Deep Cycle Batteries

Suckler · 04-12-2010 6:21pm #1

Just wondering what Batteries ye are using and find the best. I'll be fitting them to a Defender and running a split charge system.

I've had Optima red and yellow tops before and didn't think much of them; Killed the yellow top - ended up filling the cab with steam with a high pitch squeel coming from it, had to leave it cool down before touching it. The Red Top I found tempermental if it was left for a few days with out starting. Standard battery was better, would start with only a small twist of the key, found the optima took a few seconds more to get the engine going.

101sean · 04-12-2010 7:51pm

I use Yuasa Marine 115Ah batteries, good for both starting and deep cycling. I buy them when I'm in the UK though, think I paid £160 for the last pair I bought.

They are a big battery though, not sure you'd get two in a defender seatbox, I only have one fitted as I don't use the winch that often and a Td5 alternator puts out 120A anyway. I keep one in a portable battery box which runs the beer fridge in my trailer when i'm at shows

Mycroft H · 05-12-2010 1:14am

I use a commercial 663 type battery, which usually goes in light lorries and tractors. Its about as big as you can fit inside the defenders battery box as you can manage.

Its a 130Ah battery and unlike the much smaller battery that was in earlier in the year, this does not have any problems turning over the big tdi on a freezing morning :cool:

Its not a deep cycle battery though. Just a standard lead acid battery. I would go with seans suggestion a leisure battery for a caravan ect.... Just get the biggest one you can fit in the box

Edit:

I also dont think too much of the optimas. far too expensive for what they are. I do believe that there only an 85ah battery too

bmw535d · 05-12-2010 6:01pm

hope im not hi jacking this thread, i just fitted a 12500lb winch to my shogun but haven't got around to wiring it up yet. will my standard 110ah 600cranking amps battery be ok for winching? i tested it and its putting out a good 12v and 400amps.so i guess the 200 amps missing are due to when i opened it last week there wasn't alot of water in there.when im winching the altinator will be running to help the battery. if it's not good enough could i wire in a deep cycle battery along with the normal battery?

101sean · 05-12-2010 8:42pm

If you are doing only occasional winching, one battery is fine, not sure yours would be up to it though. The LR standard dealer fit for a similar set up is 115Ah, 800CCA, I think that's what my dead battery was that I binned recently. It's a good idea to put an isolator on the live feed to the winch while you are wiring it.

If you are using it regularly, the two batteries is a good idea preferably with a split charge system and there are loads of ways of doing this from a simple ignition controlled relay to sophisticated management systems that makes sure your starting battery is charged first and other fancy features. Have a google or check out one of the 4x4 forums for ideas.

My batteries are marine rather than starter or leisure and are lead/acid with no fancy features, and like Landkeeper, I got the biggest that would fit in the space

In your case, I'd go with his suggestion, have a measure up and fit the biggest truck/tractor battery you can and see how you get on with it.

kuro2k · 07-12-2010 1:18pm

Odyssey is the way to go, 1500 cranking amps and 825CCA.
I picked up a PC1500 last year for €275!!

Suckler · 07-12-2010 6:40pm

Heard about odyssey batteries alright, where would I pick up one?

101sean · 08-12-2010 11:00am

Devon 4x4 are doing them at £165 plus VAT at the moment, not that much use to you but a bargaining point over price if you find a supplier here.

newmug · 08-12-2010 11:07am

Newbie question, but what does deep cycle mean:o?

101sean · 08-12-2010 1:12pm

Basically it's a battery that will withstand repeatedly being drained by a winch or fridge without damage, something that would wreck a normal starter battery.

kuro2k · 16-12-2010 10:23pm

Suckler wrote: »

Heard about odyssey batteries alright, where would I pick up one?

O'Connell Brothers, Cork (021 4323344)

kulababa · 15-04-2014 8:07pm

I'm looking for
used deep cycle batteries.High capacity 100Ahr .Can anyone help?

Stavros Murphy · 16-04-2014 6:40pm

kulababa wrote: »

I'm looking for
used deep cycle batteries.High capacity 100Ahr .Can anyone help?

I have 6, all knackerd. "Used" batteries usually are, they're dear, so people only xchange when worn-out. New might be cheaper long term.

Deep Cycle Batteries

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