We are changing from tent camping to buying a caravan ( due to health reasons). I have read that caravans do not come with a leisure battery when bought from new. Are they essential? We would mainly be with EHU.
Also when I read the MIRO I think this takes into account a gas bottle. Is this correct? But I assume this does not account for ths leisure battery. Am I correct?
The way I look at this is that you wouldn't buy a new car without a battery so a caravan shouldn't be any different. There are appliances that are powered by 12 volts electrics such as the water pump and toilet flush so if there is ever a mains power cut on site you can still survive by having a battery installled.
You haven't stated the year of caravan you intend to buy but the older caravans need a battery in circuit because the way the 12 volt electrical system functions whereas modern caravans I believe don't necessarily need a battery. However, I would always prefer a battery on board so it won't do any harm to ask for one as you can save yourself the best part of a hundred quid.
Don't be too concerned about the MIRO as this is the weight empty when it leaves the factory, it's the MTPLM you need to work out figures which is the maximum laden weight of the caravan.
If this is your first caravan and you are unable to handle it manually into tight spaces, or are not confident enough to try and reverse onto pitches without the smell of burning clutch, l strongly advise you to get a Caravan with a Motor Mover fitted.
This enables you to move your caravan once de-hitched using a remote control handset and be inch perfect in where you want it to go without struggling badly, especially if you are suffering from Health and disbility issues. I am disabled myself, without a Motor mover, and a 110amp Leisure battery to operate it off, l would have had to have given up my much loved hobby 10 years ago.
As it is now, l can position it myself from the comfort of my wheelchair if needs be.
If you do a deal on your New caravan from dealership, you may be able to wangle a brand new motor mover onto your caravan for free, as part of an incentive of a no trade in package.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
You are correct that new caravans do not come with a battery. You have to pay extra for one. Probably because they can be from a range of sizes/capacity/type etc. Some will want cheap and small, some will want big and expensive.
Some manufacturers will be OK without a battery but some will require one. The manual should say.
MIRO is Mass in Running Order. This is what my 2016 Bailey caravan says is included in MIRO.
From the 2011 season the method of calculating the Mass in Running order (MRO) and user payload figures has changed in order to bring it in line with European Vehicle Directives. Although the method of calculation has changed, the overall effect is that the amount of payload available to the customer has remained the same; it is just calculated in another manner.
The Following Items are included in the MRO:
• LPG - The mass of the recommended gas storage tank(s) when filled to 100% of the permissible maximum capacity. A mass of 10 kg per cylinder is assumed and the number of cylinders is equal to the number of connections provided at the regulator.
• Fluids - The mass of the liquids normally remaining in the systems:
1. Water heater system –100% of the manufacturer stated travelling capacity
2. Central heating system – 100% of the mass of fluid in the system
3. Freshwater – 100% of the manufacturer stated travelling capacity (you must travel with all water tanks empty)
4. Waste water holding tank – empty
5. Toilet system flushing tank – 100% of the manufacturer stated travelling capacity
6. Toilet system holding tank – empty
7. Essential fluids for the use of any other items of standard or factory fitted optional equipment – 100% of the manufacturer stated travelling capacity
• Electricity Supply 1. 4Kg for the low voltage connection cable
Typical masses consist of:
Kettle 0.5Kg Aquaroll (empty) 5Kg
Bed Linen 6Kg Waste bin 1Kg
Crockery 5Kg Toilet Fluid 2.5 Kg
Saucepans 3Kg Cutlery 2 Kg
Wastemaster 6Kg Battery 25 Kg
What is included in MIRO does change from time to time.
Thank you for your replies and advice👍. Looks like we will be having a new one, so just need to get a good price and fingers crossed we can have one for our summer holiday 😎
We negotiated a free starter package with our new caravan - water and waste containers, battery, mirrors, step, gas bottle, etc - basically everything we needed to get us started. Also got a free motor mover and a discount on the list price as we weren't trading in.
This was at the caravan and motorhome show, it gave us a chance to get a look at all the caravans as well as the opportunity to negotiate a good deal. There were also free towing sessions which I'd really recommend - 20 minutes on the open road with loads of tips. We've also gone on the caravan and motorhome towing course which was really useful.
A friend has just bought a new bailey and that came with motor mover and battery, also without a trade in you could also get a new caravanners welcome pack and/or a discount.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Leisure battery confusion
via mobile 24/2/2019 at 11:05pm
