Car or Leisure battery?

Apr 19, 2005
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I understand the differences between the construction and applications of both types of battery, but was wondering if a car battery would be better if its 'only' use was to power a mover on a Lexon EB?

We always use sites with mains hook up and the only time the battery is used is for the occasional 'mains power down' situation or using the mover. The fridge runs from the car when towing - control panel set to 'car', so the 'van battery should be charging as well, and at a suitable voltage to fully charge it.

Our leisure battery seems to only last 2 yrs max, though we cannot charge it during the winter months. We need the mover to position it very close to a wall where it is stored, which then means we cannot access the battery compartment to remove the battery.

Any ideas or comments would be most appreciated.

Tillman
 

JTQ

May 7, 2005
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Your statement below seems to be the key:

"Our leisure battery seems to only last 2 yrs max, though we cannot charge it during the winter months. We need the mover to position it very close to a wall where it is stored, which then means we cannot access the battery compartment to remove the battery."

The car battery would be better if looking solely at the use only for a motormover , all else being supported by a hookup.

However the car battery would theoretically last even shorter than the leisure batteries you use because its not recharged and kept charged in storage.

Thats your battery killer the fact its standing around for a while partly depleated; using the mover to get it into storage and self drain meaning its not full charged much of the time.

This kills batteries, the leisure taking it better than the car but still its very damaging.

So unless you are able to change your operation you will wreak your battery much quicker than if you could full charge it at storage. That being the case I think I would buy a cheaper car battery rather than a typically more expensive leisure one knowing I am going to kill it with the way I have to treat it.
 

JTQ

May 7, 2005
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Your statement below seems to be the key:

"Our leisure battery seems to only last 2 yrs max, though we cannot charge it during the winter months. We need the mover to position it very close to a wall where it is stored, which then means we cannot access the battery compartment to remove the battery."

The car battery would be better if looking solely at the use only for a motormover , all else being supported by a hookup.

However the car battery would theoretically last even shorter than the leisure batteries you use because its not recharged and kept charged in storage.

Thats your battery killer the fact its standing around for a while partly depleated; using the mover to get it into storage and self drain meaning its not full charged much of the time.

This kills batteries, the leisure taking it better than the car but still its very damaging.

So unless you are able to change your operation you will wreak your battery much quicker than if you could full charge it at storage. That being the case I think I would buy a cheaper car battery rather than a typically more expensive leisure one knowing I am going to kill it with the way I have to treat it.
Thinking further on this have you thought of a half decent solar cell to recharge the battery whilst in storage?

Still going to cost battery type price, so not a financially ideal short term solution.
 

JTS

Jan 16, 2007
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T.

Here is one way to solve your problem.

1)Obtain two lengths of suitable cable and connecters.

2)When you take your van to storage remove the battery and connect the two cables to the battery connections on the van and lead the cables under your van to the opposite side of the van. Close the battery box door, ther should be space for your cables where you mains hookup cable normally enters.

3)Connect the cables to your battery and use your mover bit by bit moving the battery forward with your van.

4)When the van is in position disconnect your battery, spread some vasaline on the ends of the cable and leave them in place till you collect your van.

5)Take your battery home and charge it once a month and before you collect your van.

Good Luck. JTS.
 
Nov 26, 2006
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Re-reading the original post, I am not sure that the van is in storage (ie at a storage site).

If it is at home, fit a 16 amp hookup socket somewhere suitable, and plug the van in.

You can get hookup sockets with a built in switch, so you would just have to go out occasionally and switch it on for a while.
 
Nov 6, 2005
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Leisure batteries aren't particularly suited for high current use like a mover. 110Ah is "recommended" to minimise internal deterioration from high current use.

For caravans that are used exclusively on mains hookups and need 12v power for a mover then a sealed VRLA battery is ideal. Better car batteries are this type as is the Numax CXV range of leisure batteries.

We always use hook-ups so when I fitted the mover to my caravan, I noted the recommendation to fit a 110Ah leisure battery and ignored it - retaining my 12-year old 65Ah car battery has proved entirely adequate. It'll handle 400A car starting current so 95A start up current for a mover is small beer.
 

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