You will likely want 215 or 250 Amp cables (note, suppliers' Amp ratings tend to be optimistic and probably double that required of a constant load AWG ratings are more specific). When purchasing these cables (try ), they may be described by their Amp rating. For example, use a 10 amp charger on a 100 Ah battery ref, etc.ĭecide where to place and securely mount your second battery, as discussed above then connect it as per the wiring diagram, also as above, as shown using 4 AWG cables. Nominally your charger's amperage should be about 10% of your battery's amperage hour capacity. If you do not proceed with the Solar Panel Installation, you should upgrade your caravan's battery charging capacity. However, be aware of your caravan's battery charging capacity. This is a relatively straight forward step and can be done independently of a Solar Installation. You can install a second battery as Phase 1 of your Solar Installation. You also want about 10% of your caravan's weight over the hitch and that tow-ball/hitch weight should not exceed your towing vehicle's tow-ball load specification. In general, keep your caravan's centre of gravity as low as possible and distributed evenly (left-right) above the axles. In this case, it is probably best to leave the existing battery where it is and mount the second battery as just described, where it will counter-balance your water storage, or other heavy above-axle weight, as best as possible. Bear in mind that when you connect the batteries you will want to keep the wiring as short as possible (see below). It is likely that your caravan will have an existing battery and in this situation you will be installing a second. If this is a concern to you then consider Optima Yellow Top deep cycle batteries (although these have lower capacities and there have been reports of abrupt problems don't know how common). Vibration can also be an issue and in extreme conditions can cause battery cells to collapse and short circuit. They must be securely mounted to prevent any forward, aft or sideways movement and strapped down to prevent any vertical movement. Additional, they should be balanced (or counter-balanced) left/right across the axle. Whichever battery type you use, ensure your charging capabilities (solar controller and/or caravan charger) accommodates that battery type.īatteries are heavy and should be mounted low in the caravan and as close above the caravan's axle as possible. (Gel batteries also charge rapidly but are significantly more expensive and mostly of lower capacities). For this reason, AGM batteries are recommended as they charge rapidly and are all of the sealed variety. In the context of this article, bear in mind that power from the sun may be intermittent and you will want to capture as much power as possible when it is available. Which battery type should I use? Here is a comparison of battery types. In the following, it is assumed your batteries are of the 'sealed' variety. Sealed batteries will likely also state they can be mounted in any position. If your batteries have screw caps giving access to topping up battery fluid levels or any other form of physical access to the internal workings they are not sealed and must not be installed internally. Otherwise they must be installed in a ventilated, weather proof, external location. Most modern batteries are 'sealed' and may be installed within the caravan's internal living space although some external ventilation remains desirable ( reference). Do not use a Starting/Cranking Battery as this will rapidly fail.) If you're buying new batteries and are particular about what you buy you may like to try located in Brisbane. Deep Cycle batteries tend to have a lower stock turn over at dealerships which results in 'ageing', purchasing batteries stocked 'fresh from the factory', as Battery Value claim, may provide additional value (in addition to BV's attractive prices). (You can also use a Gell Battery but these are more expensive and require a more specialised Solar Controller for charging. You will need to purchase these from a battery specialist.
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