Firstly, happy Christmas to everyone and thank you for the help and advice you have given me over the year.
My engine battery is just on 5 years old and when fully charged at about 13v it drops down to 12v after about 7-10 days, does this indicate it needs replacing?
I have “reconditioned “ it using a CTEK smart charger but it hasn’t made much difference
About 3 years ago the battery went almost completely flat whilst in storage so I guess it became damaged then?
Thanks again
As long as you regularly put it on a trickle charge it will be fine.
Remember that batteries deteriorate due to not being used, allowing sulphate to build up on the plates. Ideally if the van is in storage you should remove the battery and keep it connected to a smart charger.
5 years isn't bad. Probably best replace it with a good quality battery before next season. I've always felt that vans should be used year round - if not for holidays, then for days out, shopping etc.. Helps keep things in working order - not just the battery.
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Quote: Originally posted by barry915 on 24/12/2021
Firstly, happy Christmas to everyone and thank you for the help and advice you have given me over the year.
My engine battery is just on 5 years old and when fully charged at about 13v it drops down to 12v after about 7-10 days, does this indicate it needs replacing?
I have “reconditioned “ it using a CTEK smart charger but it hasn’t made much difference
About 3 years ago the battery went almost completely flat whilst in storage so I guess it became damaged then?
Thanks again
I have replaced the starter battery on my Bongo campervan with a Lithium Ion one. This battery provides better starting and faster charging than a lead-acid battery,it doesn't go flat anywhere near as quickly and it has a much, much longer lifecycle. It is also weighs about 25% as much as a lead acid battery. They are also much easier and safer to recycle at the end of their lifecycle. The only downside was that the new battery is physically smaller than the old one so I had to adjust the battery tray so the battery fitted more snugly.
I am inclined to think that once a battery starts to have issues it time to change? Do you provide it with any charge between outings? Not all motorhome electrical circuits charge both leisure and cab batteries.
David,
I use a small 30w solar panel to keep it trickle charged , obviously when it’s winter time with less sun it’s not that effective, I also give it a booster charge when needed with a CTEK charger during the winter.
Thanks everyone for the replies
Before paying out for a new battery, it might be worth getting the system checked for a parasitic drain, a simple check with a multimeter connected in series set to amps will be enough. normal culprits are things like alarms, clocks, stereo head unit memories and so on. There is no point in fitting a new battery if there is an issue or the same thing will happen.
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Topic: Engine battery
