Battery Thermal Covers

[jack]

Hello,

I'm in the process of putting in a battery cover for my auxiliary battery in the GU and came across these:
http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page201a.html
Anyone had any experience with these and would you recommend them over the standard metal shield?

[threedogs]

Good idea, Just had a thread about under bonnet temps and batteries.
Well priced cant do any harm , Derek has some great products, IMO

[Cuppa]

I have my doubts about the usefulness of those covers under the bonnet for anything but short trips. The claim made that they will 'prolong battery life' is, I feel, more about promoting sales than scientific reality. In a hot environment like that the battery is going to get hot anyway, & all that cover is going to do is to help it retain the heat for longer. IMO a heat shield which protects the battery from the worst of the heat (e.g., from the turbo or exhaust) but allows air flow around the battery is best. Those covers might be better for use in cold climates where they would help the battery to retain a greater electrical capacity or for the winter commuter in southern Oz.
As TD says, Derek does sell some good stuff, but he also sells stuff which IMHO only appears to be a good idea e.g. a 'battery monitor' which is actually only a voltmeter to monitor two batteries.

Cuppa

[jack]

Thanks Cuppa,
I hadn't thought about it working in reverse and retaining heat which is an issue. As I'll be doing a very big trip I think I'll stick with a normal heat shield.

[Mtiehatten]

It might help as well by ensuring a slow cooldown of the battery after use in cold weather.

[threedogs]

Having re-read this is easy enough to make one using those silver sun reflectors
,just cut to shape and use grey duct tape on the edges

[Parksy]

You would probably not notice if it's done any benefit in my opinion. To me, it just looks like another water trap that's only going to corrode your battery tray even quicker than it already does.

[threedogs]

Has anyone who's changed their start battery
still have the OE plastic cover and convoluted hose in place

[Robo]

Not thick enough and leaves the top exposed .
also agree water trap.
and proberly promote heat soak after engine has shut down.
better idea would be to line the air box with it to insulate the box, and leave air gap around battery .

[Cuppa]

It might help as well by ensuring a slow cooldown of the battery after use in cold weather.

Why would this be beneficial?