Rob99fla

Thanks everyone for the help. I have had a look at the Victron manual and can see how to put it into equaliser charge. I can also set the charge voltage upon to 14.7 volts or 15 volts by DIP switches and a button. The equalisation charge increases this by 1 volt for 1 hour so I might have to do a couple of times. I will give this a try today but still have my doubts that the Halfords (read Yuasa) batteries are up to the job. I will try to get my money back as they are only 6 weeks old!! They have a 2 year warranty but last time they only replaced. I have had a look at Alpha batteries and they have a number go AGM's that will fit in my box. Some with 5 year warranty and 1000 cycles. What is the ideal charge voltage for AGM's as I can set this now I know how to. One the charger that is as the alternator is fixed at about 14.5 vols

I can't understand why the batteries need equalising after such a short period in service. I do try to keep the batteries as full as possible using tail current to to make sure the batteries are fully charged and ignoring the SOC displayed. The alternator seems to charge at about 14.5 volts and I see very low tail current before I assume the batteries are fully charged. As I said, I also use the generator to use the Victron charger. I can't alter this (or don't know how to) to charge at 15-16 volts as suggested. I just have a feeling the Halfords batteries are poor quality or stored too long. I had a set of Exide batteries before that seem to work ok before becoming worn through old age. Question is, assuming I can get my money back, what do I fit instead. The battery box needs big modifications to fit Trojan T-105's. Maybe AGM batteries. We live onboard full time so need things to work. I'm prepared to charge well every day and use the generator and charger regularly too. We do have a Zanussi compact washing machine but only run with the engine running and now hot fill to save the water heating. I know batteries are probably the biggest problem but I need to get things working better. Thanks again

Hi Bod I have tested the batteries today with this hydrometer http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322082591860?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT The results are worrying I think. I charged the batteries to show a very low tail current. All batteries show a normal voltage with a meter but the SG readings are as follows. Bat 1 1.125, 1.135, 1.120, 1.140, 1.115, 1.142 Bat 2 1.140, 1.125, 1.140, 1.130, 1.130, 1.125 Bat 3 1.130, 1.130, 1.127, 1.134, 1.122, 1.135 Bat 4 1.125, 1.128, 1.130, 1.132, 1.125, 1.131 I also smelt sulphur and a bit of black on the battery top up lids. Could the batteries be destroyed in 6 weeks? Or just poor batteries. Many thanks Rob

https://www.tayna.co.uk/30XHS-Trojan-Battery-Deep-Cycle-P7322.html Sorry, forgot link

Has anyone had experience with these batteries? Four will fit in my box ok where as Trojan T-105's, the box will need enlarging for them to fit. Not an easy job. I just want decent batteries that will last. Or fit AGM's? Thanks in advance

Really good. Much as I guessed really. Don't believe all the readings. No way my batteries read 90% charge with only 12.2 volts reading. Many thanks

Yes, I do test with no load. The voltage rises a little with everything off but still very low. Thanks

Hi Nicknorman. Thanks for the helpful reply. I'm sure the only connection to the -ve side is the main cable to the shunt and a small wire to the -ve terminal on the battery. I'm sure this wire to the shunt connection. It was done when I bought the boat. I wired in the solar controller myself with the connection to -ve terminal to other side of the shunt as everything else is. I can see this is working ok as on a sunny day I see amps going into the batteries displayed on the BMV. Turning off the inverter switch, I see even more amps going in. So, I'm sure that part is fine. The alternator shows about 14.4 or 14.5 volts to the leisure batteries. I probably was being a but vague about that. I'm sure the batteries charge ok as when I use the generator to use the Victron charger, the charge voltage is about the same as is the starter battery on the other alternator (My BMV does both batteries) The Halfords own 115ah are Yuasa. I've checked this. I have bought an accurate battery hydrometer as I intend to check every cell of the batteries. Two of the batteries don't show the little green indicator as they should do. I understand this is a simple hydrometer. So, I suspect bad batteries again. What I want to do is get my money back and fit 4x Trojan T-105 6v batteries as I've read these are good. I still suslect the batteries as I'm sure they were fine voltage wise for the first few weeks. Thanks again

