Tiny Deep Cycle Battery?

[vnx205]

When I bought the Defender and the Trayon four years ago, I always assumed that one day I would fit a second battery. Now I'm not so sure.

Since then LED lights have improved in performance and price and I have fitted them in the camper. The fridge is a 3 way and I have worked out that running it on 12V is pretty much a waste of time. I think it is more useful to just keep the freezer full of frozen water bottles.

My LED lights in the camper draw something like 300 mA total for all three. I don't have any other 12V appliances at present and can't think of any that I need.

So I could leave all the lights on in the camper for 3 hours a night and at the end of a week, I would have used about 7 AH (I think). As I usually stay for less time than that in one place and the lights are the only thing I run from the battery, maybe I don't need a second battery at all.

Another possibility I thought of is a tiny deep cycle battery or maybe even a normal motorcycle battery that would fit under the seat beside the other one without the usual modifications.

Can anyone see a flaw in my logic?

[Tank]

Allan if you are going to use a dual battery setup I wouldn't go to the extra expense of a deep cycle battery, they really need a LOT of charging to bring them back up to max volts and they don't like being run down past 11 volts, if you do their life span is diminished. My Son has a small AGM battery in his Stage 1, it's about half the size of a standard lead acid starting battery, it has been sitting for months without starting or charging and it is still 12.5 Volts, if you're pushed for space consider one of these, welcome to come over and have a look if you wish, Regards Frank.

[vnx205]

Thanks Frank. I'll give you a ring some time and come over for a look at that.

[Blknight.aus]

nope, Im currently setting up the wifes disco with exactly that system but Im using a small automotive battery (350Ah 55 mins RC). it going to be asked to supply a bit more than your setup but should still be able to keep the fridge going for 24 hours if needed along with some time running some small lights.

Its main purpose will be to keep the fridge running during short stops as well as the portable DVD player and a buffer for charging the batteries in the trailer.

When we setup camp for an extended stop it'll be plugged into the trailer power (which has a portable solar setup) or be hooked up to a mains charger

[big guy]

nope, Im currently setting up the wifes disco with exactly that system but Im using a small automotive battery (350Ah 55 mins RC). it going to be asked to supply a bit more than your setup but should still be able to keep the fridge going for 24 hours if needed along with some time running some small lights.

Its main purpose will be to keep the fridge running during short stops as well as the portable DVD player and a buffer for charging the batteries in the trailer.

When we setup camp for an extended stop it'll be plugged into the trailer power (which has a portable solar setup) or be hooked up to a mains charger

I have elected to go with similar, a 650ah that is not too expensive, will run my fridge for 40hrs on med and all my ligths in trailer anda good drive will bring back to normal. I also have a 80w solar set up but never ever needed to use it.
I figure if the lights go out, the beers go cold and the milk is off we go home or eat crackers and water.:p:p:p