Battery Bank in Kimberley Kamper...Part 2
Submitted: Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 11:03
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Tim - Stratford (VIC)
As a follow-on from original post 76415 - I've finally been able to set-up and
check the batteries in the kamper. Of the six batteries (35a/hr AGM) one was ok, holding 12.6 volts once disconnected and removed. Two were only holding 6v and the remaining three between 9-11volts.
The lowest two had bulged considerably and one had ruptured/leaked but being AGM spill was minimal. Interestingly, the ruptured one still showed 11v.
Just waiting from a phone call back from the local Auto elec with price and availability.
It will be a fairly large outlay - but this lot lasted 5 years so I'm not really complaining.
Tim
Reply By: Member - George (WA) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:08
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:08
Hi Tim
Why have 6/35 a/h batteries instead of 2/110 a/h batteries. Cost ?, available space ? I would have thought that 2 batteries would be cheaper than 6. But I may be wrong. Cheers
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Follow Up By: Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:46
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:46
G'day George,
Space - the KK I have came standard with 6x35A/h batteries. The plan was to upgrade in terms of A/hrs - but after looking at it I worked out it is cheaper to go with what was standard.
Tim
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Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 17:38
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 17:38
Space available is the issue George. Height and width are the limiting factors.
Andrew
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678518
Reply By: Alloy c/t - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:43
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:43
Only 5yrs ? Charging /overdraining ect .Something has to be wrong with the system that the Batts only lasted 5yrs.
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Follow Up By: Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:53
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:53
G'day A c/t,
Probably a combination of all of the above, and a bit more. One battery was split.
I'm happy with 5 years - some Deep cycle only come with a 6 month warranty because of their use and charging practices. There has been a few occasions where I have run them down low and another time when they didn't get charged for a few months (out of my control).
We'll see how these go.
Tim
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678503
Reply By: Andrew & Jen - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:47
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 14:47
Hullo Tim
Space in the KK may preclude this; however, a suggestion FWIW.
While I have an AGM in the Tvan, for the last 10 years I have had one set of ACDelco batteries in the boat - 1 start battery and 3 house batteries. They have endured some hard use as the house set have run all the onboard systems - radio, GPS, plotters, depth sounder, autohelm, nav lights, fridge, lights, etc, sometimes all night.
The key to their longevity has been the charging regime, particularly the bulk charging voltage - 14.6v
They are lead calcium, sealed batteries and lose very little charge while sitting unused. If you do a search on the net, apparently they are often used as the power source for electric outboards by US duck hunters and hence get fully cycled as a matter of course.
Regards
Andrew
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Follow Up By: Tim - Stratford (VIC) - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:02
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 15:02
G'day Andrew,
Space is pretty limited in the KK. I can't go any wider and only about 25mm higher. Length is also restricted to the length of 6 35a/h exides.
I've heard of the lead calcium batteries but haven't had anything to do with them. The talk on some forums is that Lithium-ion batteries will take over as 'deep-cycle' batteries - no memory, run right down, etc - but still cost prohibitive at this stage.
It also sounds like you have a serious boat - when do you get time to use your T-van??? :-)
Tim
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678506
Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 16:57
Friday, Mar 12, 2010 at 16:57
"It also sounds like you have a serious boat - when do you get time to use your T-van??? :-) "
With difficulty! Actually it is the boat that is feeling neglected at the moment as we get back into camping - with one week to go before the High Country :-)))
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