Lightweight battery?

Author
Discussion

alolympic

Original Poster:

700 posts

197 months

Monday 25th August 2008
quotequote all
I have a Clio 182 and am considering moving the battery to the boot.
Seeing as I am going to the effort (to give me more room for an induction kit) I am wanting to get a lighter battery.
I know there are lots out there but I need one that will keep charged even though the car will often be left for a fortnight without being run.
Anyone got any recommendations?
Thanks in advance

Steve_D

13,747 posts

258 months

Tuesday 26th August 2008
quotequote all
Odyssey

This starts my 6.7litre Chevy V8 so you may even find a smaller model will do the job for you.

Steve

Sam_68

9,939 posts

245 months

Tuesday 26th August 2008
quotequote all
I run an Odyssey in my Westfield (naff all by way of an electrical system, but cranking demands will be similar).

It will hold charge for long periods if you isolate it (ie. disconnect the earth lead from the battery, or fit a battery isolator to do the same job), but don't expect it to fire the car up if you leave it for a few weeks with the battery still connected. The better solution would be to use a trickle charger, though.

Also, remember that running a long cable from the boot will increase resistance slightly, so be a littel conservative when you're sizing the battery.

alolympic

Original Poster:

700 posts

197 months

Tuesday 26th August 2008
quotequote all
Thanks for the response guys, sounds like the Odyssey batteries might be the right way to go.
I am happy to isolate the battery if it is standing for a while but wouldn't that mean I lose my alarm system? Sorry if this is a stupid question!!
Thanks

Steve_D

13,747 posts

258 months

Tuesday 26th August 2008
quotequote all
That's the point you can't have it stay charged for weeks and still run things like an alarm system and the memory in your radio.

You either isolate it or the better solution is to use an Optimate 3 or 4 and leave it plugged in all the time. It will charge the battery then maintain it with trickle charge when required.

Steve

Sam_68

9,939 posts

245 months

Tuesday 26th August 2008
quotequote all
Yes, it will mean you lose your alarm system.

But alarms drain batteries, so if you're intending to leave the car for weeks on end, your only options if you want to leave the alarm armed are either a seriously huge battery, or a trickle charger.

...and if you choose the seriously huge battery, remember that car batteries don't like being 'deep cycled' (ie. regularly run down to almost flat before being recharged), so even a big battery will have a much reduced life, is subjected to that sort of abuse.