Leisure batteries

Watendlath
Watendlath Forum Participant Posts: 232
edited January 2016 in Parts & Accessories #1

The 12v battery in our caravan is about 6 years old and I feel that it may be coming to the end of its useful life and not holding its charge.  It is nearly always used with EHU.

Does anyone have any idea how long is a piece of string - sorry! I meant how long a battery should last?

Comments

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #2

    Six years isn’t bad. With a bit of care you may get more if using EHU and not using a mover. Batteries don’t last very long if neglected. They don’t like being left in a discharged state, especially in the cold. Over winter you should give them a charge
    once a month and it’s not a bad idea to exercise it a bit before that by using it a while.

  • Watendlath
    Watendlath Forum Participant Posts: 232
    edited January 2016 #3

    It was completely flat yesterday so I put it on a trickle charger. After 20 hours it now reads 12.4v across the terminals and 26amps.  Don't know if the amp reading is low or not, volts seem about right.

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited January 2016 #4

    6 years is OK 8 is good!!!!!

    12.6 ish is fine....but only after resting (not being charged) for at least 12 hours.

    PS Google 'battery voltage' and copy one of the images for information.

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited January 2016 #5

    Your battery is probably no good. Leave it off charge a day and measure the voltage then. I guess it will be much less than 12V. If it is, it’s time to get a new one. If you want to carry on charging, make sure that the electrolyte is at the correct level
    and the battery is not getting hot.

  • TheAdmiral
    TheAdmiral Forum Participant Posts: 506
    edited January 2016 #6

    if you are on EHU most of thetime it has been recommended on an earlier thread on the subject to buy a cheap car battery

    Admiral

  • Watendlath
    Watendlath Forum Participant Posts: 232
    edited January 2016 #7

    Thanks for the comments. Just as an update, put the battery on trickle for 3 days and it is now fine.

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