Auxiliary battery

[Doctari]

Unfortunately, I know little about electronics. So, what comes with the auxiliary battery, and why would I want an auxiliary battery? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[DenisM]

So in theory you could charge both vehicle batteries via this?

Yes...Not only in theory ... in fact someone has flagged this method as being feasible elsewhere...sorry I can't remember exactly where.
My "forgettory" is gradually replacing my memory!

 

[DenisM]

Lead acid batteries of course have a cycle life depending on how deeply discharged they are. You often read caravaners saying 'I get 3 - 4 days no problem' but the batteries are being discharged to 10.5-11.0V. If regularly taken below 12.2V (50%) you reduce cycle life by about two thirds and you're replacing batteries every few years. Optimal cycle life is staying above 70% state of charge but typically not practical so 50% is a good compromise. A good system should be designed around that.

There's a local Australian brand "Supercharge" which sells a 100AH "All Rounder" heavy duty AGM marine/deep cell https://www.supercharge.com.au/supercharge-allrounder-agm/ (it's 27Kg!)
For several years I had two of them in parallel I used as a "portable" (on a trolley) power pack. I abided by the 50% rule even though supercharge reckoned 30% (70% discharge) was acceptable. I no longer have the strength to juggle heavy SLA batteries... thank the heavens for LiFePO4!

 

[DCPU]

So in theory you could charge both vehicle batteries via this?

Yes, but you'd have to energise the circuit first and leave it open whilst charging.

 

[TheDocAUS]

More discussion of NATO plugs in this thread. The specs of the male and female NATO plugs used on the INEOS are here.

Australian users can buy male NATO plugs at Connector Tech ALS, in two different wire gauges, 35mm2 and 50mm2.

 

[MrMike]

More discussion of NATO plugs in this thread. The specs of the male and female NATO plugs used on the INEOS are here.

Australian users can buy male NATO plugs at Connector Tech ALS, in two different wire gauges, 35mm2 and 50mm2.

I think I'll leave mine alone, I'll run another feed from the start battery to an Anderson at the back. Still unsure how the NATO is triggered so I won't spend $200 on something I possibly won't use.