Another unexpected difference between our old Bailey and new Swift is the size of the battery box. We transferred our leisure battery over from one to the other and were surprised to find that it barely fits into the Swift. The door will close and lock but it is a very tight fit.
So, my question is, are all leisure batteries of the same power the same dimensions? If not, what brand has the smallest dimensions. It seems to be the depth from front to back that is causing the problem, not the length or height.
The best solution is to phone a vehicle and leisure battery supplier in your area with the dimensions and amp hours battery you require and they should be able to tell you what they have in stock plus cheaper than the average shop that only stocks a limited amount of batteries. That's what I did and saved about 15 quid on a Lucas 100 ah. leisure battery.
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We were recommended to change from the original battery 85 something I think (I don't do electrics/techie) to 110 something, bigger but stronger, only just fits in the box. We bought ours from Tayna, good price, very quick delivery time.
Another thing to watch for is the positions of the positive and negative terminals. I haven't seen any leisure batteries with side mounted terminals, yet, but perhaps something else to be aware of.
When you say, 'The door will close and lock but it is a very tight fit', are you sure it's not the sealing rubber around the perimiter of the door that's causing the restriction?
The reason I say this is because when I purchased my caravan from a dealer they had to replace the battery service door which upon collection the rubber along the top was extremely tight.
I requested them to rectify it which they did and now the service door is a perfect fit.
Just a thought that's all.
Tayna online battery supplier includes battery measurements on their website so measure the space you have & then order the largest battery that will fit. They are as cheap as anybody & ime deliver promptly & well packaged.
Thanks for all the advice. The locker door still shuts, albeit a tight fit, so we will just keep this battery until it dies and then when purchasing a replacement, pay more attention to the dimensions so that it fits the box a bit better.
Does it matter where the terminals are, I have never had a caravan where the cables are that short, different on a vehicle of course. The door shuts and locks, what's the problem? Sounds to me like you have the exact size, no movement. Just saying
Quote: Originally posted by Grandad Kenny on 01/3/2018
Does it matter where the terminals are, I have never had a caravan where the cables are that short, different on a vehicle of course. The door shuts and locks, what's the problem? Sounds to me like you have the exact size, no movement. Just saying
The cables on my avondale are short and wouldn't reach.