Auxiliary battery

[2bad4u]

I used to run a DCDC charger which caused me all sorts of issues so I switched back to a VSR. Probably important to remember that if using a VSR you need a starter and Aux of the same chemistry. I have been running the Supercharge All-Rounders (HERE) with 1 as starter and 1 as aux for 4 years now without issue. I went back to this setup as it is the same as I had in my last Pajero without any issue either.

[gen1]

I've rarely had the same chemistry... Wet cell as a cranking battery, usually the one that came with the car, and sometimes a deep cycle and others an AGM. Never had an issue with either. I'm putting the current situation down to a faulty battery. I intended changing both batteries soon so I have a pair that i wanted to link together with a Traxide solenoid, but even they advised me that what I had, an AGM and a wet cell battery, could be linked safely. You'll come across this guy on a lot of forums under the tag Drivesafe. I'd imagine a few here would have read some of his fiery posts in various forums on this issue. I know many people who successfully run a wet battery and an AGM in their Land Rovers with various voltage alternators with success for many years without the need for a DC DC charger.

[richard42]

battery set up

Take a look at a company in Queensland called dcs (deep cycle systems) they make lithium batteries for under bonnet as either a second battery or part or a pair consisting of a starter and aux with a vsr in a kit.
The downside is the price( $1900 for two 75ahr batteries and vsr) ,but if it lives up to the hype you'll not need to worry about batteries again and you can take them out when you sell and put them in your new car!

[gen1]

I looked briefly at the lithium alternative... Unlike most things for the car I very much doubt the Ministry of War and Finance would believe the usual line about having them for ages, you've just never noticed..!

[richard42]

I managed to get mine across the line as a chrissy present, so far am Very happy with them.
750cca turns over the engine so easily compared to the factory battery , and the weight 11kgs each.
Just driven 2500 km from Melbourne to Barrosa and back in the 40 degree heat with them in the engine bay as a starter and aux set up with a vsr (as sold in the kit) without any signs of a problem.
Again the down side is the price. But if your paying for new batteries frequently might be worth looking into?
And the guys at dcs answered any and all questions I had about usage and installation over the phone leaving me feeling confident before I decided to commit.

[sharkcaver]

Ian, there's a whole other discussion to be had about DCDC chargers... There are a few well known companies that specialise in such things and guarantee these chargers are not necessary for a deep cycle AGM to be properly charged in the vast majority of setups.

I don't believe anyone is saying they are necessary, they are saying they are a better bet for the battery longevity. If they were not a better bet, then why have multi stage ac chargers taken over the role from simple transformer rectified, single stage chargers? Your alternator will charge it just fine, it's just the dcdc will do a better overall job.

You'll come across this guy on a lot of forums under the tag Drivesafe. I'd imagine a few here would have read some of his fiery posts in various forums on this issue.

Yes, we all know Drivesafe, aka Ian from Traxide, or as I like to call him, Mr marketing hype!. He has fired this forum up on occasion too. You can bet your bottom dollar, any thread he gets involved in, goes down faster than a battery with a dropped cell.

http://bfy.tw/LcrA

[Dicko1]

I don't believe anyone is saying they are necessary, they are saying they are a better bet for the battery longevity. If they were not a better bet, then why have multi stage ac chargers taken over the role from simple transformer rectified, single stage chargers? Your alternator will charge it just fine, it's just the dcdc will do a better overall job.




Yes, we all know Drivesafe, aka Ian from Traxide, or as I like to call him, Mr marketing hype!. He has fired this forum up on occasion too. You can bet your bottom dollar, any thread he gets involved in, goes down faster than a battery with a dropped cell.

http://bfy.tw/LcrA

hahaha...there is a name I haven't heard for a while (and thank christ!!!). Drivesafe....code for wanker.

[sharkcaver]

hahaha...there is a name I haven't heard for a while (and thank christ!!!).

He means well. His execution needs some polish. I'm guilty of the same at times.

[Dicko1]

He means well. His execution needs some polish. I'm guilty of the same at times.

