3rd battery for F250 & solar panel

Submitted: Monday, May 21, 2007 at 02:48
ThreadID: 123655 Views:4939 Replies:4 FollowUps:3
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Which type is best?

Hi All

We are planning to fit a battery to the F250 to run the Engel and other 12 v stuff. We also hope to fit our single solar panel to the top of the canopy or roof of the vehicle to charge this battery, which will also be charged from the car. What is the best to use? Same as the batteries in the F250 so interchangeable, or a AGM?

Has anyone fitted a solar panel to their tow vehicle?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Motherhen
Motherhen

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Reply By: Black Cobra - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 10:48

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 10:48
Motherhen.

You probably have read the forum on the freight costs of batteris to the west. I spoke with Steve a while back and was going to get the same battery sent over to WA to use as a third battery in the F250 but was told by Steve that they were having problems with freighting batteries to the west, probably due to the way they have to be freighted now.

I fitted a third AGM battery in the tub of the truck between the roller draw system which are 1800 long so the gap between the end of the draws and the tub wall was perfect for the battery to slot in. On the other side a 50 litre Engle water tank was slotted into that spot.

Solar panel on the truck, havn't gone there yet!

Cheers
Stewart
AnswerID: 571685

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 23:29

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 23:29
Hi Stewart - Steve vowed he would never send batteries to WA after our saga. We ordered 3 new batteries with several months to spare before our holiday, and he sent them as always with Bus Freight (i had asked him to get assurances that they could be sent on to us by a Courier service delivering to our region prior to sending). Time was getting on and they hadn't reached us so Steve followed up. We had got batteries from the rare batch that leaked, and one had leaked, dissolved the carton, and the batteries had gone to Broome where they had remained for some weeks with no-one wanting to touch them - they at first thought one had be dropped and split to be leaking. A prod from Steve got them on their way to Perth, where the Bus Freight depot could get no-one to bring them on to us. Batteries are classed as dangerous goods in WA and require specially licensed transport operators. The obviously leaking one could not be transported at all. With only days to spare before we were due to leave, Steve arranged for a BT owner to get a replacement battery to Melbourne for us to pick up prior to going to Tasmania. Then someone at the depot in Perth where the batteries were got him mother, who lived in a town near us, to bring them to us on the back seat of her car. I think this incident has highlighted the problems of sending batteries, even the sealed AGM type, by regular freight - hence the costs now being quoted.
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Reply By: adams44 - Monday, May 21, 2007 at 19:34

Monday, May 21, 2007 at 19:34
Just about to replace my rear battery in the Nissan dated on the battery is 2002 it is a 1500amp AGM Odyssey, could not have peformed better 2 trips across Australia and 4 trips to New Zealmd runs all the radio's 35litre fridge, and Sat Phone never once gave us any problem. Also use Lifeline AGM and i consider them to be a little better with solar " just my experince as i also run 6 of them, 4 in the van and 2 in the camper trailer. I am about to fit out the canopy to the new GMC and will put in 2x1200amp Odyssey as the 1500 is no longer around, will also only put a 1200 amp Odyssey in the Nissan.
Hope this is of some help
AnswerID: 571686

Reply By: Hayite Bushtrackers - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 08:42

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 08:42
Dear Motherhen

Try David @ Landline Equipment, ph: 0428 983 777, or e-mail landline@dodo.com.au

I think all of the above is correct, certainly the phone number & David is

Landline is @ Albury NSW

Regards

Roger
AnswerID: 571687

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 08:50

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 08:50
Thanks for your reply Roger. We have now fitted an AGM type battery, and the solar panel to the top of the canopy. Tomorrow the auto sparky should fit the finishing touches.
Motherhen

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Reply By: Pixellator - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:28

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:28
Hey Judy... have you updated the Nissan?
Did you win Lotto?Have You quit this hard yakka?
When are you starting to tour Australia with your Bushtracker?
LOL
:)
Bob
PS you'll need to update your rig photo
Cheers
AnswerID: 571688

Follow Up By: Motherhen & Rooster - Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:39

Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 09:39
Hi Bob

Still hard yakka at the local store where i am working. We sold one farm so freed up the finances a little, and Panna Trackers found a nice Effie for us at the right time. Picture of it in my second rig pic.

In the middle of lambing at the moment - the trouble is no time of year is easy to get away, but we are hoping to do some trips starting later this year, or after lambing next year.

I'm longing for a photo of a spot as nice as my present rig pic so i can update it.

Regards

Motherhen
Motherhen

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