replacing batteries

helnick · Member

replacing batteries

Warren-Pat_01 · Guru

Hello Graeme,
There are a number of things you have to consider -
Bigger batteries will mean more weight - heavier to lift & carry. Lithium is a lighter weight system (but not so on the wallet).
What is the capability of your charging system - alternator/vehicle electrics, solar &/or external generator?
What your load is (power/amps) & how long you want to remain off mains power?
Do you know the history of your vehicle/batteries if you didn't buy it new?

Have a look at www.energymatters.com.au/components/batteries/ - especially this section www.energymatters.com.au/components/battery-voltage-discharge/ .

If you press the "Search" TAB, I'm certain you'll find lots of experiences of other members who have similar vehicles.

Kebbin · Guru

Just one thing to look for when purchasing AGM batteries is the weight of them, quality batteries should be .3 kg per Ah. A lot of batteries that are advertised at a great price are actually anything from 5-15 Ah in deficit to the advertised Ah, so do your weight sums before committing.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Iâve been lucky . Bought recent 120 AH off eBay about 18 months ago . Still going strong . Yes itâs 10 months older than the other two . But close enough age wise .

ShortNorth · Senior Member

helnick wrote:
Hi I have to replace my house batteries in my 2009 A Van Motorhome.I would like to go as big as possible (ah). Any suggestions would be appreciated Many thanks Graeme

G'day Graeme,

I only replaced the battery and charger in my Aliner two and a half weeks ago. I don't know if the Avan motorhome is the same, but Avan seem to frequently use AC-Delco 95a/h batteries with a Projecta 2-stage charger. My charger was failing and couldn't keep the current up to the battery until it fell below the 'death' point. But both were over six years old, so probably time to replace anyhow.

I used a well-known van repairer at Underwood in Brissie - they suggested a CAMEC 120a/h SLA AGM battery, which would fit into the existing Avan plastic battery box, and a C-Tek M100 8-stage charger - cost for supply and fitting both new charger and new battery was just over $700 ($525 for the bits - $190 for labour) - I'm happy with both the new battery and charger, having just come home yesterday after two weeks away.

So, I'd suggest 120a/h is a goer, provided your existing charger can handle it, otherwise a C-Tek is the go as well !

Regards, Brian

Kebbin · Guru

This is why it is wise to check before purchasing a new battery. This is from Camec website.

Specifications
Nominal Capacity: 120Ah @ 20hr rate FV (1.8V/cell)
Operating Temp Range: charge -10 to 40C, discharge -20 to 50C, storage -20 to 40C
Dimensions: 332mm(l) x 217mm(h) x 172mm(d)
Weight: 31kg

If you apply the .3 kg per amp hour, these batteries should be 36 kg in weight but alas they are 31 kg which is about 105 Ah battery not a 120 Ah battery.

-- Edited by Kebbin on Friday 4th of May 2018 03:09:49 PM

-- Edited by Kebbin on Friday 4th of May 2018 03:10:14 PM

ShortNorth · Senior Member

I'm not overly concerned if it is only the equivalent of a 105 a/h battery - my Aliner never goes off grid; always on powered 240v sites only. Only 12v draw is internal lights, TV, and caravan movers - not even 12v water pump as I'm always on town mains connected sites. One of my selection criteria was the battery had to fit into the existing battery box, otherwise it would have cost somewhat more if the old box had to be ripped out and a new larger one fitted.

Original charger and battery failed two days out from a pre-paid trip to another state - I was extremely lucky to find a supplier who could supply and INSTALL at such short notice - otherwise it would have been even dearer still by forfeiting a night or two's park fees ($50 a night for ensuite site) due to late arrival. I'm happy with what I got. BTW, as a retired former electrical engineer, I do have an appreciation of electrical ratings and specifications.

Brian

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Good ole Aussie made Century . Deep cycle .

darjak · Senior Member

My battery bank is 4/ Fusion CBC 12V/140ah,
size is 344x171x280 (LxWxH) / Wt 45kg.
At the .3kg/ 150ah.
It all depends on your available space.
Longevity depends on how you treat them.

zuby · Member

ShortNorth wrote:

I only replaced the battery and charger in my Aliner two and a half weeks ago. I don't know if the Avan motorhome is the same, but Avan seem to frequently use AC-Delco 95a/h batteries with a Projecta 2-stage charger. My charger was failing and couldn't keep the current up to the battery until it fell below the 'death' point. But both were over six years old, so probably time to replace anyhow.
--------------------------------------------

Hi

I just had my Avans AC Delco fail after around 5 years too.

I thought it was just the battery failing but now you have me thinking my Projecta charger may have been at fault the same as yours.

Can I ask how you knew the charger had failed too?

Before my battery died completely they Projecta seemed to charge for a long time and I could smell the battery charging. So I am not sure if it is just the battery or both have failed the same as your situation

Thanks

-- Edited by zuby on Monday 7th of May 2018 06:01:33 PM

ShortNorth · Senior Member

zuby wrote:
ShortNorth wrote:

I only replaced the battery and charger in my Aliner two and a half weeks ago............................
--------------------------------------------
Hi
I just had my Avans AC Delco fail after around 5 years too.
I thought it was just the battery failing but now you have me thinking my Projecta charger may have been at fault the same as yours.
Can I ask how you knew the charger had failed too?
Before my battery died completely they Projecta seemed to charge for a long time and I could smell the battery charging. So I am not sure if it is just the battery or both have failed the same as your situation
Thanks
G'day zuby,
I saw the charger was not outputting enough current and voltage to maintain the battery - the caravan repairer's auto electrician showed me the results on his test meter - as a former electrical engineer, I could see he wasn't pulling the wool over my eyes ! I saw and agreed with his determination the charger was dying (basically it was RS) and needed replacing.
Brian