Deep Cycle Battery for Campervan

Frugal Sharkey on 10/12/2020 - 12:27

My deep cycle battery carked it due to not charging it during the Melbourne lockdown so I'm after another for my camper (yes, school boy error). Any recommendations for a place to buy one or a specific model. I just need to charge a 12/24V fridge and laptops/phones, some LED lighting, etc. I also have a roof and portable solar panel and an isolator/relay thingo so it charges while driving.
Was thinking of something like this:

https://www.bcf.com.au/p/century-deep-cycle-agm-battery-c12-…

Any tips in addition to this question gratefully received - I am a relative newbie to this.

Cheers.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • spackbace on 10/12/2020 - 12:32
    +3

    The Optima batteries come highly recommended - Yellow top, red top etc

    • AdosHouse on 10/12/2020 - 13:46

      +1.

      Had a D34 yellow top in my car years ago. Accidentally left the car on ignition for 3 days, battery was down to 3v. Charged it up and worked for another 2 years.

  • pharkurnell on 10/12/2020 - 12:48
    +1

    Your keeping a fridge running - what make / model - what power usage of the fridge?
    The other bits charging laptops etc wont be an issue, but the fridge will be what you aim at pleasing :)
    What spec are your panels?

    I've had a pair of 105 Fullrivers, lasted 5 yrs and I was happy with that. When they died, i went and got a pair of 120ah Fullrivers in my camper not cheap but they work well off grid with 120w solar.

    I run similar lighting/charging etc stuff and an Engel 40ltr and now a smaler 30ltr for drinks.

    Optima's are good charge quick but only low AH. The Century should be fine again depending on how much the fridge draws.

    How often realistically will you be using this setup? Do you have a trickle charger running when its parked up and not in use?

    • Frugal Sharkey on 10/12/2020 - 13:52

      The fridge is a Koolmate KM55. Power consumption 46W
      https://www.mygenerator.com.au/evakool-koolmate-55-litre-fri…
      This is an occasional weekender and most school holidays use campervan. I do drive it regularly beyond camping though so it will be getting charged as a result. It was lockdown that got this one - skipped my mind as it was parked for a couple of months.

  • mskeggs on 10/12/2020 - 13:16

    About a half of the cost if you buy on eBay.
    Let the product weight be your guide to whether the seller is being accurate with claimed capacity. Heavier equals better for AGM.
    I recently got 140ah under $200 using a coupon.

    • Frugal Sharkey on 10/12/2020 - 13:54

      Thanks. I need to buy in a store in the next 24 hours as I have the trip this weekend and only discovered the battery was cactus yesterday.

      • pharkurnell on 10/12/2020 - 14:03

        Where exactly are you located?

  • Frugal Sharkey on 10/12/2020 - 14:05

    Northern subs melbourne

    • pharkurnell on 10/12/2020 - 15:22
      +1

      I've always used RJ batteries Hallam, but think they have one at Tulla…

      Few times I've taken batteries to them to get them to do full load tests on them and given me a report overnight on condition of battery, usually in the clear so no $ for them.. They have also fixed broken terminals on my car free on the spot too when I was changing battery in their carpark - very handy people

  • jaimex2 on 10/12/2020 - 16:03
    +1

    I was in the market for one last month.

    Can't really find a better value one than the ones sold at https://www.4wdsupacentre.com.au/

    The battery box bundled is fantastic.

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