I think I already know the answer but interested to see what others think/have done. I have space for a second 110Amp leisure battery in my van. I am a very light consumer of electric when camping. Led lights and Waeco Fridge Usually I go on Electric Hookup and its rare that I wont move the van every other day (so get some charge back). I am about to install a Webasto Heater so know the power requirements will change. Its cheaper to install a second 110 battery and wire in parallel to existing (than install solar, controller and tmewise) and then if I find I need more, would look to putting solar on. Anyone else been in the same boat? Thanks
second battery is cheaper so i think you have your answer, why not just have one battery and install a mains charger for when you are on hookup to charge the battery?
I already have PMS3 Power Management System installed which handles the charging when on hookup - I think my main concern stems from the fact that the webasto is a bit of unknown and I would rather have the extra battery for comfort
Webasto needs a well charged battery to provide the current for it to start - on my boat I get about 3 or 4 starts out of a 65AH battery. I would go for the 85-110AH battery and a Voltage Sensing Relay to satisfy your needs. If its on hookup regularly and driven regularly then solar cells are a bit of a luxury.
he already has 1 battery are you saying add a second one? i really dont think a second battery is needed, just a decent mains charger
Its just for the bit where the hookup fails because of reasons ( all the hookups have gone/the big campers have blown the site fuse/forgot the hookup lead ) and the next morning or two days later, the leisure battery is a bit flat. If thats your only battery then getting moving could be an issue. A starter battery is optimised for shallow hard discharges, not constant low drain to deep discharge as a leisure battery will occasionally be asked to perform. For battery life reasons go for the physically biggest 65 or 85AH battery for leisure use on this case where capacity isnt really the issue.
The way I read it, He already has a starter battery and a leisure battery and is asking about adding a second leisure battery And I am saying there is no need to add a SECOND leisure battery.
Now, if it is just a second battery which Will be the only leisure battery then yes install one and a split charge kit and all will be good in the world.
Yes just to be clear... I have an existing 110 leisure battery. I am referring to doubling this so that I have 220...
