Leisure batteries

ScreenName56A2085647
ScreenName56A2085647 Forum Participant Posts: 4
edited February 2021 in Parts & Accessories #1

I am looking at buying a new leisure battery. I am hoping to be off-grid 90% of the time. I plan to use solar panels to recharge the leisure battery and a trickle charge from the alternator when driving long distances. My budget is around £150 for this. If I am correct the best type of leisure battery I require is a AGM around 400 - 500 charging cycle. 

Does anyone know of the best brand of AGM batteries to buy and also a good recommended battery charge meter? or are all AGM Batteries very similar and any company will be fine to purchase from?

Comments

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
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    edited February 2021 #2

    I would suggest that you go for a good quality Gel battery rather than AGM.  Have a look at Tayna Batteries.  They supply a vast range.  You may also want to look at EFB technology.  If you do intend to stick with AGM you can't go far wrong with Exide.

  • ScreenName56A2085647
    ScreenName56A2085647 Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited February 2021 #3

    the current battery in my van is an EFB battery. however, my battery location is actually in the living quarters. Is this okay? or is a AGM battery safer to be located inside rather than EFB? 

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,499
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    edited February 2021 #4

    I got my AGM battery from >Alpha Batteries< The main reason was because they had what I wanted in stock. Mine is a Lucas. It has been installed about 6 months now and I have no complaints. I monitor my batteries using a BM1 meter from >Nasamarine<.

    It might be worth your while asking for advice from the Caravan & Motorhome Off-Grid Group on Facebook

    peedee

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,570
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    edited February 2021 #5

    Virtually all batteries need to be vented to the outside world. 

    Incidentally can your onboard charger handle AGM, i.e. can it provide the correct charging profile?

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited February 2021 #6

    AGM batteries should be ok as have i believe a better temp range than a lead acid and can cope with lower temps in winter. 

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 567
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    edited February 2021 #7

    I have used a 110a AGM battery in my van for 4  years now,I never gave it a thought that the on board charger may or maybe not suitable for it.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,499
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    edited February 2021 #8

    If you do not have AGM settings on your charger you will almost certainly shorten the life of your battery. 

    peedee



  • ScreenNameD733A983C5
    ScreenNameD733A983C5 Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited June 2022 #9

    I currently own a Coachman Pastiche 470.
    I want to replace the OEM fitted battery. The label on this battery is LB110LEIPB which only appears to be a NCC Class 'C' 100Ah rated for hookup and lighting.
    As I am often 'off grid', I would like to fit a NCC Class 'A' AGM 120Ah.
    My question is as follows:
    I have read that these leisure batteries require a higher voltage in caravan charger of around 14.8volts otherwise you could damage the battery, or reduce its life.
    However, I also read that newer caravans (2017 onwards) can accommodate this.
    Before I spend money on the wrong battery, I thought it sensible to ask the experts.
    Can you clarify for me please.
    Also can you please confirm the performance specifications for the LB110LEIPB currently fitted.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,335
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    edited June 2022 #10

    With respect to other posters, we are not "the experts".

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,773
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    edited June 2022 #11

    I have an AGM battery - sitting in the garage.  Swapped it for an EFB last year after finding out that there is a possibility that it could actually damage the charger - according to a company that sells the Shaudt charger.  You need to check that it's OK to fit one. I wasn't prepared to take the risk for the cost of a new battery.

  • Unknown
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    edited June 2022 #12
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  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited June 2022 #14

    AGM batteries require a slightly different charging regime so you should only consider installing one if the charger is compatible or has an AGM setting. You would be better off fitting a good quality, standard, sealed, leisure battery as others have suggested.

    There is an NCC approval scheme for batteries but I don’t have the details. No doubt others can advise.

  • obbernockle
    obbernockle Forum Participant Posts: 616
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    edited June 2022 #15

    We have an AGM battery located in the habitation area of our caravan, actually under my bum when I am sleeping! The battery has no vents. The standard Sergeant charger and solar panel seem to manage nicely between them. Lots of motor caravans have AGM batteries located in the habitation area too, and the batteries don't seem to know or care whether they are living in a motor caravan or trailer caravan. Some of them are even mounted on their side by the vehicle manufacturers, and the batteries don't seem to mind at all. I occasionally (perhaps once a year) charge the battery with a smart charger and always select AGM because there is a switch to select it, but the caravan has no such switch and manages to deal with the AGM battery OK. 

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited July 2022 #16

    I guess it’s the difference between theory and practice. To get the best from an AGM battery it needs a specific charging regime but in practice a broad charger setting will get by but maybe not get the best from the battery.

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