twin battery / winter pack

[murphy]

Our bongo came with twin starter batteries and the winter pack...

Now the cold weather is here - its great because both batteries are flat overnight !
-even after charging both and running the engine for few hours - next day its flat.

I am thinking that one battery is pulling the other one down..

Can anone tell me if its ok to remove one battery completley - ie isolate it. I did replace one of them last year with a new battery
cheers

[francophile1947]

Yes you can remove one, but it has to be the driver's side one left - just make sure that you insulate the positive terminal on the passenger's side, as it will still be live.
Also, make sure that the one battery is man enough for the job. Mine had 2 x 65A/hr batteries and was useless at winter starting with just one.

[murphy]

thanks - ok if I replace the other battery - can anyone recommend an online retailer

been looking around and most 335 type batteries have the terminal the wrong way round

alpha battery have a bongo battery type 068 but its 70 ah

any advice ?

[Ron Miel]

Our winter spec Bongo lost one of its 65Ah starter batteries when a leisure battery was added, during camper conversion. Recently replaced the one starter battery remaining with one of these http://www.tayna.co.uk/Type-249-Varta-A ... P3215.html - terminal post and tray size compatible with the Bongo, and most importantly, 830 cold cranking amps (CCA). Turns the Bongo engine over faster than unleaded/LPG does

Nearly forgot - and 4 years warranty.

[mikexgough]

thanks - ok if I replace the other battery - can anyone recommend an online retailer

been looking around and most 335 type batteries have the terminal the wrong way round

alpha battery have a bongo battery type 068 but its 70 ah

any advice ?

068 will do the job fine..... I have just got an 030 Yuasa Professional .... it cross references with the 068.... my diesel now needs the key to pre heat then just to crank over (what seems like pressing a starter button ) and it seems starts bit like 1/2 a turn then it runs straight away, no cranking over for a few times before fire up..... so 068 or equivalent are fine

Yuasa specs...... 030 Yuasa Professional Battery - Cold Cranking Performance (Amps) SAE: 570 Reserve Capacity (Minutes): 135 Ampere-Hour Capacity at 20-hour Rate (Ah):70 Recommended Charge Rate (Amps):4

Obviously you can have a beefier one such as 279 or equivalent..... if you really need it or wish to have a bit extra power in hand

[Ron Miel]

.......Turns the Bongo engine over faster than unleaded/LPG does

That was in jest, of course. Like an 068, very little turning over is needed before the engine starts.

Some good reasons for the over-spec/extra capacity and power, for my own use are:

1.) If the Bongo has to stand for long periods, you're more likely to have enough battery left to start.

2.) Plenty of power in reserve in the current cold conditions.

3.) Without re-wiring everything (radio, alarm, rear flurescent light..) to the leisure battery, long periods of off-hook camping are no problem - particularly in remote locations/abroad.

4.) Camping load shared in those respects, with leisure battery, without adverse effect on engine starting.

5.) Less deep discharges, therefore extended battery life - hence 4 years warranty.

Otherwise, as mikexgough says, spend less and buy an 068.