Help finding a suitable type aux battery to suit my power requirements
Submitted: Monday, Dec 21, 2009 at 22:39
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bobbin_red_robin
Hello this is my first time posting on these forums.
I have bought a LWB hiace to travel oz. I have an EVAKOOL 47L fridge/freezer and am now looking for a suitable duel battery setup to run the fridge 24/7 for a couple months. (I will only be running the fridge and maybe a coulpe low powerd lights).
I will be staying in one place for a maximum of say 2 nights. The van will probably be driven 3 hours or more per day.
I was looking at the ALLROUNDER MRV70 105ah which is around the $200.00 mark. Looks like good value and have heard good reviews.
I have also been reading about AGM type batteries which apparently are better because they charge up quicker and can take more abuse. I'm guessing around the $300.00 mark for a 100ah?
My question is do you think its necessary to purchase a AGM style battery or will the ALLROUNDER MRV70 meet my requirements?
Thanks in advance for the help!
Robin
Reply By: Mandrake's Solar Power- Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 06:18
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 06:18
You might like to read this thread on
the batteries you're talking about ..
AGM by preference for me but ....
Cheers
Mandrake
AnswerID:
396016
Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 07:27
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 07:27
Hi Robin,
If you intend to mount the battery inside the van, the only safe choice is an AGM battery.
If you can mount it in the engine bay, or elsewhere outside of the cabin/van area then the Allrounder MRV70 would be suitable.
When a "wet cell" battery is being charged, it gives off explosive gases which must be vented to the outside air. An AGM battery does not do this and will not spill any corrosive contents if tipped over.
You are pretty close in the cost of an AGM battery. Whitworths Marine sell a 100 A/h Remco battery for $339 which is one of the cheapest prices around.
You also need to determine if the battery will be recharged by the vehicle alternator when driving. If so you should include an Isolator in your purchases.
Otherwise you will need a battery charger and a 240 volt supply to plug it in to.
A good solution if carrying the battery inside the vehicle is to buy a "Flyer" battery case from Derek Bester at Sidewinder.
Click Here
Derek is an advertiser of this site.
The flyer includes an isolator inside the case and will take either style and size of battery you choose. It also includes a suitable socket to plug your fridge into.
One end of the supplied Flyer cable is connected to the batery terminals and includes a circuit breaker to protect the wiring and primary battery.
Bill.
AnswerID:
396020
Reply By: Maîneÿ . . .- Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 09:29
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 09:29
Robin,
I also drive a HiAce for the same trip that has been going on for 12 yrs now, I placed one AGM Deep Cycle battery under the floor in a purpose made metal battery box, behind the original Cranking battery and another AGM Deep Cycle above it in a $20 battery box, with a Rotronics battery isolator and 32mm sq battery cable.
Pics will be taken if you don't understand :)
Would not even consider anything other than an AGM DC battery.
Maîneÿ . . .
AnswerID:
396032
Follow Up By: Nik & Dee - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 15:55
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 15:55
Hi Mainey,
I was told by a bloke in the battery
shop that the AGM one's can over heated and expand if they are left in under the bonnet with the cranking battery.
Is there any diffence in life expectancy in the 2 types. I'm looking for a 2nd battery for my Patrol, it's all set up and ready to go, just needs the battery. I was told to steer clear of the AGM as it wasn't needed and cost more. Any thoughts?
FollowupID:
664772
Follow Up By: obee1212 - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:49
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:49
never heard that one before
Owen
FollowupID:
664823
Follow Up By: CJ - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 21:53
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 21:53
I have - it is true that AGM's do not like the heat under the bonnet. They can become pregnant but at the very least it reduces their life.
But many many people take the chance and do not experience any negatives, as for life expectancy I jhave decided to rather have an AGM for 75% of its life (which is propably more than you will get from a wet battery anyway)
CJ
FollowupID:
664836
Reply By: Haza - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 11:02
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 11:02
If it's only going to be used for a couple of months I'd be buying the cheapest lead acid at 100ah I could find.
AnswerID:
396042
Follow Up By: obee1212 - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:51
Tuesday, Dec 22, 2009 at 20:51
I think there is a lot of merit in that. You would have a spare cranking battey at the end of the day instead of a very expensive agm deep cycle in the shed like me.
owen
FollowupID:
664825
Follow Up By: Maîneÿ . . .- Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 at 07:28
Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 at 07:28
Quality Deep Cycle batteries can be also used a Cranking battery, I say this because I've used one of
mine as a Cranking battery for many months.
Maîneÿ . . .
FollowupID:
665000
Reply By: Member - bungarra (WA) - Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 at 00:00
Thursday, Dec 24, 2009 at 00:00
having had 2 of the MRV70 batteries fail. I am about to replace the latest failure with another brand.....
look around
AnswerID:
396253