We all get ourselves into trouble every now and again. Drivesafe seems to thrive on it..

[Mundy55]

I have had a Supercharge AGM under the bonnet for 3 years and 82,000km without any problems, using an Intervolt Pro controller. The Intervolt isn't cheap but are very good quality and are good for your battery.

I have had my run-ins with Drivesafe, too, mainly about need for a DCDC charger. He is correct that even an ECU controlled alternator will charge your second battery but you need to add the word "eventually". A DCDC charger will fully charge the AGM faster as it maintains a higher voltage as the battery gets closer to a full state of charge, which means the charging amps stay higher for longer. That is, for example, an ECU controlled alternator can drop the charging voltage down to 13volts in some cases, whereas my DCDC charger maintains a charge voltage of 14.7volts untill the battery is near full before it starts to reduce the voltage and charge current. A DCDC charger will also (usually) maintain a float voltage with keeps the battery charged, but not overcharged, when not being used.

As an aside, if I were buying a new battery now, I'd strongly consider the Exide LCS27-97 which is 97Ah but only weighs 23kg, or the LCG27-110 which is 110Ah, and 25kg, both of which are light enough to be installed under the bonnet in the provided space. Both not unreasonable in price.

[Dicko1]

I have had a Supercharge AGM under the bonnet for 3 years and 82,000km without any problems, using an Intervolt Pro controller. The Intervolt isn't cheap but are very good quality and are good for your battery.

I have had my run-ins with Drivesafe, too, mainly about need for a DCDC charger. He is correct that even an ECU controlled alternator will charge your second battery but you need to add the word "eventually". A DCDC charger will fully charge the AGM faster as it maintains a higher voltage as the battery gets closer to a full state of charge, which means the charging amps stay higher for longer. That is, for example, an ECU controlled alternator can drop the charging voltage down to 13volts in some cases, whereas my DCDC charger maintains a charge voltage of 14.7volts untill the battery is near full before it starts to reduce the voltage and charge current. A DCDC charger will also (usually) maintain a float voltage with keeps the battery charged, but not overcharged, when not being used.

As an aside, if I were buying a new battery now, I'd strongly consider the Exide LCS27-97 which is 97Ah but only weighs 23kg, or the LCG27-110 which is 110Ah, and 25kg, both of which are light enough to be installed under the bonnet in the provided space. Both not unreasonable in price.

The LCG27-110 is actually 105 amp hours and weighs 30kilograms. Normal rule of thumb is 300gram per 1 amp/hr. So I would say the Exide is close to the mark for a 105. I,m not convinced an AGM will last long under a bonnet where temps well in excess of 70 celcius is common. I do not think the LCS27-97 is AGM. It only weighs 23kg. Exide generally have a pretty good name.

[028]

DCS sales team ?congrats on first post

[Mundy55]

I don't know quite why this should be so, Dicko1, but the Amptech LCG27-110 is as you have said but the Exide Leisure Cycle Stowaway LCG27-110 battery is as I have said. Why they would give 2 different batteries the same designation is strange to me. Both the Leisure Cycle Stowaway batteries I listed are AGMs. As also noted, I've had no problem with my AGM under bonnet. My previous 4wd was a Discovery 2 with the second battery adjacent to the turbo. Very hot but no issue.

[gen1]

Even though the battery was well outside of warranty the retailer gave a substantial discount on a new Lead Crystal battery. Drop in replacement for an AGM and much more tolerant of heat. Again, like the AGM, they were adamant I would not need a DC/DC for my setup. I've been monitoring alternator output on and off since i got the car two years ago, for a few weeks at a time, and my alternator has never dropped below 13.7 while driving!

[Ian H]

I'm now looking to replace the deep cycle under the bonnet which is in the rear spot, I didn't do the swap of the starter/aux locations.

Has anyone got a Lead crystal in that location and if so, what sort and how is it going?

Any other suggestions to try and replace the one I have are appreciated but I'd love to get something with more than the 86ah I have now. It's been fine but over 3 years now and I'd be happier on an upcoming trip if I replaced it before we have problems.