Which Battery
Hi
I'm having a solar panel and associated kit installed in my motorhome next month. I've roughly worked out my usage for duration when off hookup and will be fine with just one 110ah battery. My question is about the battery. I'll be having a new one and wondered is it best to go for gel or wet, or is it just down to personal preference?
I've tried to trawl through this forum but we all know what that's like!!
Comments
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Actually, you have a choice of three: Wet, AGM, Gel. I’d have a look at what your charger and SP controller can support (they may not do AGM). If they support Gel, that’s what I’d go for because I believe that Gel will tolerate more abuse than Wet.
Whichever way you choose to go, select on weight rather than quoted capacity. The heavier the better (more lead) and is a better indicator of true capacity. You get what you pay for. Most important, though: make sure it’ll fit the compartment.
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Thanks for that rogher, good info for an away from hook up novice. Makes sense regarding the heavier the better. Only have an 85ah battery in small box behind drivers seat so a new compartment is on the cards anyway.
Do gel batteries have a breather similar to wet ones?
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DD, I have an Autocruise Rhythm panel van conversion. The leisure battery sits directly behind the drivers seat in a small wooden box. Ample room to expand, at a push it couls accomodate 2 batteries. The seat swivels but only 90 degrees anyway as the wardrobe
sits behind.0 -
DD, I have an Autocruise Rhythm panel van conversion. The leisure battery sits directly behind the drivers seat in a small wooden box. Ample room to expand, at a push it couls accomodate 2 batteries. The seat swivels but only 90 degrees anyway as the wardrobe
sits behind.if the box is not vented to the outside. Then really you should fit either a gel or agm battery, these are sealed so shouldn't evolve Hydrogen like a wet battery can. The downside gel and agm batteries are more expensive than standard wet cell batteries.
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You don't see many "wet" leisure batteries these days. If you look in an accessory shop they will more than likely be sealed for life. I think wet batteries are more robust and will tolerate overcharging but must be in an outside vented compartment and do
require some maintenance. You see many motorhomes and caravans nowadays with sealed batteries inside but with some enclosure and floor ventilation. In theory there is a risk of gassing but the charger shouldn't allow that.0 -
Hi
DD, I'm on hols until March (the reason I do this job!) but I'll get in touch when I get back and if you still have it we may have a deal. I already have the autotrail extra battery cabling, my last van was a chieftain.
Thanks to others for replies ie breather.
Looking forward to using our non ehu cl network.
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