PVC Battery

[Morgan The Goat]

Hi all

I have just changed my Bailey for a PVC. I now have no solar which is fine. My question is this. Does my leisure battery charge independently from the starter battery. I have two AGM batteries that I would like to swap out with the supplied Lead/Acid. Is it just a case of swapping them over.

Thanks

 

[Lenny HB]

No problem in swapping but AGM are notoriously bad for leisure use. Also unless you charger supports AGM with the correct charging profile they won't last long.

 

[Morgan The Goat]

Interesting. I was recommended to use AGM. Thanks for the reply.

 

[jezport]

I've had AGMs 6 years. My on board charger and solar regulator has the correct settings for them and they are still almost as good as new.
I think a lot of people have the wrong charger or solar regulator so they never get charged properly. Also mine are Duracell not a cheapo brand, which may also improve reliability.

 

[Bobby dazzler]

I have also had a AGM fitted for about 6 years with no problems

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[DBK]

Hi all

I have just changed my Bailey for a PVC. I now have no solar which is fine. My question is this. Does my leisure battery charge independently from the starter battery. I have two AGM batteries that I would like to swap out with the supplied Lead/Acid. Is it just a case of swapping them over.

Thanks

There will be two ways the leisure batteries are charged. When on EHU there will be a 240 volt battery charger somewhere which does the job.

When you are driving the commonest setup is a "split charge relay" which effectively connects the leisure batteries in parallel with the vehicle battery. The relay sensing when the engine is running and closes the contacts.

What you might find very useful is to fit a battery monitor. This will tell you the state of charge of the batteries and avoid you discharging them too far which can quickly ruin them. Victron and NASA (the UK company not the space folk!) are the ones usually fitted but there are much cheaper ones available on eBay but I have no experience of them.

 

[Gaston aires]

AGMs are fine with the correct charging regime. If you charger has the switch,then no problem.
Phil

 

[VXman]

Another vote for AGM batteries here . As said, you do need to check that the charger has a charging profile for AGM's though. My Electric Control Unit has a switch for switching between AGM and lead acid.

Might help if you told us some details of what it controlling you electrics in your van

 

[TrudeandDall]

The 80ah AGM in my old T4 is 10 years old and still as good as the day it was fitted and that's with just a split charge relay and a simple alternator. I have 2x exide 95ah, which are stop start type in my Hobby Vantana. They are subject to correct charge profiles on the B2B, solar and mains chargers. They hold up well and so far very much defy the AGM critics........ But I will eat my hat if the fall over !