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.

 

 

 

[Taber10]

My first Odyssey PC680 lasted over 10 years.  I have had to replace it and I used the Odyssey mount.  Works great.  When I added a "catch can" I mounted it to the battery also.  

 

Edited October 28, 2024 by Taber10

[Croc]

On 10/22/2024 at 2:00 PM, mccasksl said:

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

 

 

Finally was at the garage this week to deal with some automotive things

 

Here is my Caterham Odyssey PC680 installation with the Odyssey bracket.

 

 

[mccasksl]

Thanks Mike. It appears to be over the passenger footwell. I’m installing same bracket same place. Did you secure the two SS studded plates so they don’t fall away when removing side brackets /nuts / battery? How? The bracket is an engineering marvel except for when you might want remove the battery seasonally etc. cheers! Steve

[Croc]

6 hours ago, mccasksl said:

Thanks Mike. It appears to be over the passenger footwell. I’m installing same bracket same place. Did you secure the two SS studded plates so they don’t fall away when removing side brackets /nuts / battery? How? The bracket is an engineering marvel except for when you might want remove the battery seasonally etc. cheers! Steve

 

 

Hi Steve - yes it is over the end of the passenger footwell.  Its been a while since I installed this but if I want the battery out I undo the top cross plate and pull it out the top.  The side plates are screwed down to the base - never touch those.  I feel like I am missing your point?  Apologies - its been a long week!

[mccasksl]

Got it thanks!  Now I see the all the battery pictures posted.

Cheers!

Steve