How long should a fully charged leisure battery last without recharging? I will be running water pump and lights only...also is it recharged on the journy?...recieving many conflicting answers to that one. I have a generator but would prefer not to lug it on short outings. Tig
If you have dual electrics on your towbar, then your battery will be charged during the journey.
I was stranded in the Loire Valley for 10 days with no car (and no means to charge the battery as I didnt have an in-caravan charger) and, whilst being careful managed to make it stretch 10days whilst I got the car back.
Mind you - it was summer and therefore light until late, and also I did have an electric hookup which gave me some light.(but just didnt charge the battery)
My advice would be to hook your car up every couple of days and just run it for half an hour (stay well away from the exhaust fumes, though) and I'm sure your battery will last for your holiday. Also charge your battery fully before you set out, ( a battery left in a van over winter will need a good charge first)
It really depends on many factors how long a battery will last...the 'Ah' of the battery and the age/condition being the main factors, We have a newish 85Ah battery which easily lasts a week if used for our two 12v lights at night and the water pump when required.
If you have a Zig unit or other similar power control unit in your caravan, then make sure the switch that says 'Car/Caravan' is switched to Car when towing, this will then as already said charge your battery as you go.
If you are unsure of your batteries performance or don't have car-caravan charging etc, then it could be an idea to put your generator in the boot just incase. (or a spare battery).
On our van, if your van battery runs out you can use from your car battery in an emergency by connecting the 12S to the car and putting your selector switch in the "car" position. Yours may work in the same way. Be careful not to flatten the car battery.
Generators are best left at home if you are going to a site where there will be other campers.
That is wonderful news, the battery is new so should be fine and yes I have a zig unit, though did'nt know the name till now lol. The most I will be running it will be for 3 days unless on a site with hookup.
Jennifer, my generator is needed as we compete at dog obedience so our camps are large muddy fields with water laid on.. and normally very 'orrible portaloos'. Therefore now I have a caravan I will feel like royalty. Linda
Yes they are good for those type of situations. Having suffered at the hands of a would be generator user (at 11pm on a site with EHU would you believe!!) I am a bit touchy about them being used on regular sites!
It really depends on many factors how long a battery will last...the 'Ah' of the battery and the age/condition being the main factors, We have a newish 85Ah battery which easily lasts a week if used for our two 12v lights at night and the water pump when required.
If you have a Zig unit or other similar power control unit in your caravan, then make sure the switch that says 'Car/Caravan' is switched to Car when towing, this will then as already said charge your battery as you go.
If you are unsure of your batteries performance or don't have car-caravan charging etc, then it could be an idea to put your generator in the boot just incase. (or a spare battery).
i would think it should be to the caravan, not the car, i only have a motorhome but i have the same sort of zig, car or motorhome for using or charging, or off. hope that helps.
Lol thanks for the calculations Pete, we won't have a telly as the day time will be for working when we compete and the nights for a good meal and a little light refreshment, or vice versa as the mood takes lol. I have survived all this time in a tent so will pack my lamps etc and with the cooker and fridge being off the gas should still be most comfortable even if the battery does go flat.
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Topic: Battery Question
