battery - which type?

[tarik]

Evening all,


The time has come for me to bite the bullet and replace my batteries. I have been researching the web and am now totally confused.

Do I need higher amp hours or CCA. I have two batteries on a 1-2-both system

I have one for starting the Ford Diesel marinated lump for propulsion, and the other one for all lights - nav and cabin etc.

Which is the best one for starting and the best one for general use?

As always many thanks for all replies



David

 

[White Horse]

CCA ( Cold Cranking Amps ) higher the better for the engine start battery. Other battery should be a leisure battery that will discharge slowly. Have a look round for the ones with the refill lids on the top ( Not the sealed ones ) then you can top them up as required. Do mine a couple of times a year. Can be hard to find. Halfords did not have any so find a decent battery shop.

 

[sutton sailor]

A standard automotive battery will be OK for starting the engine, and a deep cycling battery should be used as the general service battery

 

[VicS]

As said CCA is the relevant consideration for the starter battery.

Choose your domestic battery by Ah capacity so that, unless it is a genuine deep cycle battery, you do not run the risk of discharging it below 50% of its capacity.
Probably the largest that will fit or you are prepared to pay for is the wisest ... within reason.

 

[Tranona]

You are on the right lines. For engine starting you need the recommended CCA. Any battery that is recommended for the engine when in a vehicle will do - usually around 70-80AH. Best to have a split charging sytem that immediately charges the engine start battery as soon as the engine starts then switches to the house bank.

For your house bank there is more choice, but the key things are to work out what your typical consumption will be between charges then your capacity requirement is roughly twice that - ie you will not normally discharge your house batteries below 50%. You can then work out how much charging capacity you need from sources such as your engine, solar, wind etc. There are various choices of types of batteries for house, but usually have different characteristics from start batteries in that they will tolerate greater discharge and more cycles. You will find advocates for all the main types of batteries and your choice will depend on the capacity you need, the space you have for them and the depth of your pocket.

 

[Plevier]

As already said for the starter battery.
For the domestics battery, there are so many allegedly deep cycle or "leisure" (which doesn't actually mean anything specific) around it's a bit of a lottery.
For both batteries I would try to go for a known name e.g. Bosch, Varta etc if you can do without a huge price penalty.
If you get an "own brand" one you have no idea what it is or who made it and any large own-brander will be using multiple suppliers and changing frequently (believe me, I've been in the industry). Price does not necessarily reflect quality.
Look at the weight of your short list candidates (particularly for the domestics battery). The heavier the better. There ain't no substitute for lead!
Halfords are expensive but convenient. No idea who makes for them (see above!)

 

[neil_s]

I would second troubadour's recommendation to go for reputable brand. I have a cheap 110Ah 'caravan' house battery and an Exide engine starter. Although the house battery works OK, it has a higher leakage current and needs maintenance charge on a regular basis while the Exide can last all Winter without attention.

Neil