I have been told that my leisure battery needs changing by the caravan service man. We currently have a class c. It is an old caravan and we have invested in a suitcase solar panel that has worked for our weekends off grid.
I would like some advice going forward please. We don't have motor movers, the van is light and we just push it if we can drive it. So far had no problems, so no plans to get MM.
So when it comes to batteries, what do I look for? I would love to do more off grid and don't want to be worried about not having power. All leisure batteries seem to be advertised as "if you have MM and use EHU" or not? What would be best to go for to do off grid with a solar set up (200-250w, from memory). No TV or other electric bits, we have gas heating and fridge. Just lights and phone charging???
What would you buy please?
Thanks for any help.
I totally agree with Marg6. If you intend to go off-grid you need as much battery power as you can accommodate. I would imagine you have a water pump, and although they are not usually running for long they do draw quite a bit of current. If you have LED lights they don't draw much, but ordinary bulbs do. Phone charging won't take very much and you could probably charge them in the car anyway.
Have you considered a lithium battery. They are more expensive at about +£300, but they would allow you to spend a lot more time off grid. They can be drained right down with no ill effects.
Quote: Originally posted by iank01 on 13/11/2024
Have you considered a lithium battery. They are more expensive at about +£300, but they would allow you to spend a lot more time off grid. They can be drained right down with no ill effects.
this would also involve having to change your charger as they arent compatable with the chargers that are currently inside a caravan
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.
Quote: Originally posted by marg6 on 13/11/2024
this would also involve having to change your charger as they arent compatable with the chargers that are currently inside a caravan
On many caravans this may not be necessary which is why I suggested it, but just as easy to connect it to a battery charger anyway.
Wonder if the OP had any joy, could be useful for others in the future.
------------- XVI yes?
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.
My reason for changing is that the service man has told me that my current battery is only working at 50%. So need to buy a new one for the new year. I am not very good with DIY but learning quick with the caravan. The van is 2002 elddis, so not sure it would be compatible with new tech. I would just like a battery that allows us to be off grid more. We are only 2 years into our caravan ownership.
Still looking at batteries.
Your old Class C battery is basically rated for use whilst on EHU.
Class B rated for on EHU, motor mover and occasionally going off-grid for short periods.
Class A rated for more extensive off-grid stays.
A leisure battery of at least 100ah, either lead acid or AGM connected to your solar panel and with a bit of care you can last for several weeks.
a 100 ah lithium battery would be your best option.. contrary to popular belief your van charger will work fine with it but it would also come with its own charger..
paired up with a couple of portable solar panels with some sensible use you could stay off grid indefinitely..
the other option would be what is known as a power station..
I love the idea of lithium but I am very confused as to charging them from the caravan. When I use the caravan in winter and plug into EHU, how would it charge then?
How do I know my old van with take lithium batteries?
I went for a halfords EFB leisure battery the last time around and thats ok but was costly.
If I'd had more time I'd have ordered one from Tayna, as it was I wanted a battery straight away and halfords was 2 minutes away and it was a battery that fit the locker.
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Topic: Leisure batteries
via mobile 12/11/2024 at 7:57pm
