What kind of leisure battery?

[Suenliam]

I have finally conceded that we will need to get a new leisure battery. However, knowing less than nothing I would appreciate advice on what type to get.

I have a box of tricks (MTTP?) which can switch between different types.

When away, most months of the year, we are always on EHU and have a 100w solar panel which in theory should keep the battery ticking over when not out for runs which we do about every 2 weeks when not using the camper for nights away. The current battery is an AGM. It is not possible for us to hook up at home - terraced house and double yellow lines.

If we got the replacement from somewhere like Halfords they will replace it for us but I do need to know exactly what to ask for as I am not convinced all their staff know what a leisure battery is. I have no desire to start guddling about with battery changes myself!

Sue

 

[funflair]

It might depend a bit on what you have now and what space is available, OK you said AGM but the available space might dictate what will fit, I know AGM are not the flavour of the month with some on here but your use does seem pretty easy on the battery so how long has this AGM lasted? and do you know what make it is?

 

[Sue and Rick]

If i were you I would simply get a flooded lead battery. Halfords unfortunately go by what it says on the computer. I am sure that your solar should keep up with the charging when not in use. Ours does and we have the 100w top up solar for leisure and cab battery.

NCC Class A Leisure Batteries - Leisure Batteries

Tayna Batteries supply all types of Leisure Batteries. Browse our full range of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries here. We aim to be the cheapest supplier of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries in the UK.

www.tayna.co.uk

 

[Suenliam]

It might depend a bit on what you have now and what space is available, OK you said AGM but the available space might dictate what will fit, I know AGM are not the flavour of the month with some on here but your use does seem pretty easy on the battery so how long has this AGM lasted? and do you know what make it is?

Our current battery has been discharged too often for age to be an issue - solar wired to engine battery when we got it and blown fuse etc. since. No sure what make it is, I would need to check but Varta seems to ring a bell. Yes, very easy on battery use. Thanks for pointing out about space available.

If i were you I would simply get a flooded lead battery. Halfords unfortunately go by what it says on the computer. I am sure that your solar should keep up with the charging when not in use. Ours does and we have the 100w top up solar for leisure and cab battery.

NCC Class A Leisure Batteries - Leisure Batteries

Tayna Batteries supply all types of Leisure Batteries. Browse our full range of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries here. We aim to be the cheapest supplier of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries in the UK.

www.tayna.co.uk

Yes - if I could go to Halfords etc. and ask for a specific battery then all would be well. I was considering getting someone to wire it up for battery charging as well. Interesting that you have the 100w panel and it copes well. Even here in Scotland we get our fair share of sun and bright conditions
Sue

 

[PlacidoD]

Is your van an Autoquest CV40?

Unless you are prepared to pay megabucks it would be best to install for yourself. And if you are doing that with, on your own admission, limited skills it is probably best to replace like with like. In that case you can just simply take some photos on your phone yank the old battery out and put the new one in.

I am guessing your battery will be under the driver or passenger seat? Your biggest problem will be getting the seat off. In my case there were three different types of bolts to undo for that purpose. You will need to do that to measure the existing battery and order a replacement.

If you are very lucky there will be a Funster near you that can give you a hand.

No way would I go to Halfords for a Moho leisure battery. It is not in their skill set!!

If you are really struggling choose a mobile Moho mechanic, get him to demount the seat and leave it off until your new battery arrives. Tanya will deliver in a couple of days (Not sure where you are in Scotland. Might be best to phone them and ask about delivery times to your neck of the woods)

Hope that helps.

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[Suenliam]

Yes PlacidoD it is an Elddis CV40 (exactly the same as the Autoquest). The battery is under the back seat now made into a permanent bed so relatively easy access. Good point about getting like for like. We do have a very reasonable mobile service man so could easily call on him to help. Thanks for your suggestions.
Sue

 

[Raul]

Have a look here on the classifieds; some pretty good batteries going cheap, and they still quite robust for the price. A real bargain who ever will get them.

 

[gilbaro]

Talk to Ash at Vanbitz. He gave me good advice at NEC for a very similar setup and use to you.

 

[funflair]

On the basis that it is always going to be on hook up is the battery type that important as long as it’s sealed, if it’s now got AGM and set for that I can see an argument for going the same again, if the OP has a mobile guy that seems a good option.

 

[Lenny HB]

If i were you I would simply get a flooded lead battery. Halfords unfortunately go by what it says on the computer. I am sure that your solar should keep up with the charging when not in use. Ours does and we have the 100w top up solar for leisure and cab battery.

NCC Class A Leisure Batteries - Leisure Batteries

Tayna Batteries supply all types of Leisure Batteries. Browse our full range of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries here. We aim to be the cheapest supplier of NCC Class A Leisure Batteries in the UK.

www.tayna.co.uk

The NCC battery list is total BS, it is compiled from manufacturers data no test are performed on the batteries by the NCC. It is best ignored.

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[Suenliam]

The NCC battery list is total BS, it is compiled from manufacturers data no test are performed on the batteries by the NCC. It is best ignored.

Lenny HB Thanks. What would you suggest - I am thinking of ordering on-line and getting my mobile man to install. Although my usage is not high, I would rather have a good value for money battery i.e. not cheap just for the sake of saving a few pounds.
Sue

 

[Lenny HB]

Lenny HB Thanks. What would you suggest - I am thinking of ordering on-line and getting my mobile man to install. Although my usage is not high, I would rather have a good value for money battery i.e. not cheap just for the sake of saving a few pounds.
Sue

For your use I would fit a standard Lead Acid, just make sure your charger is set correctly.

Hankook would be a good choice for price versus performance.

Hankook Leisure Batteries - Leisure Batteries

Tayna Batteries supply all types of Leisure Batteries. Browse our full range of Hankook Leisure Batteries here. We aim to be the cheapest supplier of Hankook Leisure Batteries in the UK.

www.tayna.co.uk

 

[PlacidoD]

Sue,

I have bought loads of batteries from Tayna over the years. They come highly recommended by most people on this site. Just make sure you look for leisure batteries. Their site makes it easy to do that.

Given that your leisure battery seem readily accessible measure it (H, W, & D) and check the Ah figure written on it. It will be something like 100Ah (Maybe a bit more given that headroom is unlikely to be a problem where yours is sited). Look to see also whether there is surrounding space for a slightly bigger battery

Then take a look at leisure batteries on the Tayna site and find one to match the size of your existing. You need to match both the physical size and the Ah figure. Ideally look for an higher Ah figure (e.g 110Ah rather than 100Ah). The higher the better if the price for that is not much more. Then order online or by phone to Tayna and book your mobile fitter for a couple of days after the scheduled date for battery arrival.

P.S. By all means come back to us with a photo of your existing and link to the one you propose to replace it with if that gives you confidence!