Caravan Battery problem

clarinetman
clarinetman Club Member Posts: 265 ✭✭✭
edited June 2020 in Caravans #1

Hi

checked battery yesterday and it was down to 9 , plug caravan into mains and left it to charge up as usual.

left house at 11.30 pm with dog and heard co2 monitors beeping, checked in van co2 monitor showing 10, checked battery and it was warm.

unplugged and opened roof lights etc think battery must be shot it is over 6 year old what does anyone think.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited June 2020 #2

    I think you’re right.

  • Pathfinder
    Pathfinder Forum Participant Posts: 4,446
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #3

    +1

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #4

    Doesn’t sound good and six years isn’t bad, however, most caravan chargers are not much good at recharging completely discharged batteries so, unless you have a smart charger in your van, plugging into EHU won’t do any good. Sometimes it is possible to rescue a battery by charging on the bench with a CTek or similar. On the other hand, paying £70 for a CTek may not be a high priority.

  • Roy Hobbins
    Roy Hobbins Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited June 2020 #5

    Have to agree hitchglitch, it's the only way to rescue a discharged battery (if your lucky that is)

  • Amesford
    Amesford Club Member Posts: 685 ✭✭✭
    500 Comments
    edited June 2020 #6

    The best place for it now is the scrapyard, found this on the web

    "Over-charging a lead acid battery can produce hydrogen sulfide. The gas is colourless, very poisonous, flammable and has the odour of rotten eggs." 

      

  • Freedom a whitebox
    Freedom a whitebox Club Member Posts: 296 ✭✭✭
    100 Comments
    edited June 2020 #7

    Flammable- try explosive 🧨 

    Ive seen the tops of batteries fly across a garage caused  by removing the charger without First switching it off!

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2020 #8

    When a lead acid battery discharges completely it is usually goosed. You might just rescue it by changing the acid but usually the plates are damaged. If your caravan does not have a solar panel i would invest in a trickle charger. Also, when replacing the battery consider what class type for the intended usage. If you are generally on mains hook up and only using the battery for the mover a Class C will probably be ok. However a class B or A will cope with extended use off grid. Some Halfords leisure batteries are class B rumoured to be made by Yuasa and often on offer. 

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