Mix Battery Types

G'day Robin
Please elaborate for the benefit of one who doesn't understand vehicle electrics very well.
Surely if I have say a 100ah deep cycle brand X battery it wouldn't matter if a then added a 100ah deep cycle brand Y battery to the system.
Thanks from the Moose

Hi Moose

Can't do you question justice right now as the Xmas 'get it out the door' panic is on but I sure some others can elaborate just as well.

Just briefly , at least you said both are deep cycles in your question and that is a start.

If you make sure they are both AGM or both calcium or whatever that will also reduce the side effects.

Essentially as the batteries have slightly different voltage and charge requirements you can get one consistent taking more of the charging load than the other which leads to less the max capacity and shorter life.

Thanks Robin.
Was not aware of that. Have always assumed that one brand of, let's say 100ah deep cycle battery, would be the same as another brand. I now know better. Never too old to learn something new:-)
BTW - it wasn't a question specific to my situation - I just used 100ah deep cycle as an example. The original post was a bit confusing because the heading said "mix battery types" but in the body he said "same type" and I was wondering whether you'd misread it. Obviously not - should have known better as I always find your answers to be to the point and "trustable" (unlike some others on here).
The panic will be over soon enough and life can get back to normal for you! Robin - have a safe Christmas break and may 2008 be kind to you.

Thanks Moose

Merry Christmas out your way to


Robin Miller

Only problem with CTEK (I have one, great unit) is it only can be fed from mains. Thus invertor required. Tell me it you know other method - I would be very interested.

Cheers
Serg