Discovered leisure battery VERY hot in its plastic box in back of van ( M reg Trooper.) Nasty smell.Removed it , cooled down,taped red wires so couldn't touch anything and continued home. We had habitation check in May and battery seemed dead but was ok when checked so chap put in a new battery charger, I think under floor tail gate end, near leisure battery. Now nervous of getting another leisure battery and wondering if we really need one? We always have hook up and can keep fridge reasonably cool while travelling. Advice/ suggestions please?
I could be wrong but I think the leisure battery also does the water pump. That’s more of an issue to do without, but you may work off filling up bottles anyway.
I’d just get it all sorted. Better for peace of mind & better for when you sell it.
Thanks. What I’m wondering is did we need a battery charger or did that overheat the leisure battery? There’s nothing about leisure battery chargers in the handbook…..
You battery went critical and if it reached the point of smelling really bad then its dead or at least should not be trusted.
Without knowing how your van is wired then I cant say if you need a new battery but it is good practice for many reasons to have one connected. If you dont then you are relying on the charger to provide all the current you need, this can damage them and certainly shorten the charger life. If you dont need a large battery then just fit a smaller car battery, say 50AH instead of a 120AH.
Only the service guy knows if you needed a new charger, I assume he tested it or at least suspected that it had gone overvoltage and fried the battery.
Chargers can last only a few years if you are unlucky but should really last at least 5.
Same lifespan for a battery, so if either were older than this then reasonable to renew both.
We've never had a leisure battery, we rely on EHU on sites, or gas for the fridge overnight if necessary. And the 'van keeps the fridge cool whilst we are travelling. Limitations, but suits us.
The problem with NOT having a leisure battery connected is that the battery clips are allowed to make contact which will of course blow a fuse which creates another unwanted problem. Also, if there is no battery incorporated in the 12 volt circuit then there is nothing to stabilise the current. If a battery is connected up, the voltage should read about 12.9 to 13 volts but the charger itself pushes out 14 volts so it makes sense to have one in circuit. It's no different to having your mobile phone at home plugged into the 3 pin socket, switch on with a live current and having no phone connected to the charging cable.
I’m inclined to go with Franbee but Tango55 surely if we have the leads etc from old leisure battery removed there is then nothing left to short circuit? We would simply be driving the van like our car relying on the battery under the bonnet to start the engine etc and use electric hook up to provide power for fridge at camp sites? I always put freezer blocks in the fridge when we leave home anyway and keep them frozen where possible by using a freezer if available at camp site … I’m a bit nervous of having another potential fire in the van !!!!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Leisure battery VW Trooper
via mobile 18/8/2021 at 5:31pm
