Main Battery as "Leisure battery"

ipoo2

Guest
Hello all ! My first post, but I have been lurking around for a while!

I was wondering if I could temporarily use the starter battery as a leisure battery. It will only be used to power interior lights and charging phones for a couple of hours in the evening - could I get away with also using the stereo??

I know that it would be better to get a separate leisure battery, but we spent a small fortune on mechanical woes last year and are trying to do things on the cheap this year!

We normally do a bit of driving during the day, so its not like we park up and don't start the engine for a few days....

Cheers in advance!
 
No real problem in doing this in theory if your battery is in good condition and you only take a small charge from it.

In fact the motorcaravan we had when I was young only ever had 1 battery and that was only about 50Ah. We used it for interior light and a bit of radio for 15 years with no probs.

But that was a petrol engine and if you have a diesel they can take quite a fair cranking voltage. So I would fit a voltmeter so you can check the condition of your battery. Or failing that have a multimeter on hand you can stick across the battery. That way you'll know when you should use dry cell battery LED's and switch off the radio.

I wouldn't take more than 5 or 10% from it though. Starter batteries should not be deep cycled or you will end up having to replace the battery sooner then you thought!
 
if you realy cannot afford a leasure battery ,and in my opinion and lots of others too are overpriced and little better than a STARTER battery , call in at a breakers yard and you should be able to pick up a good so called normal battery for about a tenner . i use 3 80 amp hour ones and they suffice and have done so for a few years one cost a tenner that is used as the main starter batt and the other two i had given off scrap cars if you dont have a split charge system then you can charge the one you are going to use as a leasure battery up before you set off that set up will be ok for a while probably a full weekend using lights and radio . and it will give you a chance to get set up as you feel is ok for your needs you could always charge the phone up while you are driving
 
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go to your nearest motor discount shop you will get a better deal ,and they will advise you which battery you need . halfords is the dearest place you can buy spares a spares shop will give good advice .halfords is sales oriented not advice oriented
 
I've got the same advice as Mandrake.

Halfords is a bit dear, but sometimes it is convenient and there may not be always be a discount shop nearby.

If you need a new battery then get a bigger one than originally fitted if your engine bay/mounting has the space.

eg If your T4 takes a 70 Ah, get a 90 Ah if it will fit

That way you will have some spare capacity and should still be able to crank the engine easily after a night or so.
 
Euro Car Parts are doing deals on batteries at the moment and it is free delivery on orders. Check their website for prices. I have bought a few things from them and they are much cheaper than Halfrauds.
 
Good advice from"White shed" man

Sound advice "white shed" man.
 
I hope people don't mind me asking a question on this thread rather than starting a new one. But what is the difference between a normal car battery and a leisure one?
 
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