LEISURE POWER BATTERY GUIDE

LEISURE POWER BATTERY GUIDE All the Best Brands with the Finest Technologies from the World s Leading Manufacturers 12-VOLT 14.4-14.6 13.5-13.8

RESERVE POWER WHERE AND WHEN YOU NEED IT Leisure Power Batteries Batteries which provide the auxiliary power in your Caravan, Motorhome or Camper Trailer are designed differently from a conventional starting battery found under the bonnet to start your engine. They are engineered specifically to withstand the rigours of repetitive long slow discharges over hours, sometimes days, before a complete recharge. These batteries are either of dual purpose or deep cycle construction depending on the extent of use and average depth of discharge and come in a variety of manufacturing technologies. Typically the traditional flooded cell or the newer AGM or Gel technologies. In this brochure you will find a selection of useful information which helps to take the guess work out of finding the right battery for you. More Power, For Longer, More Often! Only choose batteries designed for the job at hand After reading this brochure and talking to your preferred battery stockist, please, whatever technology you decide on make sure the battery is designed to perform as an auxiliary power supply. All technologies can be made as either starting, dual purpose or deep cycle batteries and only the latter two are made to provide reliable power discharge after discharge. When choosing between these two, if your use is daily repetitive heavy discharges then deep cycle batteries are the best alternative. If your use is more intermittent, with periods of downtime between uses, then you will find dual purpose batteries will perform extremely well, as the battery will more often fail through age deterioration than through exhausting its cycle life. Many leading Caravan, Motorhome and Campervan manufacturers have proven in the field the value of using batteries designed for use in these ways. PH: 1300 133 980

Technologies Explained Gel Technology Sealed Valve Regulated Gelled electrolyte batteries simply put feature a gel electrolyte rather than the liquid electrolyte used in the conventional flooded (wet) battery. Once filled the batteries are sealed and valve regulated becoming spill proof and leak proof with no external venting in normal operation. The batteries are primarily manufactured for deep cycle applications and when manufactured properly and charged correctly they can provide amazingly long cycle life performance. Always remember though that it is the quality of the manufacturing process and the parts and ingredients used that determines the actual performance and not just the technology itself. AGM Technology Sealed Valve Regulated AGM Batteries utilise the second manufacturing technology which is called sealed, spill proof, leakproof and in normal operation non venting. In simple terms the liquid electrolyte is placed in the battery at point of manufacture and is absorbed into fine highly porous microfiber glass separators so that there is no free liquid inside the battery as with flooded batteries. The then sealed and valve regulated maintenance free battery eliminates gas emissions and acid leakage in normal operating conditions. The technology is widespread however it is not generic and the quality of the manufacturing process and the parts and materials used determines the service life you will obtain. AGM batteries are manufactured for all normal battery requirements starting, dual purpose and deep cycle so for leisure power always ensure you choose a battery designed for dual purpose or deep cycle applications and not one designed as a starting battery only. Flooded Batteries Flooded batteries both the traditional maintainable as well as the more recent maintenance free versions are the most widely used batteries still in most starting automotive, marine and deep cycle commercial applications. They are less expensive than either AGM or Gel however and in general do not provide the same cycle life or convenience as either AGM or Gel. However when built specifically for cyclic uses as in leisure power situations a well maintained wet cell deep cycle battery will certainly provide a long service life for you if you are committed to a regular maintenance regime. The question for you in leisure power is do you still want to regularly water and maintain your battery or even have a battery which in normal service vents externally with all the problems this may involve. Applications explained Starting Service When a battery is called upon to deliver several hundred amps of power to start your engine this power must be delivered quickly and efficiently to ensure crisp fast starts. This rush of current flows from the surface area of the battery plates so that good starting batteries typically will have multiple thin plates to maximise total plate surface area and minimise internal resistance to ensure the delivery of high starting current. Typically thin plates degrade far more rapidly in deep cycle service than the thicker plates used in batteries designed for repetitive discharges which is why Federal Batteries recommend against their use in leisure power applications. Deep