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
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Caravan Batteries Post Reply Post New Topic
02/5/2012 at 6:42pm
 Location: Northeast
 Outfit: Swift oakmere 2008 and mondeo TDI
View Debi Sanderson's Profile View Profile   Reply to Debi Sanderson Reply   Quote Debi Sanderson Quote  
Joined: 20/2/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   84

Site Reviews Total: 18
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

How often would you expect to renew your caravan battery,and do caravan movers drain them.


02/5/2012 at 6:53pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587

Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0

It depends if you maintain your leisure battery or not and if you keep it charged on a regular basis. If you don't keep it charged then the voltage will fall slowly reducing the life of the battery which then could last 2 years if you're lucky. So if you are consuming power to operate a motor mover then don't recharge it straight away you could expect less than 12 months lifetime from the battery. Basically the battery slowly sulphates and when this happens it's the starting process of a reduced time of battery life.

Post last edited on 02/05/2012 18:59:40


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

02/5/2012 at 7:42pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit: Caravan now Sold
View michael's Profile View Profile   Reply to michael Reply   Quote michael Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   23517

Site Reviews Total: 1
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

Quote: Originally posted by Debi Sanderson on 02/5/2012
How often would you expect to renew your caravan battery,and do caravan movers drain them.
no set time i have known batteries last 7 years if looked after.if not switched on a mover will not drain it.a mover demands a full battery to operate.

-------------
the only silly question is the one you do not ask.


02/5/2012 at 10:13pm
 Location: durham
 Outfit: bailey
View ldpdmp's Profile View Profile   Reply to ldpdmp Reply   Quote ldpdmp Quote  
Joined: 10/5/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1188

Site Reviews Total: 4
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

depends how much you use them and how much you look after them   had one go within two years   had this one for five    had others for more than that     it does not depend on the amp/hours either

everything will drain a battery - in time if not charged back up     I have never had  bother with my battery and the mover   it has been used at both ends of the journey, up steep banks - along the site road for a chunk  sandy gound/ grassy ground   no problem    even a 'small' 75 ampH will last 75 hours at 1 amp  and 1 hour at 75 amps    so there is nothing to worry about

people will say a bigger battery is better   in my 30+ yearscaravanning I have yet to have this proved



02/5/2012 at 10:50pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View mark the roofer's Profile View Profile   Reply to mark the roofer Reply   Quote mark the roofer Quote  
Joined: 15/8/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   225

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

Could you not use a long stretchy lead to keep your caravan hooked up to car while useing the mover, your alternator will power your mover then.

Just thinking out loud.

-------------
Mark


Advertisement



03/5/2012 at 8:24pm
 Location: durham
 Outfit: bailey
View ldpdmp's Profile View Profile   Reply to ldpdmp Reply   Quote ldpdmp Quote  
Joined: 10/5/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1188

Site Reviews Total: 4
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

Quote: Originally posted by mark the roofer on 02/5/2012
Could you not use a long stretchy lead to keep your caravan hooked up to car while useing the mover, your alternator will power your mover then.

Just thinking out loud.

how long a lead will you need?  What's the point anyway, the caravan battery is perfectly capable of doing the job with plenty of reserve.    Blue sky thinking, but then the rain came down!

 

 



03/5/2012 at 8:30pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View mark the roofer's Profile View Profile   Reply to mark the roofer Reply   Quote mark the roofer Quote  
Joined: 15/8/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   225

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

I was thinking on the lines of not draining the battery which is what kills them, so the alternator is doing most of the work.

-------------
Mark


03/5/2012 at 8:43pm
 Location: durham
 Outfit: bailey
View ldpdmp's Profile View Profile   Reply to ldpdmp Reply   Quote ldpdmp Quote  
Joined: 10/5/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1188

Site Reviews Total: 4
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

it does not drain the battery at all    it uses up some of the juice, but does not drain it   I have had an 85 ampH on the van since new - 2007    it still works perfectly well, and has never let me down   I have three friends with movers - all with the same experience   there is nothing to worry about   jsut use the mover and enjoy not having to push the wrtetched thjing or ask others to help

mind you the easiest move was when 4 pompiers popped up from the pitch next to me and said 'permettez nous'   30 seconds latter it was pitched     saved the hassle but I couldn't afford to carry them around for the rest of the hols   thye did need refilling regularly thought - sine some evenings, champagne one night and plenty of vin rouge   although I have a van blanc!



