Nissan Patrol 4x4 (Africa)

Hi Guys, I am looking at fitting a new battery before the holidays - what is most powerful battery that fits in the normal rack.
I currently have a 90AH which has lasted pretty well with quite a lot of abuse for about 2 years, but I can see its taking a bit of strain. Actually I need to get a new battery for the boat and was considering using the current patrol battery as the boat batt and get a new one which will better handle the winch etc while on holiday!
Also, what make is suggested, and best place to buy?

After posting the above, I looked through some old threads.
A year or two ago some guys have gone for the VArta G7 95AH battery. It looks good on paper - is there anyone that can provide some actual feedback??

Chris, I am still very happy with my Varta as it is an excellent cranking battery but we will have to wait a few years before I can comment on its lifespan

I have a Varta running for four years no problems, I believe it is the best battery out there.
Johan

I have a Varta battery in my Iron Maiden for 3 years now, subjected to the heat of the engine bay and loads of short stop start driving. With a compression ratio of 22.7:1 it takes a HUGE chunk of oomph to crank that motor especially in winter, and never had a problem. The Varta batteries are used in most European manufacturers as standard batteries.

However.... I also have a second deep cycle battery for my winch and a few extra goodies. So I don't have the drain that my 12000lb winch will take out of the battery. Having said that, if your alternator has the amperage to keep the battery charged whilst using the winch then I cannot see any problem with that.

Chris,

I use Deltec and have had very good service with them. Contact Capital Battery's in Centurion. Great bunch of guys and always willing to go the extra mile.

http://www.sa-business-directory.co.za/ ... nturion-cc

I got some interesting info today from various places, including Capital Batteries. I would like to verify the following claims - can anyone shed some light on this.
The ideal battery is the G7 - Varta Battery (Blue) (95AH) (price R1900) looks identical to the Enertec (Black) (price 1650) also 95AH, the salesperson claims it is exactly the same battery with same internal structure. There is an equivalent Deltec battery, also loks identical for around R1600. These batteries all have 2 yr warranty.
My current battery is the Enertec and after 2 yrs is starting to signs of weakness, but not so much that the 2 yr warranty can be exercised.
There are other batteries, Willard etc, quite a lot cheaper but no where near the performance and also with only 1 yr warranty.
My feeling is that the VArta has something newer/better inside, a different strucure, better quality lead or whatever (they basically say similar in their advertising). I think the R300 odd price difference therefore is probably worth it.

Is the R300 extra not just for the name or is there really something different to the batteries?

Guys

I assume we are talking about the starter battery only?
My deep cycle (auxillary) is close to its end and need to know what to look for as a replacement.

What is the life span one should be able to expect from the auxillary battery?
I got mine in May 2010. It served me well until now.
But being inside the engine bay (i.e the heat) may have caused the ife span to be shorter.

I have heard of the so-called zero cycles? I.e. it can run dead and still be recharged.
Is this a good option?

Alex you are talking about a lead cristal ..???