2nd Leisure Battery

caspar

Guest
On Thursday I pick up our 'new' motorhome.:lol-053:

I always like to have two leisure batteries. I know in an ideal world you should buy two the same at the same time. However, this isn't an ideal world as I'll be inheriting one that I have no idea how old it is. My questions therefore, is it OK just to add a second new one to an existing old one? Also, is it essential that the ampage of both batteries is the same?

Thanks in advance as ever!
 
is it OK just to add a second new one to an existing old one? Also, is it essential that the ampage of both batteries is the same?
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Unless you are into some of the esoteric stuff like Gel, Lithium, CaCa and other non-standard voltage types, you can connect standard flooded types, similar "maintenance-free" lead-acid and AGMs together provided you understand that while you will gain storage capacity, you may slightly compromise the working life or delivered capacity of one of the batteries. In return you will gain more storage capacity than you have without spending the money required to buy two new batteries at once.

It is a bit like tyres on a car. If just one wears out or has a blowout, do you replace just that tyre and end up with it out of step with the others - but only have to buy one tyre, or do you buy a whole new set (or pair) at higher cost with the obvious risk that the same thing might happen half-way through their usable life.
There isn't a satisfactory answer that will suit all pockets and all neuroses.
 
So to be 100% clear here, and thanks both for your replies - you can mix old and new (though it's not perfect to do so, it does give you extra storage), BUT you cannot mix different ampage batteries.

Yes?
 
Personally, I would replace the old to match up with the new. As the old might run down the new. Ampage should be the same.
 
BUT you cannot mix different ampage batteries.
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Can't imagine why. Certainly better not to mix different types of battery (because their chemistry and therefore charging regimes are different), and better if they are similar age and condition (only because less chance of one failing and wrecking the other one), but where does this Ah limitation come from.
 
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Tony Lee said:
Can't imagine why. Certainly better not to mix different types of battery (because their chemistry and therefore charging regimes are different), and better if they are similar age and condition (only because less chance of one failing and wrecking the other one), but where does this Ah limitation come from.
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I am sure this has been discussed before and within the annals somewhere.

All to do with equilibrium if my memory is serving me correctly.

Something along the lines of the charging regime becomes *******ised when having to charge battery cells of different ampage.

No doubt an electrician can give a more qualified answer

Channa
 
After forking out for the motorhome, don't think I'll be buying two batteries immediately. However, I think I'd play safe and get a new one of the same ampage just in case!

Thanks all
 
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