Second Battery Selection

**CraigE** · 27th September 2016, 10:00 AM

OK I am after a second battery to replace my Optima Blue Top that has never performed well. Discussing this with a local battery supplier (who also sells these) he said he would never recommend any Optima as a second battery running a fridge etc due to the low A/H. He would for anything else except a fridge from 40 litres up.
So now the selection begins. I can fit a fair size battery and in the past would have gone straight for a AGM.
I am having some second thoughts if this is the way to go due to the limited recharge values of around 400 times for the average AGM compared to double or triple that for wet cell.
The options are:
AGM 105-120 A/H CCA varies 700 - 1000 some have no CCA on them at all at a cost of $300-$400 depending on brand. Can get 120 A/H Vision batteries 6FM-120S for $280 (YHI) anyone used one of these or up to Full River for $400 (have used one in the caravan).
Calcium/Calcium Sealed Wet Cell 120 A/H 670CCA Especially after feedback on these if anyone has used one in this application. So far only seen SSB in this.
Standard Wet Cell Deep Cycle at around $200
Standard Sealed wet Cell Deep Cycle at around $200
This will go in the Defender
Will be sticking with an AGM for the Caravan.
The benefits of AGM being no spill are obvious and faster recharge rates, but beyond that? As it is the cranking battery is a Delco Calcium sealed.
Thoughts?
Budget is part of this as not working full time, but not the only concern as dont want to be doing this again in 2 years.
Cheers
Craig

**loanrangie** · 27th September 2016, 11:23 AM

Supercharge Allrounder, usually around the 100AH capacity and reasonably priced.
I have a YHI cranking battery which is doing well, may hit them up for my next D/C battery as we started doing work for them.

**jwb** · 27th September 2016, 11:40 AM

I had a similar look recently. Ended up with a large Neuton Power battery from YHI for about $140ish. It's 120Ah deep cycle but still has a good CCA rating and easily starts the Td5 if needed. I've got it in a battery box in the rear and it has dual terminals so great for hooking up the accessories.

Best value for my needs which is basically the fridge and some lighting plus device charging.

**CraigE** · 27th September 2016, 12:02 PM

$140 odd is a superb price, nothing like that over here.

Originally Posted by jwb

I had a similar look recently. Ended up with a large Neuton Power battery from YHI for about $140ish. It's 120Ah deep cycle but still has a good CCA rating and easily starts the Td5 if needed. I've got it in a battery box in the rear and it has dual terminals so great for hooking up the accessories.

Best value for my needs which is basically the fridge and some lighting plus device charging.

**CraigE** · 27th September 2016, 12:06 PM

Yeah I had a Supercharge Deep Cycle in my D1 many years ago and for the price was one of the best I have had for the price and operating underbonnet.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Supercharge Allrounder, usually around the 100AH capacity and reasonably priced.
I have a YHI cranking battery which is doing well, may hit them up for my next D/C battery as we started doing work for them.

DiscoMick · 28th September 2016, 06:06 PM

I wouldn't put a wet cell inside the Defender because of the risk of venting fumes or acid spills. Sealed AGMs can also be installed on their side.
We have a 110 Ah AGM in the camper and a 120 Ah AGM in the Defender. Both have been faultless so far.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

**Toxic_Avenger** · 28th September 2016, 07:26 PM

Any lead acid battery (including gel cells) can vent.
It's all about risk mitigation. Its more a matter of not having to worry about a leaking cell eating the vehicle away.

You only live once, I say. So give it a crack.

**CraigE** · 28th September 2016, 09:01 PM

I dont think I would use a normal open wet cell again, but is a possibility, but the cranking battery is just a sealed wet cell anyway. I dont think putting a second in would make that much difference as in the box under the seat. What concerns me a little after some reading is an AGM may only last 400 odd recharges where a normal deep cycle may last many times that. With a sealed Deep Cycle being half the cost of any decent AGM, I am not sure of the value of an AGM as a second battery anymore as I once was. For the caravan no doubt AGM all the way. Still have not made my mind up yet.

Originally Posted by DiscoMick

I wouldn't put a wet cell inside the Defender because of the risk of venting fumes or acid spills. Sealed AGMs can also be installed on their side.
We have a 110 Ah AGM in the camper and a 120 Ah AGM in the Defender. Both have been faultless so far.

Sent from my SM-G900I using AULRO mobile app

**kelvo** · 1st October 2016, 08:56 PM

Have a look at the Superstart Drycell battery range Super Start Batteries > Products > Product List

I currently have a 80Ah as a second battery mounted under bonnet in a tray next to the turbo in my D2 Td5. Been there for about 3 years and still going strong.

Have recently bought a 130Ah for my campertrailer.

You can get then from Goodchilds in Cockburn.

**PhilipA** · 2nd October 2016, 07:55 AM

I have had one of these under the bonnet in the D2 starting battery position for 3.5 years . Seems to still be good with no leakage. I have found the ebay seller good also.

12V 130AH AMP HOUR AGM BATTERY SLA 12 VOLT DEEP CYCLE DUAL FRIDGE SOLAR | eBay
How did that happen ? Should have gone to item
302030427833 which is Power AGM from Autoelecau.
Bloody ebay is getting cute these days.

Regards Philip A

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