[Gemaskerde Tuinvurk]

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/arti ... id_battery

[jkak]

Hi all I am not sure what is the best in terms of second deep cycle battery fittment

I am sure I can fit one next to the existing battery(2012 GLS) seems enough space but have had two batteries in my old nissan patrol and did not seem to use the second one much.

Perhaps I should rather fit the pump with compressor (quite large) in the front as it needs to clamp to battery to work

Then I thought of getting an extra battery in a case? and take it out when I need it

I like the idea of using the seats space as I have yet to use the other seats down there after one year

Perhaps a solar panel to charge the battery?

I do not regularly go to far out places for long periods where there is no power

My fridge works well and can switch over to 220 at the camp site. if no 220 just leave it closed and ferry ice in my cooler boxes(one for ice and one for salads ect)

What do you think about fitment of second battery where and also box idea?

[Gemaskerde Tuinvurk]

I do not regularly go to far out places for long periods where there is no power

This will be the big deciding factor.

You could use your starting/high cycle battery if you only need to run the fridge off it for say 30mins to an hour (e.g. Setting up your camp before switching to 220V). Generally, the reason for not running a fridge off a high cycle/starting battery is that they typically have high internal resistance, meaning they are not really efficient when drawing small currents. This is why you can draw a high cycle flat over a weekend by leaving a cabin light on. (Although there are some batteries that are more efficient / better suited for this)

Also keep in mind that high cycles dont like deep discharge - batteries have a life expectancy based on the number of discharges and depth of discharge. High cycles' life expectancy drops significantly when discharged below around 50-70%. To summarise, you could run it off your starting battery, it could last you quite a while (say over night or even a day) but the longer you do, the more you will decrease the battery's life. Not something you want to do on your main battery, especially if you drive an auto.

Using a solar panel might be a solution, but you will need a regulator to connect the panel, and it would be wise to have a battery in between the regulator and the appliance. The battery acts as a buffer when the power from the panel drops due to cloud cover / movement of the sun. You could potentially use your starting battery for this, but as mentioned above, high cycles are not that efficient when it comes to small current draws (less than 5amps). You also dont want to be in a position where you connected the panel expecting it to provide enough power, and then your starting battery is drawn flat if there is cloud cover.

On to a battery box - this could solve your problem if you need to occasionally have a day or two's extra capacity / running wit no external power). My experience has been that it is not the most cost effective solution (unless you build your own box). If you do get one, my advice would be to get a sealed type battery (AGM, gel or lead crystal). That way you can put the battery box on its side in the storage space under the floor in the rear (be sure to measure though before you buy).

But having a deep cycle battery in the rear of the vehicle has its own challenges in terms of charging (read the posts before this one).