Battery-Sealed or top up version?

[Gagakev]

Need to replace mine, which is currently a sealed unit, it was on the van when I purchased it two years ago.My local dealer doesn't stock this type and told me it was proberbly a Marine battery!!

Is it a matter of personal choice or is there a reason(s) for the top up version. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Sproket]

It all depends where your battery is kept ? is it in a outside locker ? or inside the van ?

 

[Gagakev]

Hi Sproket,

It's in an outside locker.

Thanks.

 

[Sproket]

Have you got a mover fitted to the van ?

 

[Gagakev]

No havent got a mover. The old battery is 70ah but will proberbly go for an 85ah as this is what the dealer stocks

 

[Sproket]

Take a look here for prices, you dont need a gel type battery if you have a outside locker, is there a vent hole in the locker box ?

 

[Gagakev]

Had a quick look at the prices, about half that of dealer, many thanks for that.

Not sure about vent hole in locker,will have to check tomorrow.

Gee man didnt realise buying a battery is so complicated!!!!

Thanks again

 

[Clive-Cardiff]

If you are thinking of an Elecsol battery have a check around the web for info on their reliability and after sales service

 

[Gagakev]

Checked the locker box this morning and there does'nt seem to be an obvious vent hole,the locker door has a rubber seal all round, there are two pre made openings at the bottom but they are for the mains cable and TV cable.

Sorry to seem a bit thick but when you say gel type does that mean a sealed one?

Clive,had a quick look and not impressed, thanks for the warning

 

[RogerL]

There are various types of "sealed" batteries. There are "low maintenance" types which are nothing more than an ordinary unsealed battery with a sticker over the caps. Then there's "zero maintenance" types which are fully sealed with a valve to release any excess pressure and gas recombinant chambers to avoid fluid loss - some car manufacturers fit these as standard but they can be obtained for leisure purposes, eg Numax CXV.

AGM, gel and Elecsol batteries are more specialist types, and more expensive, that just aren't needed on caravans - a zero maintenance battery in conjunction with a smart charger will outlast an AGM, gel or Elecsol with the caravan's built-in power supply.

I've avoided the use of Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) as some people think this only applies to AGM, gel and Elecsol - but in reality these types don't have to be sealed and all "zero maintenance" batteries have valves to regulate themselves.

 

[Gagakev]

Thanks RogerL think I will go for something along the lines of the Numax you suggested, unless someone tell's me different.

As the last one was similar to the above I like the idea of it being sealed (no spillages) and no maintenance!

Thanks for all your replies

 

[Sproket]

Here is some more info on Numax Leisure Batteries

 

[Gagakev]

Here is some more info on Numax Leisure Batteries

Thanks Sproket, seems a good site with good reviews on there batteries. Cheers.

Just want to be a pain one more time. will a battery come fully charged or is it best to charge before putting it on the van?

 

[Sproket]

Thanks Sproket, seems a good site with good reviews on there batteries. Cheers.

Just want to be a pain one more time. will a battery come fully charged or is it best to charge before putting it on the van?

I would allways charge it to make sure.

 

[Northwood]

Being one of the old boy's experience has taught me that it's only a question of time before that battery with let you down.

The problem with sealed batteries is when they fail to hold a charge, there is very you can do. This is why I personally prefer the screw cap type, it gives you the opportunity the check each cell with a hydrometer, it allows you to wash out and re-charge the acid.

The point I am trying to make is that it increases the longevity.

We rely on our caravan charges to trickle charge the battery but who carries out battery maintenance these days.

You may well discover that the acid levels will need topping up over the season, and when you consider the abuse a leisure battery can receive, with constant discharge / charge / discharge. You need to carry out periodic checks or that battery will need replacing after two seasons.

My tip

A little T.L.C and they can last you years.

 

[Woody3]

Also check the size carefully to make sure the 85 will fit the box. Note that many boxes have a roof that is lower at the back than at the door.

 

[RogerL]

Bob - my experience is the opposite - sealed batteries last far longer than non-sealed ones - 12-15 years instead of 3-4.

It may be an unfair comparison as sealed batteries are usually sold at slightly higher price points so may be better constructed.

 

[Gagakev]

Bob, I admire your skills, but I actually would'nt have a clue how to use the hydrometer and wash out and recharge the acid. Suppose as I'm in the middle age bracket we never had the opportunity to be taught proper maintenance, and yes sadly we, usually like many others just replace!!!

Woody, The 85 is the same length, and width and actually 10mm less

in height (including Terminals) than my current one, but thanks for making me check.

 

[xtrailman]

In the sub stations were i worked the emergency batteries were 25 years old, not one was sealed.

Personally i have no time for no maintenance batteries, any problems and its straight into the bin.

I don't recall the name on the battery i have, but i do know it's coming on for 6 years old in may, and was the cheapest battery i could find that came with a 2 year warranty.