Great tips.

LiFePO4 sounds like a good option.  Next stop Alice Springs but not too
hopeful of having options.

There is a regulator between 33W panel and batteries when they were sitting
idle.

I regularly checked particularly when insolation was optimal (as mentioned
it was never properly oriented and often shaded by tree) but never recall
seeing a terminal voltage > 13.1 volts. So i thought to myself that is
perfect.

I gave away some decent gel filled cells about 15years ago and they are
still working great in a caravan so that is a tempting option.  May check
with the current owner to find out exactly what they were.  They are
constantly connected to panels via reglator when not in use.

Yes, it is cold out here (for us) frozen tea in the cup this morning.  Wife
has been looking forward to using electric blanket but alas never got a
chance with the state of thr batteries.

Topped with distilled 2 days ago and since then many kilometers of
corrugations which i was hoping may help. It didnt.

Todays experiments found that having the battery on different angles had an
effect.

Even tried sucking out electrolyte from each cell mixing and then using
that to refill.  It did make a difference as i was refilling one of the
cells.

Two cells electrolyte was cloudy.

I have spent many hours measuring, charging discharging and have concluded
they are stuffed.

Not sure what the issue is with charging from the vehicle.  They are
basically directley connected to vehicle via about 10m of cable. Voltage at
cabin is constant at 13.8v so i suspect with the fridge running the
batteries in the camper would only ever see about 13.4v as we drive.

Thats what i measured while stationary with engine running.  I was more
concerned they would never get a proper boost charge rather than
overcharged.

Was thinking may need dc-dc converter from car to camper but solar panel
seems capable of delivering boost charge when parked.
--=20
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