should i have 1 battery or two set up in tandem

BAILEY · Veteran Member

should i have 1 battery or two set up in tandem

mottleemob · Member

A lot will depend on how much battery power you will be using ie tv lights fridge etc

work that out first then you will know what you need also are you fitting solar panels

cheers phil

biggrin

Cruising Granny · Guru

Well hello and welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay.
If you need 2 batteries, the boat configuration will work with a caravan.
Will you install solar to charge and power, or depend on 240V to charge when parked up?
If you're going to free camp you'll need the power from an independent source.

BAILEY · Veteran Member

thanks for your reply i am looking at purchasing 3 folding solar panels giving about 160 watts

this way i can move to face north and get best sunlight

will be running tv,lights,maybe 12v fridge

jimricho · Guru

The set-up you're considering with two batteries would be my preferred option rather than just connecting them together in parallel. The marine type four position battery isolator switch gives you the option of operating them both in parallel should you wish. When the switch is in the off position the batteries are isolated from each other as well as from the load and I would consider this to be a plus.

You could think about starting with just the one battery to see whether it is adequate for your needs however if the load you're contemplating includes a 12v fridge I think you'll probably need both batteries.

-- Edited by jimricho on Wednesday 25th of April 2012 08:38:43 PM

beiffe · Guru

I would consider that with the batteries separated and using each one on their own would require more surveillance as the chance of pulling one battery below its accepted level would be greater.

Not good if you have one battery full and the other pull down below the accepted level plus with many batteries the lower the available power the higher the drain, with the two batteries wired in parallel the drop would be slower plus you would be charging both together where as the separated batteries I would assume would be also charged separately

Be aware of the level that you can safely pull the batteries down to to maintain a longer live cycle.

We all do things different so you just have to do your research and then make your decisions.

Hope you enjoy your new van and get out there and enjoy yourself in this country.

Regards
Brian

jimricho · Guru

My preference for the marine type battery switch comes from my personal lack of enthusiasm for operating batteries in parallel, especially "wet" batteries. I won't go into details as I'd only be covering old ground and it would draw some flak as it has done in the past. However I do believe that anyone who operates multiple batteries should discuss this with their battery supplier especially in regard to any wiring requirements and warranty issues.

As I mentioned in my previous post the parallel connection option is still available with the switch and I agree with Brian that having the batteries connected in parallel sometimes and not other times would not be a good policy for reasons he has outlined. In other words, decide whether to operate them together or alternately and stick to that strategy.

Regardless of which way you choose to go I do like the option of having the batteries isolated from each other as well as from the rest of the van when it is not in use. (This may be less relevant for motorhomes and campervans).

I also advocate the installation of low voltage cut-out to avoid too deeply discharging any battery. I have one of these installed in my vehicle http://www.baintech.com.au/battery-protectors/baintech-low-voltage-cut-out-40amp

Jim

beiffe · Guru

I agree that it is best to go the way YOU are happy.

It is a shame that every time there is mention of batteries or solar on other forums there is a slanging match.

We are all different in all walks of life.

I try never to suggest my way is the best or I know everything.

My setups is possibly different to all here as I have been involved in the development and testing of a new type of batteries and get quite a chuckle on other forums when the experts tie themselves in knots as they make rash statements that are so far from the truth that it is silly. Just a shame that many others loose out on the benefits because of the actions of a few.

All batteries have their advantages and disadvantages so you pick the batteries and the system that you are happy with are comfortable with.

Regards
Brian