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Wirral and North Wales have organised 19 consecutive Y Ddraig Goch runs in Wales. The date for your diary for our 20th run is September 13th and 14th. Staying one night at the Highland Moors guest house, Llandrindod Wells. Touring around mid Wales, with our favourites, Devil's Bridge and the Elan Valley. A lot of interest in this tour, so if you want to take part then please talk to Sue at the Highland Moors to book accommodation. 01597 825151. LD1 5ND. Not to be missed. John.

I started to "study" this topic also. Foud that LiFePO4 have always much lower PEAK discharge current (typicaly 40-50-60 A with 20A 12v battery). Then BMS shoud cut current . Acid lead batteries are better in this . I am going to experiment , today got my first LiFePO4, will try to start differnt cars with it, and try if will be albe to move electric reverse in BEC kitkar...

LiFePO4 battery 20Ah and charger (charger more expensive than Battery! but seems reputable company, IP65, thick cables, solid connetor, and few modes and app for more experienced users . Battery with peak discharge current 50A. Not sure, but hope it wil be sufficient for reverse elecric motor.

Not the usual format, but these are pretty good.

WOW what a great trip !!!!! Many thanks to all the guys and gals that make these trips an unbelievable experience , it makes the WSCC the greatest club in the world. Here’s a few pics from our travels ……. Compulsory McDonald’s muffin to start the day then we met @ianaliand @Andy Westwood at Ashbourne to follow last years Long way North tour up to the A65 and then head into the lakes but Andy’s car was having other ideas !!!!!! he decide to quit and make a run for home to swap to the SLK and meet us later , we carried on getting lost a couple of times and finding road closures 🙄 but still found some nice roads but then the rain turned up after a couple of diversions and re routes ( this was one of them) we decided to quit the nice roads and make a run for the hotel via the M6, the view from Ian and Ali’s car Well we got there and parked up with the others and started to dry out, Mr Westwood’s SLK was sat all alone but he did look rather dry sat in the pub 🤔 Look some blue sky 😎 some lovely roads and scenery from the day A lake somewhere (we know why there’s so many 🤣) quiet roads top of a mountain somewhere ( @Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative will tell me which one 😜) we stopped for a drink and I parked in the charging bay so I thought I’d give it ago , Westfield do electric cars … but mine isn’t back to chasing the sunshine and a big shout out to the crazy gang who we’ve met through the mighty WSCC next year can we go away from GREEN we need a nice bright colour like ORANGE 🤪 Thanks again @Marcus Barlow - Show and Events Co-ordinator and @Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative and the others for making this tour happen, love to you all Andy & Becky

Time for bed

Here is what ChatGPT said : replacing a lead-acid (or gel/AGM) leisure battery with a lithium (LiFePO₄) battery in a campervan is more complex than it first appears. In regular cars, the switch seems straightforward because their systems are simpler and don't typically have multiple charging sources like a campervan does. Here's why you need to be careful when upgrading: Alternator Charging: Older alternators try to charge lithium batteries like they would charge lead-acid ones. This can be inefficient or even harmful to both the alternator and the battery. Lithium batteries require a consistent charging voltage (typically ~14.4V). That's why a DC-DC charger is recommended — it regulates and optimizes the voltage coming from the alternator specifically for lithium. Solar Charge Controller: Your current solar charge controller may be set up for AGM or gel batteries. Lithium batteries need a different charging profile. You’ll need to check whether your controller has a LiFePO₄ charging mode — if not, it may need upgrading. Zigg 12 (Mains Charger): This unit was likely designed with lead-acid chemistry in mind as well. It might not reach the right final voltage or provide the correct charging behavior for lithium. You’ll want to check the specs carefully — a dedicated LiFePO₄-compatible 230V charger might be needed. BMS (Battery Management System): Most lithium batteries have a built-in BMS, which protects against overcharging, deep discharge, etc. However, this doesn’t replace proper charging hardware — it’s a safety net, not a substitute for correct voltages and profiles. In summary: Yes, it's totally possible — but you do need to pair the lithium battery with the right components: especially a DC-DC charger and a suitable solar controller. If everything is set up correctly, lithium is a great upgrade: lighter, more usable capacity, faster charging, and longer lifespan. Would you like help selecting specific gear or checking if your current setup supports lithium? I can show you how a DC-DC charger works, the key differences in lithium charging profiles, or whether your Zigg 12 is compatible with LiFePO₄.

Might be having a word with JWM to see what they think...

Just a personal choice, I like a SLB with a high purity lead electrodes. Never had a problem with them.

Great drive on the empty minor roads from Vannes to Port de Trèvignon in Brittany today

Sorry I can't make that

looking for some 13s, pro race 1.2s , cxrs, ideally but open to others. 4x108 black or gold

@dvd8n AFAIK they are intended to be a lower cost alternative to the TE Deutsch series, which I think makes them ideal for our cars. They are totally interchangeable and compatible with each other, and I can't see any difference in quality between these and the few Deutsch ones I've had before. Solid contacts are pricey but really nice to use. There are open barrel terminals available as well though. Take pretty much any DT/DTM part number and swap the first two characters to AT to find the Amphenol equivalent.

Any particular reason? I have a JWM one in my Carrot, it's been brilliant so far, arguably the best battery I've ever had in any of my kits. Perhaps need a full season to assess fully but atm it looks like an excellent move. Absolutely flies the engine round and starts more easily than it ever has before!

Either are good, but make sure you're not buying cheap copies. No problem buying from Mouser.

I wouldn't use one myself, but understand why some do if chasing weight saving.

Top of Gardena pass , Dolomites

It's the Yorkshire area meeting next Tuesday, 1st July at The Buffers, Rakehill Road, Scholes, LS15 4AL from 7:30ish. Anyone coming?

Do you reckon that these are better than Deutsch?

A box of Amphenol AT/ATM connectors from Mouser for my ongoing re-wiring

I was thinking of replacing the massive but fairly limited leisure battery in my campervan for a Lithium ion battery.. But the more I looked into it the more complex it became… currently the leisure charged off the alternator when the engine runs.. also from the solar. Also a Zigg 12 10a supply from mains when in site… But it appears all of these are bad news and I’d need to use a DC - DC charger, and a load more complication.. Yet we fit them as a direct replacement as a battery on our cars and allow them to charge of a 45a alternator..

Thanks to all you members who came along, hope you enjoyed the tour. We got wet, we got lost and we had lots of fun 😎 and somewhere there is a sign with a WSCC tour sticker on it 🤭

Lovely photos there tony 🤩

I've been going through my GoPro footage, so here's a couple of videos and some stills. Andrew chatting up Margaret Leaving the Hotel Ullswater Hills and Bends

Hi I’m based in Stamford, happy to go for a drive, I go to a couple of cars and coffee events around the area as well as a drive at random. like @AndrewBClarke had already has highlighted the peak district meet is great day out, I do attend at least one or two a year, and meet with Andrew on route (depending on meeting point). happy to go for a local drive or if people around the area are interested to do a group meet drive.