2 leisure batteries connected in parallel

[250bob]

Hi All

I am returning to the forum after a couple of years away. So I apologise if this question has been asked before. My wife and I regularly use our Eldiss Odyssey 505 , we stay away for 3 or 4 nights at a time, every 2 or 3 weeks, but always on campsites without hookups.. We run a 12volt tv most evenings, but the battery always gives up on the 2nd or 3rd evening, which means we have to resort to the generator. I wondered if anyone had any thoughts or recommendations about the logistics of connecting a second leisure battery in parallel, so that I still get 12 volts, but for twice as long. The second battery would be housed in the front locker, but connected through to the first battery in its normal compartment.

Anyone else do this.???

Bob

 

[Damian]

The first thing you need to be aware of is that if your gas cylinders are located in the front locker, it is illegal to have any electrical equipment in there as well.

Having two batteries connected will work, but is dependent on both being exactly the same in charge characteristics and load depletion, which is almost impossible to achieve.

It would be simpler, although not as convenient, to just change batteries over when one is depleted, then charge the depleted one.

 

[antrimboy]

Bob, if by the front locker you mean where the gas bottles are housed, it's a definite no no, for safety reasons.

One of the caravan magazines did an article a few months ago, on fitting a 2nd. battery, and they put it in a battery-box which they fitted underneath their fixed bed if I remember correctly.

I don't know if I still have the mag, but I'll have a search.

 

[antrimboy]

Bob, other-half found the mag while I was typing.It was Practical Caravan, April 2007, pages 224 & 225, entitled "Add a second leisure battery".

 

[250bob]

Thanks Guys...I didnt know it was illegal to put the battery in the front locker. I shall look out for the practical caravan article.

Thanks.................Bob