Thread: Dual Battery System for Discovery 4

Originally Posted by LRnsa

I also am happy with the Traxide system and support but have found the 50Ah yellow top installed in the engine bay to have inadequate capacity for extended travel. It can barely run a 45 litre Engel for much more than an overnight stop, especially in hot weather.

Hi and can you give me a call at some time, because you should be able to get at least 2 full days out of that setup and 3 days is not unusual.

[QUOTE=LRnsa;3064748]I also am happy with the Traxide system and support but have found the 50Ah yellow top installed in the engine bay to have inadequate capacity for extended travel. It can barely run a 45 litre Engel for much more than an overnight stop, especially in hot weather.
If starting again I would go for a larger battery, say 120 Ah capacity, installed in the cargo area.
I understand Traxide can supply this system.
I think it may prolong the life of the battery installed away from the heat of the engine bay. Not sure though.
..../QUOTE]
Sounds a bit like fridge management to me.

I've been through two yellow tops in 10 years, and they've run the fridge without issues. Although I have an Autofridge which is power efficient. But I think a key is to keep the fridge full and if you use it for drinks, then keep them up in the fridge. These retain energy better. And when camping, buy a folding solar panel - I bought a King's maybe 6 years ago, and it's still working. I typically leave it on the bonnet and plug is output into the yellow top. Mine was bundled with a 10 metre cable and and an MMPT solar regular / charger, and that charges the battery up. While low cost those blankets are not rain proof, and when I bought mine, rain proof cost a fortune. I suspect if it's raining the panel is not productive anyway, so fold it away in five minutes or so. This approach also stops thieves.