Hi im new to caravanning and have just bought a used caravan (our first ) it does not have a battery as the previous owner took it out and discarded it. Im looking to buy one however i dont know if a specific size (dimensions) is required. Unfortunately i cant get to the caravan until the weekend when i pick it up so i am unable to check measurements but i want go go prepared with new battery.
Its a coachman genius 460/2 se 1997.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
It's a leisure battery you need to buy which is different from a normal car battery. I think they come in 85amh or 110amh. The more amh the longer it will go between charges if your not using electric hook ups. If you have a mover fitted the higher amp hour battery would be better.
I would recommend a look at Tayna Batteries. Excellent range, competitive prices and next day delivery. Very helpful, plus battery dimensions shown on website too.
We dont have motor movers however we are planning on staying places without electric hook up so a big ah is ideal. Ill check out tanya batteries. Thank you all
Ok ive been looking around and the 'low height' batteries most places sell only give a clearance of 5mm. Im not sure that is enough room for the connectors. Ive messaged the previous owner who said just ask for a standard leisure battery they are all the same :-/ ive also noticed they are available with left or right positve terminals...now im really confused.
Just a thought....but....would i be able to tow it home and run ehu (i think thats the right terminology for mains electric) for a short time without a battery installed or is the battery required for anything to function at all eg driving lights? Im thinking maybe i can wait until i get it home to properly measure and check which side terminals are before buying battery....heeeeeelp meeeeeee
Don't know your van but you can definitely tow it. On ehu without battery most will work. Usually 12v lighting and your water pump won't work without a battery.
My only concern is that the driving lights (brake lights indicators etc) wont work. Do the driving lights run from a seperate circuit (12n socket) than everything else internally as im not fussed about the internals working right away..i just want to tow it home safely.
Make sure you fully insulate at least one battery terminal to ensure they have no chance of touching each other until you have the battery available.
As for the seller's comment, there isn't a standard battery, so i suggest your current plan is the best option. Some older caravans will operate 12v equipment without a battery as the charger doubles as a 12v PSU too, but most rely on the presence of a battery for proper 12v running.
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