Thread: 2nd Battery in Cab and Venting Issues?

Hi Gavin,

I ran with a 100AH "Power Pack" in my D2, fitted on a temporary basis for camping trips. This was connected to the main battery via a twin 50mm2 cable fitted with 150A Circuit Breakers at each end. An Anderson Plug (150A) was used at the rear for connecting/disconnecting the rear battery. I did not install a Dual Battery isolator.

I designed the above with the intention of supporting winching however I have now sold the D2 before the winch was purchased.

I was not worried by venting; the only case for venting to be of concern is with a faulty battery. Even then, the fumes are obnoxious and you would vacate the vehicle well before the level of fumes would be considered toxic.

My two concerns were protecting the rear battery from short circuit across the terminals and the battery becoming a missile in an accident. Hence I placed the battery inside a plastic battery box with the internal 150A CB, and secured the battery and box.

Cheers
Ron

Been running a battery in the back of the L322 for years without issue. My old Commodore wagon had the cranking battery in the back and it wasn't vented outside at all either.

I have had a deep cycle lead acid battery in an Ark battery box in the back of the Defender at times. Aĺl lead acids can vent if they overheat I believe. Putting it in a battery box might contain the fumes. An AGM would be better


Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

AGM's still vent Mick.

I found a paper that discusses this which I posted here.

When batteries are overcharged, they can vent. In a perfect world where no one takes an ounce of risk, yes, they'd be in a box with a vent to the outside of the vehicle.
But realistically, it's a non-issue for the average punter.

It's simple, if you live in a Vicroads vacuum:

"The battery must be adequately supported and secure.
In addition, if fitted in a luggage or occupant compartment, the battery must either be of a type that is fully sealed or be located within a sub-compartment which is vented to atmosphere outside the vehicle.
Vehicles with batteries located in the same way as that used by the vehicle manufacturer as original equipment are deemed to comply with this requirement provided the battery is of the same type as the original and its installation and related components are as per the vehicle manufacturer's specifiation."

https://www.google.com.au/url'sa=t&r..._RCO1odkNCQmeQ

Now, Vicroads are not the last authority on this topic, but they are probably the most argumentative.

Hi John and don't take any notice of that crap from ViRoads ( unless you live in Victoria ).

The document was written by a secretary or journalist but not by someone who had the slights idea what they were on about.

?The battery has to be a FULLY SEALED TYPE or located within which is vented to atmosphere outside the vehicle?

They contradict themselves because there is no such thing a fully GAS sealed lead acid battery, which is what they are implying.

As pointed out above, in the wrong situation, all lead acid batteries gas and it usually occurs while charging the battery with a battery charger or DC/DC device.

Only if the battery itself is damaged or faulty, will an alternator cause a battery to gas while you are driving.

Even if a battery does gas while you are driving, it poses no threat other than stink like like rotten eggs, at which point, as posted above, there has to be something very strange about anyone who would continue to drive with the stench.

The only safety requirements for caring a battery inside the cab, again as posted above, is that the battery be mounted in a plastic battery box and that is is well secured.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Hi John and don't take any notice of that crap from ViRoads ( unless you live in Victoria ).

The document was written by a secretary or journalist but not by someone who had the slights idea what they were on about.

?The battery has to be a FULLY SEALED TYPE or located within which is vented to atmosphere outside the vehicle?

They contradict themselves because there is no such thing a fully GAS sealed lead acid battery, which is what they are implying.

As pointed out above, in the wrong situation, all lead acid batteries gas and it usually occurs while charging the battery with a battery charger or DC/DC device.

Only if the battery itself is damaged or faulty, will an alternator cause a battery to gas while you are driving.

Even if a battery does gas while you are driving, it poses no threat other than stink like like rotten eggs, at which point, as posted above, there has to be something very strange about anyone who would continue to drive with the stench.

The only safety requirements for caring a battery inside the cab, again as posted above, is that the battery be mounted in a plastic battery box and that is is well secured.

Now, I'm pretty sure you got the /sarc: tag, even if I didn't add it. But many folk won't. But Vicroads is the governing authority down here, and people will do what they are told. I have spent countless hours arguing with some petty official who has no understanding but much authority. Trying to find a way around the bureaucratic nonsense that is supposedly Government these days is enough to test anyone's patience.

Hi again John and Victoria not the only one with the problem.

Bureaucratic incompetence in this country is stuffing the country.

A company I deal with has spent tens of thousands of dollars and more than three years to get a new Australian invented and patented electrical safety device approved.

At the same time, another Australian company stole the invention and took it to China, where they had a inferior copy made and is now selling it here. No problems what so ever.

They even had the Australian Made logo on it on their web page.

I invented the first Wireless Breakaway Battery Monitor, 5 years ago. Another company imported a Bluetooth VOLTAGE monitor last year and declare it as being Australia's first wireless battery monitor.

How do you win against companies like this.??????

The only saving grace is that RMS in NSW is now clamping down on the fraudsters and is knocking back a lot of caravans not fitted with the correct gear.