Battery Locker
Can you help please. I have had 5 good years from my Numax battery that was purchased as new as was my original Sprite but have moved to a Swift Conqueror 2017 model with E&P hydraulics, mover, roof sat etc.. & although its still going its beginning to not hold it change now so I feel its time for a new battery that can cope with all this new stuff &/or being charged so oftern. The Numax are contenders (as are others) but what size?. Its not the amp hours of the battery that seem to be the issue (the bigger the better in my view) its seems to be the physical dimensions of the locker box. As my van is in storage do anyone know what the dimensions are? I'm after a battery that can be removed easily with quick release clamps, have the highest amp hours I can get but fits in the locker box. Any suggestions greatly received
Steve
Comments
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It depends on your usage.
Biggest in a standard battery box is 120AH, usually in low profile size.
But you only need this if you go off grid a lot or have a big motor mover.
The biggest disadvantage is weight, if you always use a hookup and don't have a mover then a 50AH is fine at 15Kg, if you have a mover and don't go off-grid then an 85AH at 20kg is Ok, if you go off-grid and have a mover then a 120AH at 25kg is your choice. The battery comes off your user allowance for a 2017 van so chose based on your needs.
Try to use an alternative to clamp on terminals, they are dreadful things form an electrical point of view. A good aftermarket clamp with bolt on ring terminals is far better.
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Pre measure the internal height of the battery cupboard, take a wooden ruler when you go shopping, and allow for the quick release clamps to spring upwards to remove from the posts. Better than clamps with fiddly nuts where you need to use a spanner. I would imagin that the physical size of the box would vary from one van to another.
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Ohm's law states that whatever size battery you want, your battery box will be a couple of centimetres less.
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Just be aware that if you fit a larger battery the space for cabling will be very cramped. After we had a mover fitted to our Bailey it was a real juggle to get the battery and leads into the box. It will put strain on the connectors so bolted clamps may be best. Mover manufacturers recommend a larger battery of at least 110 Ahr.
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can't give any size info but the latest 'flavours of the month' re leisure batteries are Varta LFD90 (I think) and thenlatest Yuasa.
i used to sell, service and repair electric golf trollies as a hobby and (even 10 years ago) found Yuasa (and Sonnenshein) to be leagues ahead of the pack.
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Found some more info - seems the NCC are recommending as well:
• Category A is for batteries with a higher storage capacity for people who frequently use their touring caravan or motorhome away from an electrical hook-up:
• Category B batteries are aimed at those who frequently use sites with hook-up facilities, but require a greater battery capacity to operate devices such as motor movers:
• Category C batteries are for users that require a lower capacity battery to cover basic operation of their habitation equipment for short periods away from an electrical hook-up:
The scheme was started with some of the leading leisure battery brands signed up, including Banner, Platinum and Yuasa and more are being brought on board all the time.
Blimey mosses - "B" then
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I agree that the clip-on battery connectors are a bit of a farce, so I use solid brass clamp ones, but with an Anderson Connector in the lead into the caravan. Battery easily removed when needed and can be substituted with the (smaller) auxiliary battery if needed very quickly.
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The information you are seeking re - battery dimensions will be in your caravan hand book. If you do not have a book they are are available electronically on Swifts web site
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