Radio battery size

Outlawcart

May sound like a pretty dumb question but got me thinking.

I am planning on sitting an extra 12 volt battery in the rear for extra hook ups such as a radio and hooking the solar charger to it.

I have a couple extra car batteries sitting around but went and started pricing new ones just to have something decent figuring I really don't need anything that massive.

Anyway, I saw the yard and mower batteries which some are as cheap as $21.

Got me wondering if anyone has just placed a small battery in the back to power extra devices and how small did you go?

Wonder how long a lawn mower 12 volt battery might last playing a radio with a couple small speakers and no amp?

BGW

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Storm S

I built a custom power wheels for a client that I changed the normal PW battery for a Jetski battery and it ran the motors, a CD player, 7" tv screen, 2 small strobe lights, 4 18" neons, car alarm, and a few LEDs for a good 6 hours before it needed to be charged back up.

beau

That's where it all started for me. Pimpin my sons power wheels. I used to put heavy 550 motors in them with taller gears and an 18v boost switch! His lightning Mcqueen power wheels went 10 mph! I got him the golf cart when he outgrew the PW.

Outlawcart

That sounds like a winner then, I don't see any need to put a heavy full size battery in the rear then. Next question...any picture on mounting options for a small battery?

I have a full size battery box I was going to install and still might but would be a bit over kill for a small battery. Thinking maybe just mounting a strap over it.

Wylie_Tunes

Any 12V battery will run your 12 accessories, but the battery's amp hour capacity is whats going to determine how long it will play at a given load.

Loads such as lights, are easy to calculate their draw. its a consistent draw when the light is on, but a stereo is a different animal. Music can be so dynamic, that calculating an average draw as guess at best. We estimate the average, then pad that number, then determine the total Ah needed by how long a customer wants to play the stereo with the engine off.

I would suggest wet-cell deep cycle, but if space is an issue, look into a small AGM battery. A 35Ah AGM will not be much larger then a yard tractor battery and should give you plenty of play time for 2 speakers and a head-unit.

SaltLifeCC

I use a Walmart Marine battery for my lights and stereo with amp'd sub. Any 12v battery should run things but for how long will depend on the battery. A deep cycle battery is probably a better option for longevity because they will better handle being discharged before reacharging more than a battery designed to run a vehicle with a recharging system.

kernal

I went the for the "power chair" type glass mat battery. 35AH and weighs about 20 lbs. significantly smaller than other deep cycle batteries. Runs my MP3 amp and speakers all day. No maintenance required. I tried a motorcycle battery first. The collective wisdom here said it would last about a year and they were right.... and it required maintenance. I'm well into my second year on the current battery. However, you can buy a new motorcycle battery every year for almost 3 years before you break even. Too much hassle for me though.

Storm S

Just out of curiosity but why not just get a voltage reducer and not worry about having to plug in a second charger?

kernal

If you are asking me about the reducer I think it is a viable option. In fact probably better for most. I chose the battery for these reasons: 1. The reducer takes power from the pack and although not a lot I want all the power the engine room can deliver..."scotty". 2. I'm sceptical of their reliability in general. If going this route spend the money and get a quality unit and one that is plenty powerful (overkill) for your needs. 3. I have an EZGO so plenty of room under the seat. Easy installation and wiring.

I charge it with a small maintainer that has an adapter plug so you plug it in similar to the regular charger plug. I don't use it every day and so I charge it after use or every month if no use.

Outlawcart

I actually plan on leaving a small solar charger hooked up to the battery and mounting it to the roof.