New batteries

Robmac said:
I've always been pleased with my 2 x Trojan T125 traction batteries. They are 6V and so have to be wired in series rather than parallel to make up 12V.
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I've had a pair of Banner batteries for a few years now, and they have served me well, but are on their way out now and I won't be buying them again. The reason is that they are not sealed batteries, and require fairly frequent topping up. If they are in an difficult place to access that is a difficult process, even checking the levels isn't easy (edit: I've quoted the wrong post from Robmac, don't know how to correct it!)
 
bartman said:
I've had a pair of Banner batteries for a few years now, and they have served me well, but are on their way out now and I won't be buying them again. The reason is that they are not sealed batteries, and require fairly frequent topping up. If they are in an difficult place to access that is a difficult process, even checking the levels isn't easy.
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Good point.

Although, my Trojans supposedly need a lot of maintenance if you read the manual, but I think all I have ever done is topped them up maybe twice in the 4 years or so that I have had them and they are still going strong.
 
I bought these 3 x new 105ah AGM batteries from Alpha last year....

Been very happy so far
20201016_164103.jpg
 
I used to sell Banner batteries, and used them myself, and I agree they needed far too regular topping up sessions. I am now using Bosch, and so far so good. We used to sell Platinum and never had any issues with these either.

I have just replaced the Fiamm original fitment starter battery in my 10yo Ducato. Embarrassingly I’ve never looked at it because it’s tucked away under the passenger’s feet, and of course it failed mid-France in October. When I opened the fillers all the cells were nice and wet.
 
I quite fancy these, they are a decent make their website gives lots of information
www.halfords.com

Yuasa Active Leisure Battery L36-AGM | Halfords UK

Shop the latest An NCC Class A battery, the Yuasa Active Leisure Battery L36-AGM is the ideal choice for motorhome and caravan owners who spend lots of time off grid. The battery will easily power high-energy appliances such as televisions and motor movers. at Halfords UK
www.halfords.com www.halfords.com
 
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Lab tests proved that bosch/varta stop start was miles better than so called pleasure batts, the carbon ones wildbus recommends would be my pick.
 
For what it's worth, there seems to be shift away from fancy AGM, Gel and carbon/calcium by various experts. EFB is highly recommended (enhanced flooded battery). Traditional chemistry but much improved. Leaders appear to YUASA and Varta (other brands may be available). 110AH YUASA L36 EFB is good and Halfords market it as their own HB700 at a considerably lower price. £110 I believe.
 
Good job I am still waiting for an answer to my final questions to Wildebus, jp11. or I would have ordered the Carbon enhanced batteries by now. I am sure we would all like to know more. ie what is wrong with the AGM, Gel and carbon/calcium. What a minefield we are in over this matter. Come on Wildebus let us have your input please. Will we ever get a definitive answer?
 
Looks like jp11 has been reading up on the views given in the site from North Wales that-shall-not-be-menioned-here!
Seriously, it seems to me that if you are relying on alternator charging, AGMs are only viable if you're prepared to invest in a B2B
 
I think he means this http://www.WEBSITE BLOCKED BY ADMIN/battery-technology.php but, in my innocence, I don't know why it shouldn't be mentioned.
As with all things Internet, I take my advice from multiple sources making sure that it's not the same advice being quoted multiple times.

Unless, of course, you find it on this forum, in which case it must be correct!:)

Edit: oh, I see now after posting - blocked by admin - there must be some history I am not aware of. Apologies.
 
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Harrytherid said:
Not with the cryptic North Wales reference, Bartman, please elucidate, Harry
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My understanding is that problems can arise with AGM batteries failing due to never getting fully charged - some mains chargers built into motorhomes can't supply the higher charging voltage required. Also, an alternator will not fully charge it unless you fit a B2B charger. Try searching Mr Google with AGM leisure battery failures.
 
