Thread: Carrying a spare battery

Hi popotla, just a suggestion but if it was my setup, I think, as there is likely to be a need for these batteries for the next 3 years, then I would start the trip with new batteries.

BUT, this all depends on how hard it is to access new batteries where you are going and if readily available, what a set of new batteries are going to cost at the destinations you are planning to visit.

The other consideration is, are you likely to be able to keep or get these batteries charged while they are being cycle used.

I run two marine batteries in my Range Rover (they're 12 months old, and the car is irregularly used), currently they are hard wired together as I haven't had time to install the dual battery controller I bought off Tim.

Over easter the car sat for 3 days running the Waeco fridge, which did not dent the batteries at all (little lights were both green and it turned over as per usual).

Personally I'd replace both batteries with the biggest marine ones that will fit, and run with that, if your car is manual you can always push it, if you're towing anything maybe run a 3rd and possibly even 4th in the trailer, with an up-rated alternator.

Cheers
Will

Another option, maybe even in addition to your third battery, might be one of the small "emergency" battery packs that are available now.

I have the one shown in the link below - and there are plenty of similar available.

Mine works well - we've tested it (I was sceptical when I first got it) and it does do everything they claim it will do. Also handy for powering / charging all your electrical accessories, like phones, iPod, laptop etc.

https://www.ecosmartlighting.com.au/...y-jump-starter

Very small unit and well packaged - mine sits in the pouch in the back of the passengers seat.

Three years is a good run out of a battery and you're going to be away for 2-3 years so I'd be starting with new batteries. They're worth it. And if I were you I'd also do as you said and take a third battery in a battery box. That way, if your main fails you've got an emergency start.
You might also want to consider adding a solar panel to the roof and running it down to a battery controller, to keep things charged while you're stopped.
Wish I was going with you on that trip. Sounds great.
Do lots of research about where to go and where to avoid.
If you haven't already you might like to Google and buy the following book:

Chris Scott, Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route and Planning Guide.

It has a section on South America plus lots of good advice.
Have a geat trip and keep us in touch. Do you have a blog? You could start a travel thread here on AULRO...just a thought.

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I wasn't aware of the fact that vibration is a big problem and that for this reason alone, it's not a good idea to carry a spare. Nor did I know that a deep-cycle battery is best for running the fridge, etc.



Both my present batteries are Delphi Freedom YGD 100860 12V 110Ah, no longer available, I understand. The better of these is being used as the starter battery and has been checked as "90 percent good". The other, used for sundry purposes is "60-70 percent good".

To start with the peace of mind of having two good batteries can only make sense. Thus I plan to buy one new battery now, use it for the starter battery, and use the present starter battery for the fridge etc. (Deep cycle would be better but at present I don't need to dump both batteries.) I just need to decide on the best battery to buy. (Because of the location and fitting bracket I'm at present using for second battery, one with the same dimensions (app. 33.0 x 17.2 x 21.6 cm. will be good.) I have been researching this. Since opinions differ, perhaps there is no "best". I thought I'd avoid Optima due to reported unreliability.

While Optimas and AGMs are pretty fancy stuff, the best value for money seems to be your good old fashioned wet cell deep cycle, in my opinion. I recently got a 100Ah wet cell deep cycle for only $160 from Repco for example (with a 10% discount for RACQ members). From what I've read, vibration is not a big issue. The only issue with wet cell deep cycles is if they may vent fumes, which could be a problem if the battery is inside the vehicle. Putting it in a battery box may help with that, I think, but I'm no expert.
Batteries can last for quite a while, but my experience is that anything over 3 years is a bonus. I'm sure you'll be able to get replacement batteries where you're going, but for peace of mind I'd start with new ones if it was me.
I have chosen to buy all my batteries with the same size case so I can swap them around if one fails, as space in the Disco is limited. The advantage is that if two batteries of the same size are connected they should both fully charge, but if the batteries are different sizes, the larger one may only charge to the capacity of the smaller one, I'm told.
As BMKal said, a jump starter battery pack might also be good insurance. As well as starting the vehicle they can also be useful to move around to power lights and other devices when camping. There are numerous ones available through the usual outlets.
I'm no expert on this stuff so I've had to ask people who know more than me.


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1. Recommend new batteries from now.
2. Make sure your second one (the one powering the fridge) is a deep cycle battery and has enough CCA to start your engine (in case your first one is cactus).
3. Bolt a 120W plus solar panel to your roof rack. Never worry about going flat again and it will trickle charge both batteries. There are some flexible ones that you might be able to glue to your bonnet too….
4. They have battery shops over there too. Although not as far out as you might be going.
5. I'm happy with my blue optima
6. Are you going to be in Chile or Argentina early next year?

Cat (Caterpillar)batteries are alleged to be very good under vibration scenarios. All I can say is I'm very happy with mine, as are many others on this forum. Enjoy!