Thread: Discovery round aus trip - advice

Originally Posted by Mr Ploppy

Hey Lindsay,

Over the years I have rarely had two batteries that were the same e.g cranking v deep cycle. Never noticed a problem.

x2

Hello

I have just come back from a trip around Australia to every state but WA. I have a 97 v8 disco with 2'' lift we run 245/75/16 and towed a Jayco Flamingo Camper Trailer along, We covered over 9000 klm and averaged 19lt's per 100 klm's. New mas/air unit and set to 14 volts when running at idle. We covered all terrain and had no problems at all ( 2.45 per litre in some places ) Draw set and Waceo in the back with a heavy duty truck battery up front for a second battery as the heat kills deep cycle ones.
There is plenty of fuel places around for filling up along the trip. The disco went like a charm with no problems at all the entire trip,the same can't be said for the Jayco not built for the off road stuff.
Have a go you will not regret it.

I'm no auto electrician, but I was told if your two batteries are different you will only charge to the capacity of the smaller one, or something similar, so your larger one may never fully charge, but that may or may not be a problem, as dual battery controllers usually don't fully charge the starting battery anyway before switching to the second battery.
I'd recommend a suspension upgrade with springs and shocks and maybe rear airbags, particularly with extra weight on the roof.
Don't forget to do all your bearings and grease your UV and propshaft, as these are often neglected and its not fun if they go back of nowhere.
Obviously you should replace all fluids (engine, gearbox, diffs, coolant, brakes). Replace hoses and the main belts, and keep the old ones as spares. Is your timing belt due for replacement (80,000 ks)?
Do yourself a cheap favour and get replacement headlight globes, such as the Phillips plus 50s, which make a big difference.
And obviously good six good tyres (ATs or MTs) is essential.
And the most essential item is a good coffee plunger!

In regards to different battery types and charging, Collyn Rivers in WA has some excellent articles and publications on the subject, check out Lead Acid Batteries - Caravan and Motorhome Books or Articles - Caravan and Motorhome Books for the full reference.

Originally Posted by Discomark

In regards to different battery types and charging, Collyn Rivers in WA has some excellent articles and publications on the subject, check out Lead Acid Batteries - Caravan and Motorhome Books or Articles - Caravan and Motorhome Books for the full reference.

Quoting Collyn Rivers will only get Drivesafe into trouble . Apparently there is some question about the accuracy of some of Collyn's claims. Besides once again we are talking about theory (words) vs practical experience (what has actually happened). Over the years I have not had any drama's from running different battery types.

I've run different battery types and one of them eventually died, but that can happen anyway, so nothing proven there. Currently running two identical battery types, but one is 110 and one is 120. My dual battery controller charges the first battery to 12.8 and then switches over, but with the seven stage charger the first battery can be taken to 14.2, so I guess that proves it may never fully charge while driving, which is why I occasionally put it on the charger overnight.

What ever you budget make sure you have plenty of back up $$$

Remember murphy