replace standard ones, almost anywhere in this big country. The smallest town with the smallest service station will have two. Its really that simple for me. That doesnt mean that i'm right, it means we all have a diferent view on things. I bought a white patrol because its a cool colour, some people buy dark blue because it looks better but are not worried that they may fry in it, yes white is boring BUT its all a matter of how you suits the individual. Best regards Michael

Hi Gary i dont have a problem with space gq patrol, but would have to question value for dollars $220 per battery for three years running figures better in my book and i also give them heaps and they handle the drain with no problems , may be more maintainance but that is on par with the rest of the vehicle. Regards Col.