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Subject Topic: Leisure battery replacement and charging Post Reply Post New Topic
via mobile 27/6/2024 at 10:39pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: None Entered
View Wozzer100's Profile View Profile   Reply to Wozzer100 Reply   Quote Wozzer100 Quote  
Joined: 27/6/2024

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Hi all, so we got our campervan 2 years ago. Sadly during this time we ended up wrecking the leisure battery because we let it run completely flat and now it doesn't really hold a charge. Because of a change in circumstances we don't use the camper as much so before replacing the battery want to make sure it doesn't happen again.

We have a couple of questions that we hope people maybe able to help with.

Currently we have a bog standard leisure battery, think around �90 to replace. We want to go off grid for maximum 2 days. What sort of battery would be best? Have looked at lithium batteries and while expensive seems to get rid of alot of issues about charging. Could i simply replace it with a lithium? We just want to charge mobiles via usb, run the built in fridge and use the built in lights.

Next, for charging when not in use so we don't ruin the new one. Guess a smart charger will be best but we can't take the battery out as the not convenient really as the battery is in the engine bay with lots of things on top of it. Can i get a smart charger fitted in the camper that will work from the EHU?

We have spent time googling leisure batteries but it all gets very complicated. Thanks alot in advance.



28/6/2024 at 8:51pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: Bailey Alliance 66-2 Motorhome
View David Klyne's Profile View Profile   Reply to David Klyne Reply   Quote David Klyne Quote  
Joined: 13/2/2004

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The problem with Lithium is that you need supporting charging facilities, they are rarely a straight swap for other types of batteries. You could consider an AGM which are more inline with other types of leisure batteries. If the 230v system is set up to charge the leisure battery there should be no need for other chargers if you can regularly keep it attached to the mains as home. Another option is a solar panel. My neighbour has a VW camper and he has had a solar panel fitted to his roof, never see him connected to the mains.

David


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via mobile 29/6/2024 at 8:59am
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View blueexpo97's Profile View Profile   Reply to blueexpo97 Reply   Quote blueexpo97 Quote  
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A word of caution re AGM batteries, not all charging systems support them.
I found this out the hard way, put battery in new caravan on pickup and the battery was goosed a week later.
Upon reading the manual you could not use AGM with that particular charging unit.

Would have been good if the dealer told me, but they had never heard of such a thing!

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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


29/6/2024 at 9:04am
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View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
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for 2 days? just get a 75 amp hour battery, run your fridge on gas


via mobile 29/6/2024 at 9:55am
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford
View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
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Fit a solar panel ,this will ensure it does not flatten in between using camper.

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2023 Swift Archway Woodford, MK3 Kuga ST Line X 190 ps AWD Auto
Now 52 years Caravanning completed.


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via mobile 03/7/2024 at 3:41pm
 Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
 Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3
View DaveS1's Profile View Profile   Reply to DaveS1 Reply   Quote DaveS1 Quote  
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Don't forget that you cannot run the fridge off the battery alone. The 12volt setting only operates directly from the alternator when the engine is running. If you are off grid then gas is the only answer.
DaveS1


via mobile 05/7/2024 at 7:25pm
 Location: Marches
 Outfit: POSSL 2Win
View Oswestry Ed's Profile View Profile   Reply to Oswestry Ed Reply   Quote Oswestry Ed Quote  
Joined: 26/8/2018

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On our PVC we have 120w solar and single 110 amp AGM battery, our fridge runs off gas, all bulbs replaced with LEDs. Even in UK we regularly go 3 days off grid. We have USB ports to charge phones and tablets plus a rechargeable radio, no TV. We use van all year round.


via mobile 05/7/2024 at 9:22pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs
View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

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Went off grid that long with the previous old MH. No solar. North west Scotland- daylight late (almost midnight) so we didn’t miss EHU light. Fridge was cold after the 12v drive, we just minimised opening the door while we were off grid, treated it like a picnic coolhag & we didn’t have a problem. Sure, if you have medicines or fresh cream, that won’t work- just tailor your expectations. It’s camping!!

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.



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