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Hi

Can anyone recomend a good 110 amp leisure battery. I have been looking at a few but can't decide which one to go with. I need it to last for long weekend breaks without the need for re-charging and therefore don't just want to buy any one and be disappointed.

Thanks Matt

Hi Matt and welcome to the site.  Any 110 amp battery should see you through OK providing it is specifically described as a leisure battery.  Most caravan dealers will do one that meets your purpose.

My advice is to also invest in a trickle charger (as opposed to an ordinary battery charger) so that you can be sure it is fully charged before you go.  Chargers in vans that charge when you are on EHU do not normally charge the battery beyond 60 -70% as I understand it.

Jon

Its worth paying a little more for a better one.  Its not the capacity when new that's the factor, as the other poster said any 110 will do, but better ones will be more tolerant of being drained completely flat and will last longer before they need replacing.  As ever, you get what you pay for.  Check out this link: http://www.elecsol.com/html/endorsement.html,  A 110 Elecsol is what we use.

Regards - Ian

Elecsol for me !

I have had two, a 110 and now a 100. Check your battery box as Elecsol 110's are a little wider that standard 110. Also remember that with the Elecsol a 100 = 120amp convenional battery.

Not cheap but very good.

Nick

Quote: Originally posted by Technophobe on 07/09/2005

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My advice is to also invest in a trickle charger (as opposed to an ordinary battery charger) so that you can be sure it is fully charged before you go.  Chargers in vans that charge when you are on EHU do not normally charge the battery beyond 60 -70% as I understand it.

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Even a modest battery charger these days is multi stage, they first charge to a fairly high voltage (around 14.5V) and then switch to maintenace or float charge mode at a lower voltage. 

Trickle changers are the ones that may not fully charge the battery.

Quote: Originally posted by jimboicky on 08/09/2005

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i have read some reviews where they recommend a stage or stepped  charger as they are the best for job these cost tween £80 and lots more pounds to purchase  from where ive looked so far  im reluctant but ... if it prolongs the life of battery and charges to a better degree then im gonna have to

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There are several levels of charger, more expensive ones tend do to be better and get more capacity out of the battery.

I bought a Sparkrite 8Amp one and it certainly charges the my two 60Ahr leisure batteries to 60Ahr, I have run capacity tests on them both several times. It cost £25. 

It charges up to around 14.4V at a fairly high current rate and then switches to trickle charge to avoid overcharging the battery.

It does charge both my 60Ahr leisure batteries to 60Ahr, I tested them both several times.

If I am getting a true 60AHr out of a 60Ahr battery with an inexpensive charger I dont really see what benefit, apart from faster charging, there is to be gained by paying more.

Incidently to my knowledge the type of charging does not have a significat effect on battery life, but how deep you discharge them or worse still leave them flat definetly affects life.