I would give the AGM type a mis, go for lead carbon or bosch/varta stop start which would be my second pic.
 
iandsm said:
I quite fancy these, they are a decent make their website gives lots of information
www.halfords.com

Yuasa Active Leisure Battery L36-AGM | Halfords UK

Shop the latest An NCC Class A battery, the Yuasa Active Leisure Battery L36-AGM is the ideal choice for motorhome and caravan owners who spend lots of time off grid. The battery will easily power high-energy appliances such as televisions and motor movers. at Halfords UK
www.halfords.com www.halfords.com
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My batterys just died , L 35 are at the top of my list , agm are out as my system can't charge them anyone used them or any recommendations .
 
molly 2 said:
My batterys just died , L 35 are at the top of my list , agm are out as my system can't charge them anyone used them or any recommendations .
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The Yuasa L36 EFB is what I chose earlier this year from Alpha Batteries (with the Wildcamping discount) as a straight replacement for my original lead acid. The EFB model is enhanced but is still a lead acid battery which is why a went for it because like you my charger has limitations on what it can handle.


It has worked very well and I'm very pleased with it.

Hope that helps.
 
Lead acid batteries have several problems that lead to shortened lifespan.
Every discharge cycle shortens its life and reduces it's Ah rating, the deeper the discharge the greater the damage, this is particularly bad when you discharge below 50% of it's capacity. This effect is worsened by the fact that the last 10% (approx) of the batterie's charge has to be trickled in slowly over a long period of time and hence you're often starting a cycle from less than 100% and often 85-90% of theoretical maximum battery capacity, so basically if you're going to avoid discharging deeper than 50% of it's capacity and your starting from 85% charge then your 100Ah battery is only going to deliver 35Ah and this is when it's brand new! Leaving the battery in a partial state of charge (PSOC) results in internal sulphating which again reduces capacity further. It follows that as the battery gets partially 'worn out' a sudden avalanche of deeper discharges and lower capacity quickly destroys the battery.
Lead carbon batteries have several advantages over lead acid.
They charge easier meaning you'll probably start each cycle from a higher charge level.
They are able to deliver many more discharge cycles over their lifespan.
They are far more PSOC tolerant and can be left partially discharged for long periods without the negative effects.
At the moment I'd probably plump for this:
https://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/12v-100ah-ritar-agm-lead-carbon-ultra-deep-cycle-battery-dc12-100c
At £170 delvered it's only £15 more expensive than the Yuasa L36 from Halfords and I'd expect it to be considerably superior.
 
merl said:
Lead acid batteries have several problems that lead to shortened lifespan.
Every discharge cycle shortens its life and reduces it's Ah rating, the deeper the discharge the greater the damage, this is particularly bad when you discharge below 50% of it's capacity. This effect is worsened by the fact that the last 10% (approx) of the batterie's charge has to be trickled in slowly over a long period of time and hence you're often starting a cycle from less than 100% and often 85-90% of theoretical maximum battery capacity, so basically if you're going to avoid discharging deeper than 50% of it's capacity and your starting from 85% charge then your 100Ah battery is only going to deliver 35Ah and this is when it's brand new! Leaving the battery in a partial state of charge (PSOC) results in internal sulphating which again reduces capacity further. It follows that as the battery gets partially 'worn out' a sudden avalanche of deeper discharges and lower capacity quickly destroys the battery.
Lead carbon batteries have several advantages over lead acid.
They charge easier meaning you'll probably start each cycle from a higher charge level.
They are able to deliver many more discharge cycles over their lifespan.
They are far more PSOC tolerant and can be left partially discharged for long periods without the negative effects.
At the moment I'd probably plump for this:
https://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/12v-100ah-ritar-agm-lead-carbon-ultra-deep-cycle-battery-dc12-100c
At £170 delvered it's only £15 more expensive than the Yuasa L36 from Halfords and I'd expect it to be considerably superior.
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Thats an interesting post thank you, I wonder of they are the same as the Leoch equivalent battery is considerably more expensive
 
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