Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: A Million Battery Questions Post Reply Post New Topic
Personsadkate
22/2/2016 at 1:34pm
 Location: Linlithgow West Lothian
 Outfit: The Yorkshire Diamond! View sadkate's Profile View Profile   Reply to sadkate Reply   Quote sadkate Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   472
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you in advance if you can hello with any of these!

I need to replace the battery in the van I just bought as it's gubbed. I've topped it up and so on. It took enough charge to switch on the little halogen spots briefly then showed red light on the switch again.

1. Why would a battery leak? There was a puddle of acid in the tray. The plugs were all screwed in properly. Last person spilled it testing/topping up and just didn't clean up (no wonder) perhaps? It doesn't look damaged or anything. Do they normally leak?

2. So should I get a sealed one this time? (I've ruined two pairs of trousers humping the last one around! Lesson learned...) The van is in storage with no power access so I will need to bring it home to charge it in the winter, maybe in between times. Is there any downside to a sealed one? I have a smart charger that can do both types. Does the acid get used up? Where does it go?

3. We intend to get a mover. Should I invest in a high MaH one then?

4. With a mover would I always need to be sure to charge the battery before I left home?

5. Size. Are leisure batteries all the same size, even if different amps? How do I check the size?

6. Can I (should I) fit quick release claps to the van's connection wires to save faffing when I take it out?

-------------
Kate

Ye're no here tae enjoy yersel.


Personfreeatlast
22/2/2016 at 5:54pm
 Location: Teesside
 Outfit:  Mitsubishi ASX4 View freeatlast's Profile View Profile   Reply to freeatlast Reply   Quote freeatlast Quote  
Joined: 23/3/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2135
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
1. Hmmm it shouldn't, unless its been topped up too much or has a cracked case.
2. If you've ruined 2 pairs of trousers, I would suggest you've over-filled it. The electrolyte should only just cover the plates inside.
3. Not really necessary, depends on your other use. If you rely on the battery over a weekend for lighting Tv etc, then yes, otherwise no. A motor mover uses about 20 amps/hour so you should get several hours use out of an 85ah battery.
4. yes its wise to do so, but depends on how much it was used last time out, and how long the drive back was to charge the battery.
5. NO! measure the internal size of your locker, usually the problem is front to back.
6. Yes. get them from a caravan dealer's shop.


PersonPaul_B
22/2/2016 at 7:42pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   824
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Was the cells very low when you topped them up?, it sounds like you've a cell down which makes the 12v battery into a 10v(its usually the end ones that go)

The charger then sees the 10v and keeps charging to get it back up to 12v, this boils the battery and why acid is spilled out.

The figures are examples, they charger will actually be trying to get the battery up 13.8v


Personnaturlist123
22/2/2016 at 9:54pm
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about View naturlist123's Profile View Profile   Reply to naturlist123 Reply   Quote naturlist123 Quote  
Joined: 13/1/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   702
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Most batteries that can be topped up have a degassing vent on the side and if you over fill you can blow your zig unit.
If it is a top up type you should have a vent pipe venting to the underside of the van.

Most moter mover manufactures recommend you use no less than a 85AH battery I always use a 110AH for all my vans past and present.

The cheaper the battery the shorter and thinner the plates the less life.

There are some good batteries on the market some specialise in leisure batteries like Numax just to mention one.
There are also some very expensive american ones on the market which you dont need and usually wont fit in your battery box unless you have a big five wheeler or motor home


Personsadkate
23/2/2016 at 8:29am
 Location: Linlithgow West Lothian
 Outfit: The Yorkshire Diamond! View sadkate's Profile View Profile   Reply to sadkate Reply   Quote sadkate Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   472
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thank you!

So the battery leakage/spillage was there in the tray when I got the can home after buying. I subsequently took it home to check it and top it up so I didn't do the spilling.

However the levels were quite low (and I recon I've topped them up a bit high). Sounds like it might have been boiled before then? I didn't spot a vent in the van (wasn't looking for that though) but there is this plastic tray.

One more Q. The rubber seal on the battery locker door has been, it looks like, corroded a bit, or damaged at least. Is that an important thing to repair or if locks closed OK can I leave it for now?

-------------
Kate

Ye're no here tae enjoy yersel.


Advertisement



Personsadkate
23/2/2016 at 8:31am
 Location: Linlithgow West Lothian
 Outfit: The Yorkshire Diamond! View sadkate's Profile View Profile   Reply to sadkate Reply   Quote sadkate Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   472
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
The trousers were a result of me being an idiot and lifting a battery that had been sitting in a puddle of its own spillage without making sure it was really clean. Doh. Wondered if sealed would be a good buy to avoid this though as I don't have twin electric on car so think I'll be charging at home a fair bit.

-------------
Kate

Ye're no here tae enjoy yersel.


PersonGrampian91
25/2/2016 at 10:58pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If teh battery went flat during the cold spell it may have frozen and cracked.

A charged battery will resist freezing until much lower temperatures.



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

8544 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder