New Battery

[Billy]

Greetings

I’m sure this has been covered many times but some of the references are a little dated so I’m hoping to get the latest info. I have just received my new 420R but the battery seems to have failed after a couple of short drives. It won’t crank the motor.

What battery can I use that requires the least amount of surgery to terminals, brackets etc and does the job?

I can’t seem to find a Banner battery.

ill be posting pics of the car shortly.

many thanks in advance.

 

[JohnCh]

Congratulations on getting the car.  Given it is a new Caterham and the battery failed so quickly, it might be good to first determine if it is a duff battery, or something else.  Will it start on a jump?  Have you checked fluid level in the cells?  Have you checked alternator output? Have you confirmed all the cables are tight?  

 

 

 

 

 

[Vovchandr]

Don't know if its a direct bolt in to your build but I've been using this Antigravity Lithium battery and been very happy with it.

 

I think they come in bigger sizes for an easier fit too

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079TZ19BZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Croc]

Brand new Caterham?  Comes with a Banner battery as standard.  Horrible things.  Makes sense it has failed but I would follow the checks suggested by John above. 

 

Plenty of options out there.  Vlad mentioned Antigravity.  I know two others on USA7s using the same.  A lot of us use Odyssey batteries.  I prefer the PC680 for packaging reasons on the firewall plus they make a nice battery bracket to go with it.  But there are also a bunch of other models in their range - some even lighter than what I use.  Rideon lawnmower batteries are another option.

[mccasksl]

Mike:

 

Is this the Odyssey PC-680 battery bracket you reference?

Amazon.com: Odyssey Battery HK-PC680 Hold Down Kit For Use : Automotive

Looks like a proper bracket.

Do you have a picture of it installed in a Caterham you can share? 

 

Cheers!

Steve

[fastg]

I use Braille AGM batteries, very light and super reliable. I have seen 3 Lithium batteries end up in flames, I would not put one in my car. 

 

https://braillebattery.com/

 

Graham 

[Croc]

8 minutes ago, mccasksl said:

Is this the Odyssey PC-680 battery bracket you reference?

Amazon.com: Odyssey Battery HK-PC680 Hold Down Kit For Use : Automotive

Looks like a proper bracket.

Do you have a picture of it installed in a Caterham you can share?

 

Yes thats what I have installed in my car. 

 

Apologies I do not have any photos of my car handy to show you as I am in Florida this week.  I could take photos this weekend once I get back to the garage. 

[mccasksl]

Thanks!

 

[Billy]

Thanks Gents

 

i decide to go with the PC680 and have the hold down ordered. Hopefully it will all come together nearly. Still very disappointing that the stock battery failed after a few days!

 

Thanks again,

 

 

[toldfield]

I used the Odyssey box on top of the footboy shelf.  Easy job since I am not encumbered with luxuries like a heater...

 

tom

 

 

[Marek]

One comment on getting the longest life out of these batteries (and really, most AGMs): the charging requirements are not support by all chargers.  This recent thread goes into the topic in detail.