Using the LB as a starter battery

[TerryG]

What's the best way to use the leisure battery if the starter battery is flat and a Willinton kit is fitted?
Could you just carry a suitable length of cable with a croc clip at either end to bridge the positive terminals (after disconnecting the LB positive lead)?

[Simon Jones]

Assuming the LB is earthed to the chassis with a proper suitably rated cable, then you could use a single jump lead to link the two positve terminals together. I've seen some 'professional' conversions that use 13A mains cable as the earth connection on a leisure battery, so if there's any doubt, use both jump leads.

[g8dhe]

Use just a normal jumper cable to connect the batteries, you could just use the +ve, but don't do it to often!

[TerryG]

Great - thanks chaps!

[mikeonb4c]

Have a read of old threads. Not really a good idea to use LB as SB

[TerryG]

Have a read of old threads. Not really a good idea to use LB as SB

I'm sure you're right - I was just thinking about emergency situations

[mikeonb4c]

Have a read of old threads. Not really a good idea to use LB as SB

I'm sure you're right - I was just thinking about emergency situations

Yea i had to do it once when i left my sidelights on. It was ok as i had a brand new 135ah Energy Bull and a car that started in a flick. But even then i could tell the LB lacked the cranking amps and would have been better left for a bit to transfer its energy to the SB before i turned the starter. And if i'd had a lower power LB, would it have coped?

[philpdr]

Have a read of old threads. Not really a good idea to use LB as SB

I'm sure you're right - I was just thinking about emergency situations

Yea i had to do it once when i left my sidelights on. It was ok as i had a brand new 135ah Energy Bull and a car that started in a flick. But even then i could tell the LB lacked the cranking amps and would have been better left for a bit to transfer its energy to the SB before i turned the starter. And if i'd had a lower power LB, would it have coped?

Done it with my 110ah.no problem

[westonwarrior]

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... it=battery

not recomended but it worked for me

[Simon Jones]

Depends on the type of LB you have. I've got an Elecsol Carbon battery like this which is dual purpose:

http://www.elecsolbatteries.com/product ... l-100.html

Dual purpose, engine start and deep cycle battery. Benefits a range of uses including Boats, Caravans, Motorhomes and engine starting.

Specifications:
Deep cycle and engine start.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 278 x 175 x 190 mm.
Weight: 19.5kg.
Cycle life: 1000 cycles to 80%dod.
Guarantee: full 5 year, maintenence free.

[mikeonb4c]

Depends on the type of LB you have. I've got an Elecsol Carbon battery like this which is dual purpose:

http://www.elecsolbatteries.com/product ... l-100.html

Dual purpose, engine start and deep cycle battery. Benefits a range of uses including Boats, Caravans, Motorhomes and engine starting.

Specifications:
Deep cycle and engine start.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 278 x 175 x 190 mm.
Weight: 19.5kg.
Cycle life: 1000 cycles to 80%dod.
Guarantee: full 5 year, maintenence free.

This is all true and my energy bull can cope fine @ 135ah, but still not to be done casually, would be my advice