Hi. Firstly, we are CC's with no hookup. I have a Victron 12/3000/120 inverter charger, Victron BMV602s battery monitor, 110amp alternator, Honda 1kw generator, Victron 30amp solar controller with 3x 100w solar panels. I have fitted 4x new Yuasa 115amp hr batteries. These are set as first set had faults within a few weeks (from Halfords are the batteries). When I charge the batteries from alternator, the BMV shows about 70amp initially and over a few hours reduces down to about 5-6 amp tail current. Charge voltage is about 14.3 volts. The BMV shows 100%. I always leave the engine running longer to see the tail current low as possible. I sometimes use the Honda generator to top up the batteries making sure they reach float status. Although the BMV shows say 70amps used since 100% charge and SOC still says about 90% charge, the battery voltage is down to below 12 volts. We have a 240v fridge freezer (new) running off the inverter plus some TV, led lights and phone charging, the actual current since last recharge (from the BMV) is correct I assume? Could it just be duff batteries again? Any ideas?

Oh dear! Halfords have replaced all four. I will fit tomorrow and wait and see. I did notice only one of my old (joke-only 5 weeks old) had the green showing on the little window. The others showed clear. I wonder if the storage in Halfords is poor and their batteries are too low voltage (i.e.ruined) when they sell them? I will keep a close eye and demand money back if they fail again

Hi. I have a battery problem. I have 4 newly fitted 115ahr leisure batteries bought from Halfords (they are re-badged Yuasa I believe http://www.halfords.com/camping-leisure/caravan-motorhomes/electrical-power/halfords-leisure-battery-115-ah). I bought three from one store and the other from another store due availability on the day. Anyway, all seemed ok at first. Settled voltage with no load around 12.7 volts to around 12.2 volts. They are fully charged every day by the alternator (110ahr) I have a Victron 3kw inverter/charger with Victron BMV700 battery monitor. By the morning, the battery monitor still says around 85-90% in the batteries but the voltage is barely 11.8 volts with no load (or virtually no load). Yesterday, I charged the batteries fully making sure the charge current was down to around 9-10 amps and showing 100% charge. I then disconnected the earth straps from the batteries so I could drop test each one. All passed fine recovering to 13 volts after being drop tested twice. What I did notice, however, was the little green tube showing battery charge state was showing green on one battery but showing clear (discharged) on the other 3 batteries. I suspect faulty batteries because of this. I was wondering if Halfords hadn't charged or somehow didn't fill the three I bought from the same store. Have those 3 batteries been damaged in some way in initial storage or treatment at Halfords? Luckily, were now near a Halfords and have a car for the winter. Why did I buy from Halfords? For this very reason. Being somewhere else in the country from where I bought them and being able to take them back. Any advice gratefully received.

The recommended time to store to compost is 26 weeks stored in the engine bay. It looks like peat at this stage. It can then be double bagged or buried in a field. It's that easy.

No, not changed diesel filter lately. Re. Bleed screw. Saw that plug. I guess you unscrew and let air and coolant out for a bit. Thanks all

Hi. Can't find a bleed screw on the MX40. Only a blanking opposite end to the thermistor. Where do I find it? Thanks

Hi. We have a Natured Head. Very similar to the Airhead. Both US made. Personally, I prefer the NH and a bit cheaper. Very well built and designed. It doesn't matter about a separate bucket as they are easy to empty. Just remove urine rank (15 seconds), undo thumb screws to floor, take outside, put 50l bin bag over (see me for exact one) and tip upside down to empty compost. It takes us 10 mins a month and doesn't smell. Double bag and place in either dog bin or standard bins. It looks just like musty peat even though it hasn't composted down by then. You can just store the bags for 6 months if you like. Would we go back to cassettes or pump outs? Not likely! PS use coco coir available on eBay in dried blocks

