Adding additional battery

[Anseo]

Existing battery compartment cannot accommodate another battery, but immediately to the rear of the battery compartment (under a seat) there is sufficient space to install a spare battery.

Reason for my question is that I am hoping to install a solar panel system, perhaps with a dual battery charging option.

So, what precautions should I consider for storing an extra battery (in effect internally) there are no floor vents in the space underneath the seat where the proposed battery would be sited.

Your thoughts on this and any advice, as always, much appreciated.

 

[Martin24]

As I think I have possibly mentioned before, with for example around 55w free standing or around 100w roof mounted solar panels, a 100-110 leisure battery and all led lighting there won't be a need for a second battery at any time of the year. It really would IMHO be just a case of unnecessary extra weight to carry around.

 

[WoodlandsCamper]

The second battery needs to be in a sealed box, just like the original one is, and vented to the outside.

 

[StevieRuss]

AGM batteries do not require venting. They can be discharged further than a flooded or sealed acid battery but are more expensive. They can also be stored on their side if need be.

The batteries that require venting have a vent hole. You can use some aquarium type hosing (apparently) to vent from the battery's vent hole to the outside of the vehicle so a simple hole will do. Most battery sellers will also sell you some venting hose.

If you install a solar panel, make sure you buy a decent solar charge controller (and panel!). I use an Epever 20amp for mine which also has the remote meter so you can keep an eye on what is going on easily. The particular solar charge controller I mentioned has a user mode where you (or someone more in the know) can set the battery charging regime up to suit the type of battery you have. As it doesn't come with a specific AGM mode it's apparently recommended to be selected as a GEL battery to avoid "Equalisation" charging which is a bad for AGM. All other common leisure battery types are selectable out of the box.