portable leisure battery can this be done

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stansyerman

portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by stansyerman » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:23 pm

Hi, just bought a leisure battery just saving the now to buy the relay kit was wondering if anyone knew if it is possible to make it into a portable leisure battery, as i have a battery charger in my shed and could charge the battery before i set of camping would it be possible to connect this to the fuse box to run the lights, stereo and cigarrette lighters when i am parked up. would keep the batery on the floor next to the brake and maybe this would save me money in having to buy the relay kit.
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by francophile1947 » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:33 pm

Yes, it can be done by following the method posted by pippin. BUT, have you got somewhere safe to store the battery when it's being transported? You really don't want a heavy, acid-filled lump moving about when you brake or go round corners.
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by scanner » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:36 pm

I wouldn't really want a battery stood around loose anywhere inside a Bongo.

I had one tip over and spill the acid in the back of an estate car once and even after washing the car out with a hosepipe it was never the same again.
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by stansyerman » Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:44 pm

Got my leisure battery from Halfords seems really solid could prob drop it and it would be fine, but was going to buy for extra safety anyway a battery holding box from towsure, and could you please inform me how to go about finding the method by pippin
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by scanner » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:21 pm

Rather than spend money on a battery box you'd be better off getting a proper tray and fitting the battery safely out of the way under the bonnet ready to fit a relay kit when you have the cash.
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by Bob » Thu Sep 11, 2008 10:55 pm

I'm with Scanner here, if you get an under bonnet tray the thing will be safe and out of your way. Trust me you will curse having ot move a dirty big battery around in the Bongo when camping, and the consiquences in a collision don't bear thinking about.

It is possible to use this using 2 isolator switches, rather than a relay set up. Normaly LB disconnected, park up, connect LB, disconnect starter battery. To set off disconnect LB, connect SB. Once engine has started connect both to charge. This system isn't perfect, but will do until you fit the charge relay.

One of our auto sparks will doubtless help refine this system.
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lizard
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by lizard » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:24 pm

Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:



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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by Bob » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:27 pm

lizard wrote:Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
I'm glad I didn't say that. :D
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by lizard » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:28 pm

Bob wrote:
lizard wrote:Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
I'm glad I didn't say that. :D

I just thought I would start them up :D :D
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by mikeonb4c » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:28 pm

Agree with the above. Not much extra cost for the convenience of having a secure, in place, charged and ready to use battery on board.

Having said that, I have a spare starter battery in good nick and have taken to charging that at home and taking it with me. Using jump leads that I keep under the bonnet (there is space to stuff them under there), I then put the starter battery on the ground and connect it in parallel to the leisure battery so I have (in theory) 185AmpHours of battery power available for longer stays. 8)
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by northerntaff » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:35 pm

very clever mike 8) 8)
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by mikeonb4c » Thu Sep 11, 2008 11:36 pm

northerntaff wrote:very clever mike 8) 8)
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by Magwa » Fri Sep 12, 2008 9:12 am

For what it costs, you would be better putting it here
Image
I think my battery tray/ battery/ split charger circuit and installation was a smidge over £100 as I had it done at the same time as my weekender conversion....
I don't think a 'loose' battery bears thinking about in a crash/ sudden stop...
an insurance company may have a cause to not pay out as by your actions ( or lack of them!) you are commiting road traffic act offences in having a 'loose/ unsecured battery'
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by haydn callow » Fri Sep 12, 2008 11:14 am

For it to be a offence does it not have to be connected ???
Otherwise you wouldn't be able to buy a battery and take it home.
Just my thoughts.
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Re: portable leisure battery can this be done

Post by scanner » Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:00 pm

haydn callow wrote:For it to be a offence does it not have to be connected ???
Otherwise you wouldn't be able to buy a battery and take it home.
Just my thoughts.
If I was "using" it, rather than just taking it home after buying it, I wouldn't want to argue it in court after an accident.
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