A Question for DriveSafe

[RichardK]

Some time ago I recall you were commenting on the types of batteries for auxilliary use and I think the message I got was that it was best if the aux. battery was the same type as the main battery, particularly in the D3.

If my recollection is correct you discussed the high charge rate could damage an incompatable battery, what type of battery is the original in the D3?

The reason for my asking is that my aux. battery is on the way out in under a year and I suspect it has overheated via charging.

As my brain refuses to understand the intricities of electricity, if you have the answer can you put it in such a way that my lack of knowledge won't be embarrased???https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/955.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/955.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/10/955.jpg

[drivesafe]

Hi Richard, I could be proven wrong here but I have never found a problem with dual battery set-ups comprising different types of batteries, nor have I seen any relevant info that would truly indicate that using two different types of batteries would cause any problems based on any specific reason.

As far as saying that it was best if the auxiliary battery was the same as the cranking battery, this would only be in the case of a D3 or RRS as the electrical system in these two vehicles is set up to optimise the charictarisics of the calcium/lead/calcium battery and this would allow the auxiliary batter to be better charged BUT I also have pointed out the calcium/lead/calcium batteries do not perform well as deep cycle batteries.

As to your particular case, I would NOT suspect over charging would be the cause of your auxiliary battery’s early demise because the advanced charge control system of the D3, although set up primarily to optimise the calcium/lead/calcium type battery would still be an excellent charge regime for any type of automotive battery.

Without knowing your specific use of your auxiliary battery I would put the probable cause of any D3's auxiliary battery's short life down to being discharged too low too often, as this is a fairly common cause of short battery life spans and with the limited size of battery available for use in the D3 and RRS, I suspect this is going to be a some what of common occurrence with these vehicles, again this may not be the reason for your battery’s short life.

Post what type of battery you have and how you normally use your dual battery set-up and we can see if maybe there is some specific cause.

Cheers

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Is the battery is a hot location. I know heat is a big big killer of batteries?

[RichardK]

Hi Richard, I could be proven wrong here but I have never found a problem with dual battery set-ups comprising different types of batteries, nor have I seen any relevant info that would truly indicate that using two different types of batteries would cause any problems based on any specific reason.

As far as saying that it was best if the auxiliary battery was the same as the cranking battery, this would only be in the case of a D3 or RRS as the electrical system in these two vehicles is set up to optimise the charictarisics of the calcium/lead/calcium battery and this would allow the auxiliary batter to be better charged BUT I also have pointed out the calcium/lead/calcium batteries do not perform well as deep cycle batteries.

As to your particular case, I would NOT suspect over charging would be the cause of your auxiliary battery’s early demise because the advanced charge control system of the D3, although set up primarily to optimise the calcium/lead/calcium type battery would still be an excellent charge regime for any type of automotive battery.

Without knowing your specific use of your auxiliary battery I would put the probable cause of any D3's auxiliary battery's short life down to being discharged too low too often, as this is a fairly common cause of short battery life spans and with the limited size of battery available for use in the D3 and RRS, I suspect this is going to be a some what of common occurrence with these vehicles, again this may not be the reason for your battery’s short life.

Post what type of battery you have and how you normally use your dual battery set-up and we can see if maybe there is some specific cause.

Cheers

Sorry about the long delay, we've just had carpet put down and it's taken some 3 weeks to have the way clear to rebuild my computer station!

The battery is a Varta, 55 AH. I have only used it on the CSR for the Engel GPS, inverter running the Laptop and Makita battery charger. Since then, August 06' it has only been connected to the Electronic brake control and CB both of which I havent used for many months.

[RichardK]

Is the battery is a hot location. I know heat is a big big killer of batteries?

The battery is in the location set aside by Landrover and would only have similar temperature conditions as the main battery

[Pedro_The_Swift]

its a calcium/silver battery? right Richard?
no heat, good charge rate,,
maybe you just got a dud one,,,:(

[RichardK]

its a calcium/silver battery? right Richard?
no heat, good charge rate,,
maybe you just got a dud one,,,:(
My knowledge of these things is to say the least.........Poor........... how do I find out what sort of battery it is???

[Pedro_The_Swift]

try here,,
http://www.varta-automotive.com/eng/index2.php?p=1&content=unternehmen/unternehmen.html
;)

[drivesafe]

Is the battery is a hot location. I know heat is a big big killer of batteries?

Hi Captain, unlike most vehicles, the D3 batteries are in separated battery compartments and are well protected against the engine bay’s heat.

This one point should improve the life span of any type of battery used as an auxiliary battery but add to this the unique charging system of the D3 and RRS where the charge voltage is continually altered to compensate for temperature changes, any battery is going to be charged at a far safer voltage than is available in any other vehicle.

Cheers.

[drivesafe]

Richard, do you have any idea if you flattened the auxiliary battery or any idea of how low you actually took the battery.

Check out the battery site that Pedro posted and get the specs for your specific battery and this should give you some idea of just how much of the battery’s total power is REALLY available for use.

Cheers

[RichardK]

Richard, do you have any idea if you flattened the auxiliary battery or any idea of how low you actually took the battery.

Check out the battery site that Pedro posted and get the specs for your specific battery and this should give you some idea of just how much of the battery’s total power is REALLY available for use.

Cheers

I don't believe I have flattened it, however when on the CSR the Engel wasn't lasting overnight which I expected it to do so, so I left it off overnight.

I had the battery checked a couple of months ago and the water had dropped below what it should have, the battery was only around 5 months old at that stage. The reason I had it checked was that there was a message on the D3 radio screen most mornings "Battery Low" and I did a check on the voltage which showed around 11. something volts. That message has now returned, perhaps as Pedro says I have a dud.

[RichardK]

try here,,
http://www.varta-automotive.com/eng/index2.php?p=1&content=unternehmen/unternehmen.html
;)

Thanks Pedro, I have had a look and it is one of their "Semi Traction" Batteries but I,m still not sure of the type

[drivesafe]

OK time to try to rule out some potential problems.

I have not done the CSR so can you give me an idea of the speeds you most likely averaged and what was the outside temperatures during the day.

Next, do you have any non standard accessories added to your CRANKING battery.

When not on trips, what sort of daily milage do you do.

Cheers

[RichardK]

OK time to try to rule out some potential problems.

I have not done the CSR so can you give me an idea of the speeds you most likely averaged and what was the outside temperatures during the day.

Next, do you have any non standard accessories added to your CRANKING battery.

When not on trips, what sort of daily milage do you do.

Cheers
Speed on the CSR averaged 25Kmh, temperature 6 - 25 C
No added accessories to the cranking battery
Daily mileage (Kilometreage??) average 140Km

Thanks

[drivesafe]

Hi Richard, have a look on the D3UK site, there’s a thread on battery failures.

Don’t know if it’s relevant but might answer some of your probs.

Cheers