We have just purchased a Natures Head after looking at some great videos from the US, mainly from RV owners who swear they work great. I'm surprised about urine leaking in the composting bin. Can I ask, have the male users sat down to 'pee'? Long term RV users have not highlighted this problem at all. Of course, we have yet to install it. Also, what do you use in the composting tank? Cherrs Rob

Hi. My boat came with its Mikuni MX40 and it has worked well. Before we were full time on the boat, I turned the heating by using a device called GSM Start using a SIM. Worked great. Anyway, now we are on full time, it has developed a problem. It starts up ok but then only runs for perhaps 15-20 minutes then cuts out. The switch light flashes and the control box flashes 9 times indicating low water or kinked pipes. I dont think theres a problem with that. I havn't done any servicing yet in 20 months of owning the boat as i thought, leave well alone. Where is the best place to start? Any ideas? Mike from this forum gave kindly gave me some tips way back including the sevice manual. I also bought a complete s/hand Mikuni MX40 off Ebay as a spare so I even have spare parts. All help appreciated. Rob

I totally agree with this diagnosis. I think a firmware update from Victron might do the trick but the cable is expensive (£59!) to connect to the PC to upgrade. With the help from Monsoon merchant, I might just fit a small switch in line with the brown fan connectors so I can switch off the fan at night if it throws a wobbly again. In my experience, manufacturers never admit to software (firmware) problems but want the unit back, say it needed a repair and charge you £250 for the privilege of updating their fault firmware with a later version. Perhaps, I'm a cynic! Anyway, I will clean up the fan at the same time as people have said they get dust in and become noisy. Many thanks for the good response.

It's on the back deck. Plenty of airflow and goes even on a cold night. We were on hookup but now moving on using engine alternator. It was just the same before. Sometimes goes a few days without coming on all night but then it seems to just be on all the time. Does this help? Thanks It's on the back deck. Plenty of airflow and goes even on a cold night. We were on hookup but now moving on using engine alternator. It was just the same before. Sometimes goes a few days without coming on all night but then it seems to just be on all the time. Does this help? Thanks

Hi. I have a Victron Multiplus 3000/12 charger/ inverter fitted to my boat. It came with the boat. It's about 2-3 years old I think. I have 4 Exide 115a/hr batteries. My problem is the fan. It sometimes (mostly even) runs all night. All I have on is the 240v fridge but this just switches on and off all night. Everything else is off. The batteries don't seem to discharge quickly. Does anyone know how to turn off or quieten the fan. And how to get to it as I might install a switch for night only to turn off. And clean the fan too. I have seen something on the Victron site about adding a piece of software unsing a PC connection but the PC lead is £50! Any ideas as we need some sleep. You might say switch off at night but then the fridge is too warm by morning. Thanks in advance. Rob

No one has mentioned G-Rech AirRam. We have the K9 model (best for pet hairs) and the hand held. They are absolutely brilliant. We vacuum every day because if the bug brown hairy Labrador and only charge the K9 once a week. It's so easy to empty. The handheld runs about 40 minutes. It does fill quickly (a good thing?) but easy to empty. Much better and much longer running than Dysons in my opinion anyway. We have friends in houses who swear by these devices. Also, quick to charge on the boat.

Hi. Here are some pictures of the thermostat. Looks pretty standard to me. Cheers. Rob

I'm still looking for this thermostat. Motor factors are trying to help, cross referencing the part. I believe these engines (Isuzu) are used mainly in plant machines (dumper trucks etc) these days. I just can't believe it is so difficult to find the right thermostat. I just can't bring myself to pay £53 for a genuine one. Can anyone help again? Many thanks. Rob

Hi. I have replaced the head gasket on my Isuzu 42 (see previous post). It defiantly was blowing upon inspection (due to a leaking hose and loss of coolant) We had the head skimmed, new bolts and genuine parts. The engine seems to be running fine except it's slow heating up. I suspect the thermostat is possibly sticking open as I remember the RCR engineer last summer showing me how the thermostat opens and closes by the temperature gauge. My question is, where do I get a cheaper thermostat other than the £50 plus genuine one I've seen on EBay. Are thermostats like filters. Common parts but large variation in price? Cheers. Rob