[takinatrip]

I currently run my system off the van battery supplying one analogue controller one 100psi pump and 2 x 100 meter reels (controller set on 5) Works fine plenty of power no issues with the van starting etc. If I was to add a second battery with a split charge would a leisure or normal battery be best?

[matty72]

leisure 100%, other type get wasted, leisure is perfect for the job, its what its for trickle charge

[takinatrip]

thanks would 85amp be enough?

[Ian Sheppard]

Would agree with Matty

would advise on a leisure battery. The characteristics of a leisure battery are different to a Vehicle battery as they discharge at different rates.

As for how big. A pump will draw some where between 3 - 6 amps an hour, how much the battery is recharged will vary greatly depending on how far you travel between jobs.
The alternator will only trickle charge the battery and you will still need to charge every so often.

[EandM]

Definitely a leisure battery as they are designed to be continuously discharged whereas a normal lead acid car battery is designed to produce a short burst of starting power and then immediately be topped up by the alternator. One cycle, from fully charged to completely discharged, can be repeated on a leisure battery 500-1000 times depending on composition - by comparison a car battery can cycle about 20 times before the lead plates start to disintegrate.

[SunShineCleaning]

Just to throw a spanner into the works, I have only ever used old car batteries. In fact I have in 7 years yet to buy a battery at all.
I also have a 250w solar panel and during most summers the battery never needs charging.

[takinatrip]

I was getting a definitive answer and then sunshine comes along with a spanner.

Do you still use a split charge on your old car batteries?

[roundbuilder]

I run everything from the van batteries. In 5 years i have never had an issue or problem. Dont have to ponce about charging a leisure battery 3 times a week.

[James Leet]

Just to throw a spanner into the works, I have only ever used old car batteries. In fact I have in 7 years yet to buy a battery at all.
I also have a 250w solar panel and during most summers the battery never needs charging.

Matt on the cleaning forums only uses old car batteries, he has for years

I would link to the post but this place seems to edit posts about him

Just google cleaning forums matt

[Lee GLS]

I had a leisure battery and it lasted a year, I now go to the local motor factors and get a few old free battery's, I've got one on the van now that has been on there 18 months. No more leisure battery's for me

[James Leet]

Good stuff Lee

[DG Cleaning]

I found an old battery in the cellar done a great job so far

[LWC]

Been off van battery now for about 5 years to, no probs

[evo]

Been off van battery now for about 5 years to, no probs

lwc do you run 2 pumps of your van battery or just the one cheers james

[Klean07]

I started off with a lesuire battery but it only lasted 2 years so now I've got two car batterys. I bought them new about £50 each. Oldest one is 4 years old and lasts 3 days off a full charge.
Newest one only two weeks old!!

[SunShineCleaning]

I have now bought my first leisure battery so I will see how long it lasts.

I also have a 25w solar panel on the roof to top up.

[LWC]

Been off van battery now for about 5 years to, no probs

lwc do you run 2 pumps of your van battery or just the one cheers james

1 pump but i used to run 2 pumps off van battery in last van

[gregmyster]

i havent done this but when i was asking about this in the local car parts deparment near where i live because of the price difference the guy suggested buying a normal battery as they have a long gaurantee but i cant remember how long it is, and then if it knackers up just take it back for an exchange as they dont know or even ask what it has been used for they just send em back to the manufacturer.