Rob99fla

It possibly is, Mike. I have completely reset the BMV after the new batteries were installed. I have a clamp meter. When the BMV next says 1-2 amps in, I will check the current flowing to the batteries direct. I have long ignored the S.O.C. It means not much, in my opinion. What batteries did you fit in the end? My upgrade cost £150 after I got £380 back from Halfords after 18 months. You read on these forums about Trojan T105's and US2200 batteries and how people have had much more success over standard leisure batteries (assuming correct charging). I get a bit fed up with some people assuming I am an idiot which I am not. I don't mean you, b the way.

What is strange then, is why I didn't manage to kill the previous set of Exide leisure batteries over a few years? These just became old and in need of replacement overt time. The Halfords batteries deteriorated quickly where the previous Exide lasted years. Perhaps Halfords batteries are too light duty. If you read my other replies, you can see I do know about charging and did charge every day to 1-2 amps tail current at 14.7-14.8 volts. The batteries never went below 12.1v, normally more like 12.2 v rested. It seems people are sometimes treated like idiots on this forum. My original question was about number of cycles to achieve full capacity, assuming of course, they are charged fully each time

I am open to any good suggestions but I really do not know what else I can do. Charge to 1-2 amps tail current every day. Charge at least 14.7 volts.do not let batteries go below 12.2v (now). Perhaps 9-100 amps per day is too higher a discharge for basic leisure batteries

I can understand why you think that. Some people have no idea about batteries but I have read and learnt loads and have a 12v background from my working days. I have read other peoples problem with Halfords (read Yuasa) 115ahr leisure batteries so wasted pleased when Halfords gave me the money back (£380) so was able to upgrade to the US2200 for £150. I'm hoping its a good upgrade The Halfords batteries are now gone back to Halfords. The new US2200 batteries are now fitted and working fine. I was really just asking how long can I expect them to reach full capacity (cycles).

Yes, there were different readings across cells and batteries. As I have mentioned, I have never let the batteries go below 12.1v rested, charge very day to a tail current of 1-2 amps

Of course. Alternator charging at around 14.7v. Charger, when connected to shore or generator, 14.7 and the charger has a thermistor connected to the battery terminal to increase voltage when very cold weather

Why do you assume I don't know how to charge batteries. See my reply to the previous post. There are loads of post on this forum about basic leisure batteries not being robust enough for the job and why people have had good results from Trojans and similar batteries. I know many people have no idea about battery charging but I fully understand a strict charging regime, at least I have learnt that in the last year

I have spent the last year studying batteries and charging, hence the upgrade to semi-traction 6v batteries. I have a Victron BMV to monitor the batteries. I ignore the percentage charge and use the tail current, set to 2% in the BMV for 100%, every day. The discharge between charges is was about 90-100 amps max. I never let the batteries go below 12.1v and charged every day. With the 300w solar (now 400w), the batteries achieved 100% charge with a tail current of about 1-2 amps. When not moving, I generally ran the engine for about 2-3 hours unless it was a good sunny day and the solar did a good job. I also have a Stering Pro regulator B on a 110amp alternator. I sometimes did a equaliser charge on the batteries. I used to check the cells using a hydrometer and gradually saw the SG drop on the cells. Personally, I don't the think the Halfords 115ahr leisure batteries are robust enough for a live aboard using around 90-100a per day

I had three sets of Halfords batteries in nearly 18 months. They started out OK but quickly lost capacity despite being very careful charging. I eventually (very luckily, I think) got a full refund of £380. The 4 x US2200 batteries cost £530 delivered. I'm hoping for 5 years. Added another 100w solar to help. Will update when I know more. Oh, we are full time live aboard but use hook up for 4 months in the winter. We have a 240v fridge and inverter

Just fitted 4x US2200 6v batteries and hopefully will have a better life than the last Halfords leisure batteries. Reading the spec, it takes time for these type of batteries to achieve maximum capacity. In the real world of soon to be out on the cut for 8 months, charging with alternator and 400w of solar, is this a matter of weeks or months? (in others experience)

Just fitted 4x US2200 6v batteries and hopefully will have a better life than the last Halfords leisure batteries. Reading the spec, it takes time for these type of batteries to achieve maximum capacity. In the real world of soon to be out on the cut for 8 months, charging with alternator and 400w of solar, is this a matter of weeks or months? (in others experience)

About 4 months on shore power then 8 months cruising. Mainly alternator and solar then. Sometimes generator if staying a longer time.

Hello. I have just fitted 4x US2200 6v deep cycle 6 volt batteries wired in series/parallel to give about 12 volts at 460 amp hours. I have a Victron Multiplus 12/3000/120 Inverter/charger. I am looking for some information of setting up the correct charge rate. I have the Victron lead and Victron VE Configure software to connect using a laptop. I have the US2200 pdf which gives the information but would like a bit of advice of setting up. The VE Configure gives options of fixed rate etc. How have others set up? I guess very similar to Trojan T105? Thanks in advance. Rob PDF attached of US2200 Battery usb-2200-data-2015-WEB.pdf

Fixed it! It's always the obvious. The weed hatch was in back to front. I noticed the word front faintly engraved on the weed hatch cover. Reversed it and problem gone. Many thanks. Rob

Do you know what? I think this is it. I will check tomorrow for marks on the side of the weed hatch. Thinking about it, it's only since I lifted the weed hatch. It seemed too loud for the CV joint anyway bit I think there's wear on that anyway. Thanks a lot. Yes , it probably is. My mistake. Problem might be next answer when I think about it. I think the cv joint is worn a bit but I will measure it. Thanks for the help

