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leisure battery
the maker's recommendation for the leisure battery is 60-90ah. does anyone know if it would be OK to fit a larger one - eg 110ah? there is sufficient room in the battery compartment, I just wondered if there are any electrical problems.
Thanks in advance - Tony.
as i understand it a lower amperage altinator will still charge a high Amp\hour battery just the same as it will charge any other battery it will just take longer. A higher amperage altinator just means that if you are running bigger batteries then they charge in the same time frame as smaller ones no a smaller altinator.
what about a 120 ah battery as we get these at my work
Has anyone ever used solar power to charge their leisure battery? Or could you have a combination of alternator and solar power?
Yes. Many people, including myself, use solar panels on the roof to charge the leisure batteries. I also have the alternator charge the leisure batteries when the engine is running.
You should use a regulator with the solar panel. Most regulators allow you to charge from the alternator at the same time, so you don't have to disconnect the solar panels ever.
interesting as i work with the mobile v.m.s. boards, the type you see on motorway roadworks flashing at you 'slow down', i'v looked inside them and all part are a decent size but they charge 4 batteries, i think i'm might get in touch with our supplier and tell him i'm building a camper and see if they can help or even get cut price stuff!! he he
yes they are solar powered, i will get measurements and info i can off 1 next time i'm in the yard,
i finally got round to taking some pics, it was a 4 am this morning job so maybe a bit vague, there seems to be 3 main parts then the 4 batteries, all very small and would be ideal for a van.
The solar panal itself i guessed to be about 50 cm x 60 cm which had a wire that went to the silver unit which i guessed was the charger as it was connected to the batteries,the batteries were 171 to 225 ah rating is this too much for a van or not i was thinking maybe using jus 2 batteries?? I'll have to get a job in the yard 1 day where i can take 1 to bits and have a look in more detail!
The silver unit is quite possible a regulator, to ensure the batteries are not overcharged.
Is this a 6V system or 12V?
Those batteries would be perfect for a campervan.
I would put all 4 in my van, but I use lots of electricity with a compressor fridge and laptop.
It depends on your power requirements.
Good find though :)
yes they are 6 v batteries, does this matter or could i swap the 4 6v batts for 2 12's??
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That should be fine Tony. You may find that the alternator is only designed to charge up to 90 or 100 AH, so you make not get the fully charge from the battery. But you will get extra battery life from the bigger battery