GEL BATTERY?

**banano** · #1 21 May 2004

hi.

I've got one question about batterys.
how do you think, do I need gel batterys in my hilux? or just 2 normal will do the work?
Im asking because some people are saying that normal battery can break under the corruged track... so thats why I should buy gel one.
Im going to mauritania via atlantic route.

cheers
PeterB

**Chris Scott** · #2 22 May 2004

This is what I say on my http://www.sahara-overland.com/merc/ page:

"I was wondering about the battery - an Exide Classic which had an ominous 'February 2000' sticker on it. Enquiries with Exide suggested it was last recharged at that date so was getting on a bit even though it started the car fine. Batteries are vital with Saharan diesels as we know, but a spare lead-acid battery in the 190 would be awkward to stash - sealed are much less messy. I believe a single high performance battery (plus a solar panel in case of flattening) is all that is needed and Exide generously supplied me with a G60 Gel unit that's the same size as the standard (though 6kg heavier). It's hard to tell a cheap battery from a £160 sealed job while they both work, but I'm confident the G60 will long outlast the car. For the full story on Exide Gels and Maxximas (as used by Toby S in Desert Driving), follow the link at the bottom.

Chris S

**banano** · #3 22 May 2004

thanks Chris for your advice!
So as I understood your tips, I would porbably not buy gel battery (costs!) and
will go with my old Centra 72Ah and mayby buy another one just the same like my old one.
I think that will be enough.
maybe somebody thinks other than me?
If so, let me know.

PeterB

**Sam Rutherford** · #4 27 May 2004

I've never heard of a battery 'breaking' because of corrugations etc.

Normally batteries die because they dry up, get flattened too often etc. Make sure it's properly secured, take two and if one dies on the trip (unlikely), then it will be within the 3 year no-quibble guarantee (available on nearly all batteries now) and you can get it replaced for free.

Sam.