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Topic: Leisure battery replacement and charging

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Wozzer100

via mobile 27/6/2024 at 10:39pm
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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 ï¿½90 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.

David Klyne

28/6/2024 at 8:51pm
Location: Milton Keynes
Outfit: Retired motorhomer

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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

blueexpo97

via mobile 29/6/2024 at 8:59am
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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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marg6

29/6/2024 at 9:04am
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for 2 days? just get a 75 amp hour battery, run your fridge on gas

birdman101

via mobile 29/6/2024 at 9:55am
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Fit a solar panel ,this will ensure it does not flatten in between using camper.

DaveS1

via mobile 03/7/2024 at 3:41pm
Location: Hatfield Peverel Essex
Outfit: Ace Supreme Twinstar Disco 3

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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

Oswestry Ed

via mobile 05/7/2024 at 7:25pm
Location: Marches
Outfit: POSSL 2Win

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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.

Fiona W

via mobile 05/7/2024 at 9:22pm
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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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