04/5/2012 at 9:56am
 Location: Northeast
 Outfit: Swift oakmere 2008 and mondeo TDI
View Debi Sanderson's Profile View Profile   Reply to Debi Sanderson Reply   Quote Debi Sanderson Quote  
Joined: 20/2/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   84

Site Reviews Total: 18
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 for your replies. The battery I have on at the moment I have had for just under 4 years, It was working fine and I had a mover fitted 2 weeks ago and the battery has gone flat tried re charging it over night but its dead. Going to replace it today I just thought it might have had something to do with the mover. The fitter did tell me to buy a cheap charger and leave it on the battery permanently.


04/5/2012 at 10:09am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

Quote: Originally posted by Debi Sanderson on 04/5/2012
The fitter did tell me to buy a cheap charger and leave it on the battery permanently.


That could turn out very expensive advice!

Whether 'cheap' or not make absolutely sure it is a so called 'Smart Charger' if you intend to leave it on permanently, or it will start gassing your battery to a very early grave. Smart chargers typically are expensive because they are electronically more complex than basic chargers but Aldi and Lidi do occasionally sell a cheap version that for the money is good value. I prefer my CTEK units but they cost 3 times the Aldi prices.


Advertisement



04/5/2012 at 6:59pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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

Quote: Originally posted by Debi Sanderson on 04/5/2012
The fitter did tell me to buy a cheap charger and leave it on the battery permanently.

JTQU took the words right out of my mouth - completely ignore your fitters advice! Don't scrimp on a cheap charger, the replacement battery that you'll inevitably have to buy again will cost enough as it is.

Excellent and well priced CTek smart-charger available from Amazon here; I have this model and recommend it highly.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


04/5/2012 at 7:13pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587

Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0

I also have a smart charger manufactured by Durite which is identical to the C-Tek model. I have to agree with the above that you get what you pay for as I have found out in the past after having to replace a leisure battery after 2 years service. Since using this charger my leisure battery is now on it's third year without a problem.

http://www.mellorautoelectrical.co.uk/Workshop_and_test_equipment/409/Durite_12v_automatic_battery_charger_5amp,_for_lead-acid,_sealed,_gel_and_maintenance_free.html



07/5/2012 at 9:45am
 Location: manchester
 Outfit: coachman festival
View maggie51's Profile View Profile   Reply to maggie51 Reply   Quote maggie51 Quote  
Joined: 21/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   657

Site Reviews Total: 6
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 you get the smart charger like c tek how often do you charge the battery do you leave it on permanantly or every week, every monthor what we have just had a mover fitted and are having to gr=et new battery the same . The van is on the drive so we could take off the battery and leave in the house if need be , just dont want to have to buy a new battery every year

-------------
maggie


07/5/2012 at 10:37am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

Quote: Originally posted by maggie51 on 07/5/2012

If you get the smart charger like c tek how often do you charge the battery do you leave it on permanantly or every week, every monthor what we have just had a mover fitted and are having to gr=et new battery the same . The van is on the drive so we could take off the battery and leave in the house if need be , just dont want to have to buy a new battery every year


You can opt to do any of these; what is the most important is not to drain your battery below 50% and always recharge it after use even if you only depleted it a little.
My caravan has an in built smart charger and I leave it on EHU year in year out. My mover is on a portable second battery and that is on a CTEK charger again year in year out. My vehicle batteries and solar cell battery go on another CTEK as and when needed.
If you are going to switch on anything in the caravan I would first switch off the CTEK; it's output during part of the charging process could put particularly delicate items at a risk of over voltage; a small but present risk



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 - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














8800 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