Batteries

[Electron]

Hi all

I've just managed to get hold of four UPS Deep Cycle batteries. They are 160 AH 6 volt cells. They are 8" x 12" each. I want a 12 volt system on my Expo Trailer - but don't know whether to have two seperate 12 volt banks (two batteries each), one to use and one as a backup, or one bigger capacity bank (all four wired up together to give 12 volts)

What would you do?

 

[BajaTaco]

I would say it depends on how much power you typically draw when camped. But considering the total AH you have avaialable, I would either sell two of the batteries and put the proceeds towards the purchase of a solar panel, or I would configure the mounts in such a way that you could take either two or four batteries on a trip depending on your needs. Having all four batteries permanently installed is likely too much weight to be practical for full-time use. There is no sense in hauling around all of that extra weight unless you are using it regularly. With just two of those batteries you will have 160AH which is a decent amount of reserve for a typical off-road trailer. What type of loads to you anticipate?

 

[Electron]

Well, to be honest I have no idea how much power I will need - there will be two young lads and my partner with me, I would say lighting would be the main drain, I have a 150 watt inverter I am planning to hardwire in, things like laptops to charge, mobile phone charging and the like. I may give in to demands and put a small LCD TV on that list.

These batteries are very light, (and very expensive, the four I have would normally cost around £1000 in total, lucky I got them for free!) all four don't weigh as much as two decent sized golf cart batteries, but having said that I do need to save a bit on weight, the trailer frame is already heavier than what I see you guys towing around. To a limit, this isnt too much of a problem yet as my Landy will easily take the strain and the trailer isn't ever going to go too far off road. (its more likely to take me to where the real offroading starts and be the base camp from there)

Having said that, I do know I will be taking the trailer on some lengthy trips eventually. I will do a mix of short trips and good long expeditions where I would find the extra capacity useful. Also, due to the cost I feel solar is beyond my reach on this budget build (so far I haven't spent a penny) so I think your suggestion of being able to take all four, but normally only having the two, is a good idea - thanks for that.

 

[Tick]

Not a highjack here but curious:

How much power does the average system need? If he has 4 batteries rated a 160 Ahrs does that mean that there 640 Ahrs of usable power? What can you run and for how long with just 1 160 Ahr battery?

sa

 

[Tick]

Found the answers here:

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134

Regards

sa