Dual Batteries

[Bob Wyke]

Good afternoon
I have a 2018 Peugeot Bailey Autograph, it has two leisure batteries and only one connected, firstly why, and secondly, is there any reason why the two cannot be connected for longer off grid time?
Best regards
Alderney Bob

 

[Figaro]

If it's been like that without charge for a long time it may be toast.
Impossible to say why it's like that but they should be connected, no reason not to.

 

[Bob Wyke]

Yeah, that’s what I thought. We are at the Cheshire Steam Fair, I will put a test on it to check
Thanks for your reply

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

Check the one that's not connected and determine the voltage. If its 12.6 plus then it's a good one. If lower best to charge it separately and recheck.
Both can be connected in parallel but just make sure the unconnected one is OK first.

 

[autorouter]

I will put a test on it to check

A standard battery tester is not a good test for a leisure battery. It is intended to test a starter motor battery, which uses a massive current for a few seconds and is then recharged very soon afterwards. A leisure battery provides a lower current for a much longer period. Some leisure battery types will not take kindly to a starter battery tester. If you have access to a mains supply, best to charge both batteries up to 100% overnight or for 24 hours, then connect them in parallel. Two batteries in parallel is a very popular arrangement to give extra storage capacity.

Just be aware that it might have been disconnected for a reason, maybe it's defective. Charge it to 100%, disconnect and let it 'rest' for a few hours. The voltage will drop from about 13.5V on charge to about 12.6V resting. If it drops further, say to 10.5V, then it is definitely defective.

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[Bob Wyke]

Thank you for all your comments
Oddly the battery doesn’t appear to ever have been connected, there are no marks on the poles