Changing leisure batteries

Amethyst

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Can anyone advise please on the procedure to change leisure batteries?

I have two fitted along with a solar panel. Does the solar power need disconnecting first?

Secondly the original leisure battery compartment is fairly small do replacement batteries have to be same size and output?

Thanks

Rob
 
Hi Rob changing leasure batteries is streightforward disconecting the pannel is advisable to stop sparks if its charging at the time ,size is critical if space is tight ,ampage is flexible unless you have a digital battery monitor ,if so you may have to re calibrate it ,otherwise just turn off the master switch if you have one or make sure that everything is switched off and remember to get the conections the rightway round when you replace them
MOS
 
Since motorhome electrics seem to be unfamiliar territory -

Take a photo of the battery compartment before you start pulling leads off.

If the leads aren't colour-coded, get some red and black insulation tape and mark the ends of each lead.

If there is grounded metal in the compartment, remove the negative lead first and replace it last.

If you can't isolate the solar regulator properly, cover the panels with a heavy blanket.

If the new batteries are a different type - ie AGM or Gel instead of flooded cell units - you may have to alter your charger and regulator settings.

Generally, battery sizes are in proportion to the capacity so getting the same physical size and type will mean the batteries are the same size.

Make sure the battery hold-downs are refitted correctly. Last thing you need is a couple of batteries flying around the inside of a MH in a collision.
 
Tony Lee said:
Since motorhome electrics seem to be unfamiliar territory -

Take a photo of the battery compartment before you start pulling leads off.

If the leads aren't colour-coded, get some red and black insulation tape and mark the ends of each lead.

If there is grounded metal in the compartment, remove the negative lead first and replace it last.

If you can't isolate the solar regulator properly, cover the panels with a heavy blanket.

If the new batteries are a different type - ie AGM or Gel instead of flooded cell units - you may have to alter your charger and regulator settings.

Generally, battery sizes are in proportion to the capacity so getting the same physical size and type will mean the batteries are the same size.

Make sure the battery hold-downs are refitted correctly. Last thing you need is a couple of batteries flying around the inside of a MH in a collision.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your tips Tony.....some good ideas there.

My problem with battery size is only for the original leisure battery under the drivers seat. The second one can be any size.

Rob
 
***** said:
This (top one) fits under the seat, but it aint cheap. Well it is compared to some other sellers. I can recommend them.

Car Battery - Car Batteries - Motorcycle Batteries - Leisure Batteries - Cheap Prices!

I have one of these as my only battery and we manage quite well. never had it flat and wild for 5 days without moving during summertime.
This is similar to Hymer o. e.
In 8 years, we have never neerded a second battery as we are quite battery conservative and only run one light at a time and only run the tv for short periods.
The biggest drain for us is the water pump and we shower every day.
Personally, I would not fit anything other than a Gel if inside the habitation area.
Click to expand...


Just an open question for anyone in the know, Is AGM battery comparable to Gel battery Is one superior in performance to other or are they equally good ?? Thanks in advance
 
***** said:
This (top one) fits under the seat, but it aint cheap. Well it is compared to some other sellers. I can recommend them.

Car Battery - Car Batteries - Motorcycle Batteries - Leisure Batteries - Cheap Prices!

I have one of these as my only battery and we manage quite well. never had it flat and wild for 5 days without moving during summertime.
This is similar to Hymer o. e.
In 8 years, we have never needed a second battery as we are quite battery conservative and only run one light at a time and only run the tv for short periods.
The biggest drain for us is the water pump and we shower every day.
Personally, I would not fit anything other than a Gel if inside the habitation area.
Click to expand...

Thanks *****

Apart from the price the guarantee is very poor I wonder why that is?

What is the difference then regarding habitation area?

Rob
 
Amethyst said:
Thanks for your tips Tony.....some good ideas there.

My problem with battery size is only for the original leisure battery under the drivers seat. The second one can be any size.

Rob
Click to expand...

Similar problem with my Kontiki (I.e 1 x small battery compartment sunk in the floor). Solution...................... relocate, relocate, relocate. Then fitted 1 x large 270AH Battery instead.
This always seem to be the same old with Motorcaravan manufacturers, they just assume that we will not use the vans properly. It was common practice @ my former employers to relocate the battery, so that additional/larger batteries can be used. This meant using universal battery boxes, or secure areas under the seat where necessary.
I would kindly offer to assist you in carrying this out, but fear that you are some distance from me?
 
***** said:
That was my problem and no alternative other than to fit underslung and I did not want to do that.
The problem is that if you want a second battery it does get very expensive.
Luckily, we are conservative with the battery and we don't need an extra one.
Click to expand...

Assuming you having a Hymer Tramp, I am amazed that you couldn't relocate elsewhere?! Which layout do you have?
 
***** said:
French rear corner bed with full dinette and 160 litres of water under both seats and every storage space is full as we carry everything for every eventuality as we are self sufficient.
It is actually, no problem at all for us as the one battery is quite sufficient for our needs.
I suppose that if I really wanted to relocate, then I could and put something else where the battery is stored.
Click to expand...

Last one I did of your layout was fairly involved, as had a 2000W Inverter and B2B charger installed. Ended up relocating under the bed from memory, but was a breeze thanks to that alko chassis.
 
novice1968 said:
Just an open question for anyone in the know, Is AGM battery comparable to Gel battery Is one superior in performance to other or are they equally good ?? Thanks in advance
Click to expand...

There are some differences in the offerings of different manufacturers, but generally you can get away with using an AGM battery as a direct replacement for a normal flooded-cell lead acid battery, but an GEL battery is completely different so does need different voltage settings and different time settings otherwise the battery life will be severely shortened.

Given that both GEL and AGM are very expensive, it is usually worth taking a bit of extra care and making sure the charge settings are set exactly as per the manufacturers recommendations.

As for performance, the claims are that both Gel and AGM batteries can be taken down to a lower depth of charge without damage, so in effect you get the same capacity as a larger flooded battery and this can go a long way to offsetting the higher cost.
 
NicknClair said:
Similar problem with my Kontiki (I.e 1 x small battery compartment sunk in the floor). Solution...................... relocate, relocate, relocate. Then fitted 1 x large 270AH Battery instead.
This always seem to be the same old with Motorcaravan manufacturers, they just assume that we will not use the vans properly. It was common practice @ my former employers to relocate the battery, so that additional/larger batteries can be used. This meant using universal battery boxes, or secure areas under the seat where necessary.
I would kindly offer to assist you in carrying this out, but fear that you are some distance from me?
Click to expand...

Thanks for ideas and offer ....we are on the east coast in Yorkshire so a bit far.

I do have an electrician who will help so will see what he says.

all the best

Rob
 
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