Cycle Service In contrast to a starting battery, deep cycle batteries are called on to deliver a long slow discharge over several minutes, hours or even days in order to run auxiliary loads in all leisure power situations. In this use the power comes from deep within the plates and not merely off their surface area as in starting so that they are engineered amongst many other features with heavier thicker plates, heavy duty separators and fibreglass reinforcement. All this allows them to better withstand the damaging effects of this type of service. Dual Purpose Service Quality dual purpose batteries are also designed for the same constant and repetitive draw down as with deep cycle batteries and with similar features. As they are also at times utilised in some cases as starting batteries and in other cases such as with Remco as standby batteries the ability to provide exactly the same life cycles as deep cycle only battery designs is slightly compromised. This is why we suggest their use in either light to medium duty deep cycle situations or where as with many caravans and motorhomes use is intermittent with periods of seasonal inactivity. www.federalbatteries.com.au

FEW BATTERIES DIE A NATURAL DEATH, MOST ARE MURDERED! Simple tips to ensure long battery life - Always size your battery bank correctly so that your normal usage between charging will leave at least 50% battery capacity in reserve. Minimising your depth of discharge (DOD) will greatly enhance battery life. - For best battery life it is advisable to fully charge your new battery prior to installation, and please remember it generally takes between 10-50 cycles to reach full capacity, depending on the specific battery chosen. - All batteries are damaged if left flat or in a discharged state for any period of time, so please fully recharge your battery as soon as possible after use and always make sure your battery is maintained in a state of full charge in between uses. - Your battery should be kept as clean as possible and terminals should always be kept clean and tightly fashioned. If it is a flooded technology type battery, please make sure it is watered regularly so that plates are always covered. - All batteries gas when in service. In the case of valve regulated AGM and Gel type batteries this gassing, in normal service, is recombined inside the battery. In the case of flooded type batteries, this gas is vented externally. In instances of severe and protracted overcharge, even valve regulated battery technologies may release excess gassing to ensure worse scenarios do not occur, so please remember no battery manufacturer advises fitment of their batteries in fully sealed airtight containers. - Charging batteries to ensure they are returned to a full state of charge and maintained that way is not rocket science. A correctly sized battery charger which is set to the specified charge voltages recommended for the specific batteries you have. Thus it it vital to know the boost and float voltage specifications recommended for your battery in order to recharge them correctly. It is also highly recommended to ensure that the charger is sized to match the capacity of your battery and that it is large enough to fully charge your battery within a 8-12 hour period. A simple rule to follow is to ensure the charger has a current output at least 10% of the C20 rating of the battery. For more information on proper battery maintenance or finding a suitable charging system for your application, please ask your friendly battery supplier or head to www.federalbatteries.com.au WANT TO KNOW MORE? Further Information If you would like to learn more about these batteries, their associated technologies or to view our expanded range, please head to www.federalbatteries.com.au. Here you will find up to date information on our entire range of Batteries, Chargers and Accessories along with a rich resource area filled with technical and informative video presentations covering a wide range of Explanations, Tips and Techniques. All the Best Brands with the Finest Technologies from the World s Leading Manufacturers

BATTERYspecifications Deep Cycle & Dual Purpose AGM Technology Dual Purpose & Deep Cycle AGM technology Remco is, in our opinion, one of the leading battery manufacturers in China today. They produce a wide range of quality sealed lead acid (AGM) batteries suitable for most deep cycle as well as standby applications. For the leisure power market they have a wide range of dual purpose and specific deep cycle batteries which have proven themselves in the field as OE over many years. The batteries feature AGM technology for zero maintenance service life and are of non spillable non hazardous design. They are manufactured with tough, high impact resistant ABS resin cases which preclude fitment in high heat under bonnet enviroments and like the majority of other AGM batteries on the market the Remco range has a maximum recharge current recommendation of 30% of its rating. They have mounting flexibility and different case offerings and can be used in series and or parallel to obtain a choice of voltages and capacity. Remco represents a very cost effective quality AGM offering