third second battery!

Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:10

ThreadID: 73663 Views:5016 Replies:6 FollowUps:12

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Battery Power

In this article we explain why you might need an additional power source independent of the starting battery installed into your vehicle and we look in detail at types of batteries,

Gossy

Currently have a 2nd deep cycle 50 amp/hr battery inside the engine bay. Good for the fridge (Waeco CF-50) for about 1.5 days which just isn't enough. Hate generators at camp sites so this is out of the option.

solar panels for what I need are around the $800 + mark (for a decent one worth spending $ on).

Does anyone have a third battery powering accessories in their vehicles. If so where inside? What type (I believe the fully sealed ones can be laid on their sides now)?
do I need to get it checked by the authorities if I put a battery inside the cabin?

My thinking is to get an 'expert' to install it and potentially have 1 big 150 amp/hr battery :)

Any help would be great.

Thanks,

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Reply By: you eat the bear - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:29

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:29

Why not just upgrade to a 150 AH battery?
Is there a space issue?
If not it's just a swap over...

AnswerID: 390759

Follow Up By: Gossy - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:32

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:32

Yes, space issue.

FollowupID: 658568

Reply By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:43

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:43

Solar isn't quite that expensive ..

AnswerID: 390761

Follow Up By: Gossy - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:53

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 15:53

http://www.homeof12volt.com/shop/index.php/page/shop/browse/category_id/23bc96bbeed4295f0aae2d2db5a43f92

google searching indicates that I should be looking at 80w for the fridge etc.

FollowupID: 658573

Follow Up By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:03

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:03

Check - My Profile link ..

FollowupID: 658578

Follow Up By: Gossy - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:20

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:20

i guess I would need compare the stats: I noticed yours are "18V". Dumb question but is that a problem connecting to a 12V battery (thru a regulator I guess it's not a problem??).

Rated power: 80W
Typical applications: Suited to grid-connect applications such as residential systems or installations on commercial roofs, as well as traditional solar applications such as remote telecommunications. Ideal for caravan systems and camper-trailers.
Configuration: BP 380N - Universal frame, a sealed junction box with output cables and polarised multicontact connectors.
BP 380J - Universal frame with an accessible junction box for cable connection.
Nominal voltage: 12V
Cell technology: Multicrystalline
Dimensions: 1209 x 537 x 50mm
Weight: 7.7kg
Glass type: High transmission 3mm tempered glass.
Frame type: Clear anodised aluminium alloy type 6063T6. Colour: silver.
WARRANTY: 25 YEARS

FollowupID: 658582

Follow Up By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:29

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:29

The 80 watt panel actually peaks at 22 Volts and is fine when connected through a suitably sized controller / regulator .

Cheers

Steve

FollowupID: 658584

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:50

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 16:50

ALL solar panels for charging 12 volt batteries have an open-circuit voltage of 22 volts.

Solar Panels are constant-current devices, so when you connect them to a 12 volt battery WITHOUT a regulator they will put out their rated current - in fact if you connect a "12 volt" solar panel to a 6 volt battery, it will still put out the same current.

This "excess" voltage is designed in, so that there is enough voltage when the panel isn't in full sunlight.

FollowupID: 658586

Follow Up By: Dennis Ellery - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 17:17

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 17:17

Mike - Sounds like a good way to cook a battery.
How do you like your lead - medium or welll done?

FollowupID: 658590

Follow Up By: Member - Mike DID - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:04

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:04

True, there is no automatic termination of the charge - but then many people charge batteries from solar without an automatic regulator.

It's all a matter of balancing the charging current with the discharge current and battery capacity. If you have a 40 watt panel connected to 150 amphours of battery, it's unlikely you'll be overcharging it.

How many people know that the "12 volts 8 amp" output on small generators has absolutely no charge regulation ?

FollowupID: 658605

Reply By: ABR - SIDEWINDER - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:30

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:30

Hi Gossy

What vehicle is it ?

Regards

Derek fron ABR

AnswerID: 390782

Follow Up By: Gossy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 09:08

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 09:08

96 GQ 2.8td Patrol

FollowupID: 658660

Reply By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:33

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:33

Gossy,

I have always used two auxiliary batteries.Mine are both 110 amphour AGM's. One is situated under the bonnet and the second is in the rear of the patrol on the storage area. It is connected to the first battery. Both are monitored by an autron dual battery gauge. I run all the accessories in the vehicle from the second vehicle (Two fridges an Engel and Waeco, lights, interior power plugs for computers and 12 volt accessories) and monitor consumption through an ammeter. I have an Anderson plug at either side of the rear passengers door to plug the solar panels into. If I have access to 240, I hook the 3 stage charger to the first battery.

Has worked extremely well and being a totally sealed battery, it is safe within the vehicle. Just make sure it is secured well in the battery box and that there is something between it and the passengers (like a cage or rack) in case of accident. I have some photo's that I will try and post a little later when I find them.

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

AnswerID: 390783

Follow Up By: Member - Mick O (VIC) - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:46

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 18:46

The photos

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Image Could Not Be Found

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Forgot to add, for a 2nd aux battery distant from the first, use as a large diameter cable to connect as you can.

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog My Position Send Message

FollowupID: 658609

Follow Up By: Gossy - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 09:13

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 09:13

great setup! I move my cargo barrier back and forth depending if I need my back seats in or not. Because of this I think the best option is up the very back against in the area where the third row of seats would usually sit.

Other option is to keep what I already have a go down the solar option. Mmm, have a think about it on the weekend. Maybe another project coming up for to do :)

thanks everyone for the advice. "Mandrake", I will contact you via your webpage if i go down the solar path. thanks for your help.

cheers,

FollowupID: 658663

Reply By: Member - lyndon NT - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 20:38

Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009 at 20:38

I have a troopy with the standard starting bat + 1 x 50 amp agm under the bonnet and two in the rear. I have full length drawers and one fits either side in the wheel well.

Now is the only time you own
Decide now what you will,
Place faith not in tomorrow
For the clock may then be still

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AnswerID: 390793

Reply By: Ical - Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 19:56

Wednesday, Nov 11, 2009 at 19:56

Hi gusys,
how does your alternator go keeping charge up to
3 battries.
Cheers Ian.

AnswerID: 390914

Follow Up By: Gossy - Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 at 12:35

Thursday, Nov 12, 2009 at 12:35

I would assume it would be ok because the third battery would just be wired into the second one anyway.

so I guess the alternator will just think it's charging a 1 x 100amp/hr instead of 1 x 50amp/hr.

FollowupID: 658816