I believe that my leisure battery in my 2015 Bailey Approach Autograph is dead. However, as I always use a mains hook up on site, I don’t feel like I need the battery. My thinking is to just leave the battery in place and not replace it, but someone told me doing that would damage the onboard battery charger. Is that correct?
Welcome to UKCS.
Can’t answer the charger question, but our “ceiling” MH lights run off the leisure battery. Toilet flush too, maybe, in that we don’t need to be hooked up to use the loo. Might be different for a caravan.
You should really change it. Is there danger of a problem with a charge going into a dead battery? You still need a 12v supply when you stop en route so it seems a false economy not to replace it. We are only talking about £100/200 depending on what sort you buy.
Firstly you only believe that your leisure battery is dead but there's no proof that it is so it's just a wild guess basically. You need to test the leisure battery with a voltmeter and identify how much voltage remains in the battery. If it is flat then it may just need re-charging but if it's defective you need to undertake a drop test at a garage which will determine if the leisure battery is defective or not. if it is then it's best to replace it because the onboard charger is pushing out 14 volts into a dead battery so the charge has to go somewhere possibly leading to a feedback into the charger which will result in a damaged charger as well. Two wrongs don't make a right so my advice is to get the battery tested first.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
If it is dead needs changing,as when on hookup charger will be trying to charge it and overheat the Battery,that will then start giving off the smell of bad eggs,
Certainly better to have a functional battery than a defective one that could fail totally with an open circuit, potentially giving rise to excessively high charger output voltage (puts all 12v appliances under unnecessary strain and potential early failure), or go short circuit and draw excessively high currents. Risk of gassing (hydrogen/oxygen in explosive mix! .... and the smelly corrosive Hydrogen Sulphide!) or overheating and fire!
If going to the expense of a battery, I'd be inclined to stick with a proper leisure battery, you'll get more life out of it (better value for money in longer term), and should the need ever arise when no EHU (not available, power failure etc.), it'll perform the function it's intended for. On modern vans, 12v system provides the power for most control systems and lighting, as well as fresh water and toilet flush pump. Without 12v (in case of no 240v EHU supply), you'll have no lights, water pumps, fridge (won't work on gas without 12v supply!), or heating (again needs 12v for controls and won't work on gas!).
A low capacity 75/85Ah battery should suffice if no motor movers and no desire to routinely run van off EHU. Can be had for under £100 from the likes of Tayna, Go Outdoors etc. Really not much more than a car starter battery cost, but far better suited to the job, and likely won't require replacement as quickly.
Take note of existing battery physical dimensions, terminal type (post or tag) AND polarity layout of terminals, to get a replacement that fits and connects OK.
We got a replacement for pur caravan leisur battery from Tayna. They have a good range at reasonable prices. The website also lists the dimensions for each model.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
I got one of these in November 2023, used for motor mover over a short distance, and always on EHU. Use the discount code and it comes in at just over £50. https://www.carparts4less.co.uk/search/017%20battery
------------- I like children but I can't eat a whole one
Just checked my van in storage, the battery was showing zero. Took it home plugged into the mains and 24 hours later its showing just under 14v {unplugged from the mains} not checked yet if it will hold the charge after using the mover.
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: Dead Leisure Battery?
via mobile 26/1/2025 at 6:22pm