for the leisure power market. RM12-40DC 12 40 14.33 - Insert + 196 164 171 RM12-65DC 12 65 23.6 - Insert + 350 166 174 RM12-80 12 80 26 + insert - 259 165 208 RM12-80DC 12 80 24.8 + insert - 259 165 208 RM12-100 12 100 29.7 + insert - 304 165 208 The Intimidator series incorporates the earlier Seamate RV range extending this quality dual purpose AGM offering from the USA. Intimidator is a pioneering brand in the development of the form, fit and function of AGM technology and is a perfect option as an auxiliary power source in all Caravans, Motorhomes and RVs. Design features include micro-porous glass separators, low internal resistance, spill proof design, high vibration resistance, enhanced electrolyte suspension, power-perform full frame positive and negative plates and high quality one way pressure relief valves to ensure battery integrity. With exceptional cycle life these batteries provide a real alternative to consider for maintenance free, safe, long lasting leisure power applications. 8AU1H 12 32 10.9 + Lug - 211 130 185 9A34 12 55 18.6 + SAE - 273 175 203 8A22NFM 12 55 17.5 + lug - 238 140 235 8A24M 12 79 24 + dual - 276 171 251 8A27M 12 92 28.6 + dual - 324 171 251 9A31PH 12 100 31.2 + SAE - 330 171 241 8A31DTM 12 105 31.3 + dual - 329 171 238 8A4DM 12 198 58.5 ± top end 527 216 254 8A8DM 12 245 71.7 ± top end 527 279 254 8AGC2M 6 190 32 offset 260 181 276 RM12-100DC 12 100 29.8 + insert - 304 165 208 RM12-100FT 12 105 31.7 + insert - 490 110 230 RM12-120 12 120 33.2 + insert - 342 170 218 RM12-150 12 150 46 + insert - 483 170 240 RM12-200DC 12 200 61 End lugs 522 240 220 Premium Sealed RV Batteries the heart of your system The Lifeline AGM range of maintenance free deep cycle batteries incorporate technology originally developed in 1985 for the US military. Safety, reliability, service life and performance are the benchmarks for Lifeline. Featuring a cycle life performance 2-3 times more than its competitors along with extremely low internal resistance that allows a much speedier and more efficient recharge than other AGMs, Lifeline is manufactured without compromise. Lifeline is unquestionably the best, most efficient lead acid battery available today in leisure power situations such as Caravans, Motorhomes and Camper Trailers and also comes with a long 5-year pro rata warranty for peace of mind. To learn more on the Lifeline advantages download or read the Lifeline technical guide in the resources section of our website www.federalbatteries.com.au *** Dimensions**(mm) GPL-U1T 12 33 10.9 +TI - 196 132 175 Flooded Deep Cycle These are precision built in USA for maximum service life and featuring thick heavy duty full frame plates and grids, specially formulated oxide and high density plate paste, deep pocket envelope separators, quality fibreglass matt wrap and over 250 quality checks. They require an active maintenance regime and regular watering. If this is something you are willing to do it is a leisure power battery that will really last. If fitted in your caravan or motorhome external venting to the outside is absolutely necessary as all really good quality wet cell deep cycle batteries vent when in service particularly when on charge. So be careful. DC24 12 75 20.5 + Dual - 273 171 238 DC27 12 90 24.1 + Dual - 318 171 238 DC31DT 12 105 27 + Dual - 330 171 241 8C12 12 195 53 Opp Lug 394 178 363 9C12 12 228 57.7 - Dual + 394 178 363 8C6V 6 330 44.3 Dual Opp 298 178 365 8L16 6 370 51.4 Opp Lug 298 178 419 GPL-24T 1 12 80 25.5 + MC - 259 172 235 GPL-27T 2 12 100 29.5 + MC - 305 172 235 GPL-31T 12 105 31.4 + MC - 329 172 235 GPL-31XT 12 125 34 + MC - 329 172 235 GPL-30HT 12 150 43.5 + MC - 342 172 304 GPL-4DA 12 210 61.2 ± End SAE 528 222 257 GPL-4DL 12 210 61.2 ± L blade 528 222 266 GPL-8DA 12 255 73.6 ± End SAE 526 278 251 GPL-8DL 12 255 73.6 ± L blade 526 278 260 GPL-4C 6 220 30 Offset TI 261 181 294 GPL-6C 6 300 41.3 Offset TI 261 179 330 GPL-L16T 6 400 54 Offset TI 296 177 399 GPL-31T-2V 2 630 31.4 Dual TIs 328 172 227 GPL-4CT-2V 2 660 31.8 Offset TI 261 118 294 GPL-6CT-2V 2 900 42.6 Offset TI 261 179 330 GPL-L16-2V 2 1200 54 Offset TI 296 177 399 The Optima Yellow Top range feature the original and best Spiral Cell Technology which is often touted as the most recognisable battery in the world. Featuring high purity lead grids and AGM separators for long maintenance free operation, resealable pressure release valve ensuring longer service life, low internal resistance for fast recharge, high density tight packed plates for long cycle life and maximum vibration resistance, these batteries are up there with the best you can use provided the relevent case and capacity option is available. If you need a second battery for fitment into limited spaces under-bonnet or elsewhere these are a great option, however in Motorhomes and Caravans the capacity available somewhat limits them. The Ultimate Power Source Dual Purpose AGM Power at it Best D51R-T2 12 38 11.8 -JIS small+ 238 129 229 D35 12 48 16.6 - SAE + 238 173 199 D34 12 55 19.6 + SAE - 254 171 199 D27F 12 66 24.4 - SAE + 309 173 222 D31A 12 75 27.3 Centre SAE 329 171 238 1 Add 23.1mm for handle embossment at top. 2 Add 27mm for handle embossmet at top.

