Bongo Fury

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side.



http://www.jibjab.com/view/71164

lizard wrote:Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side.

I'm glad I didn't say that.

Bob wrote:

lizard wrote:Hi


What is the difference between a battery and a woman?

A battery has a positive side.

I'm glad I didn't say that.

I just thought I would start them up

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.

very clever mike

northerntaff wrote:very clever mike

Bloomin' Irish if you ask me. But then I am

For what it costs, you would be better putting it here

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'
( OFFENCE-Contrary to Vehicle Construction and Use Regulations- )

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.

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.