Our 57' boat has an Isuzu 42 engine with a PRM120 gearbox and connected to the prop (Axiom). The engine was replaced in 2009. There was a new plate welded in for the python thrust bearing. This is all before I had the boat. Anyway, we have a noise. It has developed in the last few weeks. I would say it's when it's all warmed up. Going up through the revs, there is sometimes a loud knocking noise. Raising the revs or reducing the revs makes the noise go. Ordinary cruising seems ok but I'm sure the transmission is noisier than if used to be but perhaps I'm now being paranoid. We had the RCR guy out the other day. It didn't do it very much when he was here. I think it was because it wasn't warm. I think there is a bit of play in the CV joint. Not sure how much play there should be. The engine mounts seem ok he says. There is an offset between the gearbox and the python CV joint but I believe that's right and it's been ok since 2009 anyway. My guess is the CV part of the drive is failing. Anyone had the same problem? Thanks in advance. Rob

That's why I got them there in the first place. We are constantly on the move so needed to make sure I had a warranty anywhere. They don't seem at all bothered and to be honest, don't know the first thing about batteries. They just return to Yuasa. I did have a set of Exides before that I had little problem with. Anyway, I will keep a very close eye on the new set once fitted. I hope the Sterling pro reg bw advanced alternator regulator helps once fitted. Thanks for the help. Rob

I have agreed with Halfords to exchange all four batteries for new ones. They had no problem with this. I have ordered a Sterling Pro Reg BW advanced alternator controller as I can't run to the one you suggest. I will fit and make sure I keep up a new regime on the new batteries. I have also increased the charge voltage on the Victron charger to 14.7 volts for when I use the gennie to charge. I have a hydrometer too. Perhaps an equaliser charge every few months too. We have sold the microwave and keeping a careful eye on consumption. As first mentioned, we run the inverter for the 240v fridge freezer (turned off at might). I hope all this works!

Maybe I can't get money back but fortunately, when I exchanged the last set, I had to buy them first before I got a refund on the first set therefore, I have a new receipt dated November for the new set. I won't tell them it's the second set, I have decided. Just get a replacement set of 4. Halfords staff are normally happy to just exchange as they send them back to Yuasa

I appreciate your reply and suggestions about looking after batteries but with all the advice I have now received and I do understand things ok, I now feel confident to get and look after decent batteries. I was thinking of fitting a Sterling advanced battery controller to charge properly from the alternator. We live onboard full time can't spare 2 years learning with a set of standard batteries. We need it to work right now having learnt our lesson. If I can't get money back from Halfords, I will be forced to do what you say but if I can get money back, I will purchase Trojan 12v batteries as suggested plus the alternator controller and keep a very close eye on everything. Thanks again. Rob

Yes. Saw those. They are 105ah right? How long have you had them working? Many thanks. Rob Yes. Saw those. They are 105ah right? How long have you had them working? Many thanks. Rob

My last post regarding battery charging is a bit exhausted now but many thanks for the excellent help I understand more about battery charging regimes. So, assuming I get my money back off Halfords for my duff batteries, what is the best replacement? I suppose I have in mind 4x Trojan T-105 6v batteries but this will require modification of the battery box and may not be possible with the available space and it's cold out right now to be doing too much diy. But, I've heard great things of them. Alternatively, I have seen from Alpha batteries some heavy duty Leoch AGM batteries with 1000 cycle recharges. Also, Qtech AGM batteries of similar spec. Both look very heavy duty and will fit in the box. Are AGM batteries more robust and more forgiving than ordinary wet cells? (mine having failed quickly due to poor charging so I am told) Basically, I don't want to make more mistakes. I'm happy to charge every day and use the Victron set to 14.7 volts to get the batteries to float status once or twice a week (or solar in the summer) Any ideas before I lash out more money. Oh, we live aboard as CC's all the time. Thanks in advance. Rob

Hi Bod we actually replaced a 240v fridge and 240v table top freezer with a new under counter fridge, again 240v. We are using less amps per day now than before but even with tv and other stuff, the amps out per day are about 70 amps. I think it's a combination of too much load before we bought the new combined fridge/freezer, poor quality Halfords batteries and not a good enough charge regime (until now) I've upped the Victron charge voltage to 14.7 volts now and intend to charge on the gennie at least once or twice a week from now on and leave longer. Trouble is, batteries are shot. I don't think equaliser charge will work well enough. Did try it on the gennie with Victron put into equaliser mode but it only lasts one hour before reverting back to normal. If I can get my money back from Halfords (hopefully I can as on 2nd set of batteries in 3 months!), I will buy AGM's. I have considered Trojan T-105's but my battery box would need altering and don't fancy that. I have seen some ultra heavy duty AGM's but only 110ah. They weigh 34kg and have a 1000 charge cycles. Just thought better to have decent 400ah than rubbish 460ah I have now! Thanks for the link. Will read. Rob Sorry AGM' are 100ah, not 110ah. That's what I meant

Hi Bod. We charge every day for about 2-3 hours until tail current is stable for about an hour. Use the generator about once a week. I have just up the charge voltage to 14.7 volts from 14.4 volts. The BMV shows amps used, normally about 70 amps. Maybe it is undercharging but I'm sure the batteries are not up to it. Not sure what else to do. Can't have the engine or generator running 24/7. Need to get my money back. Was thinking of getting decent AGM's to replace. We now live as CC's so need to sort. Thanks and happy new year to you. Rob

Set mine to 1% already Mike. I think they are just rubbish batteries in the first place. Tried equaliser charge. Very hard to do as only runs fir 1 hour on the Victron. Think I need decent batteries so will try to get money back under sale of goods act. Thanks for help. Rob Set mine to 1% already Mike. I think they are just rubbish batteries in the first place. Tried equaliser charge. Very hard to do as only runs fir 1 hour on the Victron. Think I need decent batteries so will try to get money back under sale of goods act. Thanks for help. Rob