A true dual purpose battery utilising a rugged tightly packed construction with pure lead plates and AGM technology, Odyssey provides a durable, safe, non spillable battery with a cycle life to 80% DOD of 400 cycles, which is far above the industry average. The sealed non spillable design provides mounting flexibility, the quality of the manufacturing process ensures superb charge retention and the very low internal resistance ensures recharge efficiency comparable to the industry leaders and starting capacity comparable to most starting only designs. The unstressed operating temperature range is -40 C to 80 C for models in metal jackets. Pure Lead Construction AGM Design Dimensions**(mm) PC1200MJT 12 42 17.4 -brass SAE+ 200 169 173 PC1230 12 55 20.6 +SAE & GM- 240 178 201 PC1400-35 12 65 22.7 - SAE + 240 174 221 PC1700MJT 12 68 27.6 -brass SAE+ 330 168 176 PC1220 12 70 25 - SAE din + 302 175 190 PC1350 12 95 30 - SAE din + 377 175 190 PC1400-35 12 65 22.7 - SAE + 240 174 221 PC1750-65 12 74 26.3 + SAE - 301 183 189 PC2150MJ 12 99.4 35.3 -brass SAE+ 330 173 239 PC2250MJ 12 120 39 Opp dual 286 269 208 The Benchmark in Flooded Deep Cycle Technology US Battery Manufacturing have been at the forefront of lead acid deep cycle battery development since 1926 and are focused on producing the very best quality, longest lasting and most dependable wet cell deep cycle batteries available. All they do is deep cycle and they do it well. These batteries employ a host of patented technologies to deliver the very best performance in all demanding traction applications at the most economical price. Being flooded cell batteries they require maintenance and regular watering and do vent externally, so be careful with where you may fit them in your caravan or motorhome. With that, said the cycle life you can expect is up there with the very best from any lead based battery technology. US 2000 UT 6 216 27 + opp UT - 260 181 287 US 2200 UT 6 232 28.6 + opp UT - 260 181 287 US 125 6 242 30.4 + opp UTL - 260 181 286 US 145 UT 6 251 31.75 + opp UT - 260 181 303 US 305 6 315 42.5 opp Bolt thru 302 181 371 US 305 HC 6 335 44 opp Bolt thru 302 181 371 US L16 6 375 50.34 opp Bolt thru 302 181 425 US L16HC 6 415 53 opp Bolt thru 302 181 425 US RE L16 6 428 53.9 opp Bolt thru 302 181 425 US 27DC XC 12 105 25 + Dual - 324 171 248 US 31DC XC 12 130 25 + Dual - 330 171 248 US 12V XC 12 155 41 + UT Low - 333 179 289 The Worlds Most Advanced Gel Technology Battery US 185 S 12 200 56 Bolt thru 397 179 378 US 8D HC 12 240 63 ± End SAE 527 283 251 Gel technology has proven over many years to be an exceptional performer in all deep cycle situations in leisure, marine, solar and other demanding environments. This technology was the first to be non spillable, non venting and non hazardous, and when manufactured correctly, few battery options will equal their cyclic performance. The Gel-Tech battery series are developed in the USA and manufactured in state of the art facilities utilising patented technology, and intergrate many exclusive features which set it apart from other gel batteries. To understand the differences please download or read our Gel technical guide in the resources section of our website www.federalbatteries.com.au Dimensions* (mm) 8GU1H 12 31.6 10.6 + Lug - 211 130 184 8G40C 12 40 14.5 + Insert - 197 168 175 8G22NF 12 50.6 16.8 + Bolt - 238 140 235 8G34R 12 60 19.1 + Insert - 260 170 185 8G24M 12 73.6 23.6 + Dual - 276 171 251 8G27M 12 86.4 28.6 + Dual - 327 171 251 8G31DT 12 98 31.8 + Dual - 329 171 248 8G4D 12 183 57.6 ± End SAE 527 216 254 8G8D 12 225 71.2 ± End SAE 527 279 254 8GGC2 6 180 30.8 Offset Bolt 260 181 276 Varta hobby batteries are manufactured in the EEC in specific European case sizes to allow easy fitment in today s European recreational vehicle fleet. They are high quality flooded technology deep cycle batteries designed for todays leisure power market. Built with world leading wet cell technology and design they are spill proof to 55 - degree tilt and have a low self discharge rate for handling seasonal inactivity. Whilst practically maintenance free we do suggest a regular maintenance regime to ensure you achieve a cycle life up there with the best around. Flooded Cell Deep Cycle Hobby Range 954 006/A23 12 50 12.5 - SAE rec + 211 175 190 955 002/C24 12 60 14.8 - SAE rec + 246 175 190 812 071/A27 12 75 20 - SAE rec + 260 175 225 956 002/D41 12 80 18 - SAE rec + 278 175 190 957 052/E33 12 90 27.5 - SAE rec + 353 175 190 960 051/I12 12 130 36.5 ± End SAE 513 189 223 963 051/J12 12 160 44 ± End SAE 513 223 223 918 001/M12 6 240 31 Opp SAE 244 190 275 *Specifications may change without notice **For correct charging voltages please visit www.federalbatteries.com.au ***MC = Marine Copper Alloy SAE Your local Stockist Federal Batteries (Ryde Batteries Wholesale) Pty Ltd, D2/22 College St, Gladesville, NSW 2111. 1300 133 980 contact@federalbatteries.com.au