Dual Battery Options and Fitting

[hoddy]

What battery would you recommend?

Hey Markee, I ordered online and received the Varta F21 AGM today. $439 delivered.
It’s 315mm long and fits under passenger seat perfectly.
Previously had the factory fitted version that was the same as the starter battery. This and an optima 55Ah 3rd battery both died recently, after 7 years in a 2010 4motion.

Am keen to see how the F21 AGM 80Ah beauty performs.

Am also upgrading the 30 year old BP solar 65watt panel to a 100watt panel that lives on the roof permantly.

I need a new Solar controller that will also charge up the starter battery - any suggestions anyone??

[Bryn23]

Hey Markee, I ordered online and received the Varta F21 AGM today. $439 delivered.
It’s 315mm long and fits under passenger seat perfectly.
Previously had the factory fitted version that was the same as the starter battery. This and an optima 55Ah 3rd battery both died recently, after 7 years in a 2010 4motion.

Am keen to see how the F21 AGM 80Ah beauty performs.

Am also upgrading the 30 year old BP solar 65watt panel to a 100watt panel that lives on the roof permantly.

I need a new Solar controller that will also charge up the starter battery - any suggestions anyone??

Votronic do a MPPT Solar Reg with a starter battery charge, although it is 1 amp, I've got a 350Watt version lying around that i didn't end up using.

I can send you the PDF english manual if you like as it has the smaller watt versions with all the specs and install.

https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/mppt-so...llers-votronic

[Bryn23]

Hoddy, im not sure if you have looked at your solar panels, but i ended up going with the eArche flexible solar panel with the 6mm alum frame. (they have 3 different frame versions)

They were released late last year, and are made for Commercial and Residential dwelling use and come with a 10 year warranty.

I opened up the junction box on mine and it is completely sealed, a lot out there on eBay aren't.

I quite impressed with the quality, i ended up with the 180 watt version

https://www.solar4rvs.com.au/solar-p...panels/earche/

http://www.energus.com.au/earche-solar-panel/

[hoddy]

Thanks for the info Byrn. The 100W panel is already on the way, although with a flexible panel I thought it would be difficult to affix to the T5 roof with the ribs running along it. Does yours have a pop-top which is flat?

Will have a look at the PDF of the Votronic. I guess 1 amp is probably enough for the starter battery. The other regulator that I was looking into was the Morningstar Sunsaver Duo.

Cheers.

[Sunny43.5]

This came up on Facebook today , interesting concept as you would not need to permanetly fix it to your van etc . 12V 18V 100W Folding Solar Panel Kit Flexible Charger Blanket Caravan Camping RV | eBay

[Transporter]

What battery would you recommend?

In my T5 4mo, I’ve used 75Ah Powersonic battery from my local IBD supplier. It was connected to Projecta 20A DCDC 3stage charger. It was powering 1000W inverter to run laser mono printer, wifi modem, various chargers and power tools. I’ve lost the track how old the battery is, probably +7 years and is still good. It cost around $160. The same brand battery in 105Ah is in low $200 today and it will be fitted in my new van which arrives soon and I’ll be using a new Projecta 25A DCDC charger that has also solar panel input and can be had under $300, it can be fitted under the bonnet and it’s fully sealed.

You don’t have to overspend when buying the battery.

[Bryn23]

Thanks for the info Byrn. The 100W panel is already on the way, although with a flexible panel I thought it would be difficult to affix to the T5 roof with the ribs running along it. Does yours have a pop-top which is flat?

Will have a look at the PDF of the Votronic. I guess 1 amp is probably enough for the starter battery. The other regulator that I was looking into was the Morningstar Sunsaver Duo.


Cheers.

Ive got a ribbed roof on the Mid roof as well, i decided to make up a aluminium frame to give the panel a air gap and allow for easy replacement if the panel fails.

Panel is attached with doubled sided tape and rivets in the supports, frame is attached with 2 tubes of Sikaflex 252

[Markee]

In my T5 4mo, I’ve used 75Ah Powersonic battery from my local IBD supplier. It was connected to Projecta 20A DCDC 3stage charger. It was powering 1000W inverter to run laser mono printer, wifi modem, various chargers and power tools. I’ve lost the track how old the battery is, probably +7 years and is still good. It cost around $160. The same brand battery in 105Ah is in low $200 today and it will be fitted in my new van which arrives soon and I’ll be using a new Projecta 25A DCDC charger that has also solar panel input and can be had under $300, it can be fitted under the bonnet and it’s fully sealed.

You don’t have to overspend when buying the battery.

Cheers mate just what I wanted to hear. Trawling Ebay now. Hoping for a 120Ah+ that will fit in the available space.

[Mtwem]

Cheers mate just what I wanted to hear. Trawling Ebay now. Hoping for a 120Ah+ that will fit in the available space.

I used these guys, big range, and the 120/130 fit under my seat snug.
Quick delivery and decent price.

Deep Cycle Batteries|AGM Deep Cycle Batteries |12v Deep Cycle Batteries |Solar Batteries |Deep Cycle

[hoddy]

I think my 15 year old Pirahna Solar controller is dead. I installed the new 2nd battery and 100W solar panel a couple of days ago. I tested things today while parked in sunshine - battery was over 15volts and there was 4 amps going to battery. Solar controller had a yellow light on it which means only tricle/ float charge should be going to battery, but I reckon the controller is stuffed.
I have since disconnected the panel to preserve the battery.

It might explain why the previous optima & stock leisure battery both died....

What ya reckon?
Should only charge at 14.3-14.5, and float at 13.7 or so.