batterys

[gsr341]

if i leave my 300tdi defender for around 4 days or so the battery has enought power to turn it over but only for a second so cnt start the engine , so its time for a new battery or two

so rather than stick another standard batt on what do i go for ,

very future plans are warn 8274 fron and rear , and around 4 lights on fron and 2 on rear , also plan on fitting a secon alternator , so what batterys are best for me ?

cheers

Dafydd

p.s who knows what ome springs i would be needing to support the 2 winches and a cage etc

[LR90]

One starter battery (red optima sort of thing) from your original 12v alternator and two deep cycles (yellow top type) wired in series and charged from the (2nd) 24v alternator for the winches.

[simonr]

I like my Optimas (both yellow, unimpressed with the red top I had) - although Hawker Oddysey PC1200's are arguably a better battery for winching and in the same price bracket. Jim (SV90) @ Gigglepin should be able to help you out on these.

Tony (White90) and one or two others here use some sort of agricultural battery which is a lot cheaper - and seems to perform very well. Don't know who makes them or what the model number is - but I guess they will be along to give enlightenment soon

Si

[Hybrid_From_Hell]

Standing a LR for 4 days should not see a prob to start, before you blame your battery check to see if there is any current when its switched off, ie a permanent "Drain"

Disconnect Positive battery lead / calmp from battery, with everything switched off as though parked Connect a meter betweem the battery + termainl and the now loose battery + battery clamp, should be virtaully nothing, if there is a drain then find it and you may find you battery is ok ?

Just a thought

Nige

[will_warne]

I've found my optima's very good. I've used reds and yellow tops; both are excellant although I've been told blue tops are good for winching. If I were you get a couple of those but don't forget to get a split charge setup.

[MarkieB]

My 2p worth on cheaper agricultural/truck jobs: I ordered a blue top last January, when the cold had vanquished my truck battery [in combination with putting 15w40 in — 15w40 in the container was as solid as a lump of grease at -15/20°.]

However the weather then miraculously improved, I really didn't need the optima until this winter. I delayed changing; parking on the hill, until it had snowed so much that a rolling start was impossible; the sandwich construction of the truck battery makes it virtually useless beyond -5°, particularly for an aging diesel, on cold mornings. I know that it's still basically good for what it is, as it works in the warmth. The spiral/gel construction of the optimas does precisely what they promise: it works in cold weather. -15° no problem, Land Rover starts as well as a much newer vehicle.

So I'd say the cold you'll be facing should be the deciding factor for whether you'll need an optima or a cheaper big agricultural/truck sandwich battery.

[simonr]

I never considered the performance in the cold!

They are still promising the coldest winter for 50 years - even though it is tee shirt weather at the moment down south - so may be worth considering.

Si

[Michele]

Tony (White90) and one or two others here use some sort of agricultural battery which is a lot cheaper - and seems to perform very well. Don't know who makes them or what the model number is - but I guess they will be along to give enlightenment soon

FIAMM 096

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