Thread: Deep Cycle Battery for Discovery S2

solar panel???, i have 200amp/h's of aux batteries plus a solar panel, although i do run two fridges and a couple of lights

Originally Posted by weeds

solar panel???, i have 200amp/h's of aux batteries plus a solar panel, although i do run two fridges and a couple of lights

That's a good idea. Something charging the batteries while you are camping would help.

More suggestions ;

1. install one of Drivesafe's sc40 controllers. These let you use some capacity from the main battery ( in parallel with the aux battery ) until it senses the main battery is getting too low to start the vehicle. It then isolates the main battery. This gives a bit more "virtual" capcity on your fridge etc.

2. i haven't had much luck with dedicated deep cycle batteries in vehicles. I don't think the plate construction is up to moving about a lot. They are probably intended more for stationary applications. For an aux battery, I now use the Champion/Exide Extreme battery which has both a CCA ( cranking ) rating and Amp hour rating- and for some reason the AH rating on these seems higher than an equivalent size dedicated deep cycle. Can be used for jump starting if needed too. and not overpriced.

I will have a look at mine tomorrow, originally had one from ARB, then when that died (pretty early), bought one that is a pearler.

The problem with the ARB dual battery fit in the SII is the proximity to the turbo etc. It gets bloody hot which can tend to boil the battery a lot. Make sure that you pay attention to the fluid in the battery.

Will get back to you with the brand of the good one,

regards,

Mark

Originally Posted by MT

I will have a look at mine tomorrow, originally had one from ARB, then when that died (pretty early), bought one that is a pearler.

The problem with the ARB dual battery fit in the SII is the proximity to the turbo etc. It gets bloody hot which can tend to boil the battery a lot. Make sure that you pay attention to the fluid in the battery.



regards,

Mark

A good, even home built double skin (with a gap) heat sheild would help this

Originally Posted by ladas

A good, even home built double skin (with a gap) heat sheild would help this

Yes, I have bought some heat shield material from Clarke Rubber and this has helped to keep the battery a little cooler. It's just a foam material with foil backing but temp tests have revealed that it does work.

Since installing the heat shield the battery has lasted a little longer so far but I suspect it's living on borrowed time. My main problem (besides life) is still the capacity though.

Cheers,

Originally Posted by weeds

solar panel???, i have 200amp/h's of aux batteries plus a solar panel, although i do run two fridges and a couple of lights

Thanks Kelvin. Cost is the prohibitive factor here - I can't justify the cost versus usage for a solar panel and space is also a major issue for me. If I can't find a suitable battery solution I may have to reconsider this option though.

Cheers,

Originally Posted by weeds

solar panel???, i have 200amp/h's of aux batteries plus a solar panel, although i do run two fridges and a couple of lights

I have never heard of solar battery’s.

You are right though Weeds if you have a roof rack fit solar panels.
I have seen yours take a battering (Little branches) they are hardy and do the job.

I'd say not much bigger than what you have Franz, i put a Fullriver AGM 60AH in mine, maintainence free batteries are a bit larger than lead acid types but lead acid type batteries in the D2 seem to boil and you get acid evrywhere as i did.

I searched for ages to find the biggest battery i could fit inder the bonnet in my D2 and the Fullriver was it, so unless you move the tray or toss it and have the side by side setup and move the ECU, 60AH is probaby it.

A solar panel will help for the extended stays.

Baz.