Why are caravan boxes so small.Recently had occasion to remove and reinstall battery,what a struggle !For the life of me I can't understand it.I suppose the caravan manufacturers probably save a few pence by fitting small boxes.
Caravan Battery Boxes
- Thread starter bertieboy1
- Start date
There are an increasing number of caravan sites that offer Mains hook ups. with this source of power, there is less need for big batteries. With an EHU most caravanners wold get by with surprisingly small battery say 20Ah which will carry the normal peak loads without much of a problem, and of course when the load has reduced the power supply will recharge the battery.
The downside of such small batteries, is they also tend to be restricted on the maximum current they can deliver which may not be enough for a caravan mover, but that does depend on the type of battery being used.
The downside of such small batteries, is they also tend to be restricted on the maximum current they can deliver which may not be enough for a caravan mover, but that does depend on the type of battery being used.
Damian
Moderator
As Prof John rightly says the majority of people use EHU all the time when out in their van and a small battery would suffice.
But, people want movers and all kinds of electronic powered items which then need a bigger battery to cope.
If a 110AH battery fits the locker, then the locker is big enough.
Do you really think the manufacturers care about people struggling to do anything with them???
But, people want movers and all kinds of electronic powered items which then need a bigger battery to cope.
If a 110AH battery fits the locker, then the locker is big enough.
Do you really think the manufacturers care about people struggling to do anything with them???
Raywood said:
My experiemce of 'in-the-wall' boxes is that generally they are big enough to take a 110-115Ah battery, but almost all will take anything up to 100Ah.
However the dreaded 'in-the-floor' containers are a nightmare. They are usually long enough and wide enough to take most batteries but the problem is height as they need to be so-called 'low profile'. IME this usually means a lower capacity battery. In that instance I would always recommend getting a premium battery from well known manufacturer. My current battery is a 90Ah Varta with which I am very pleased.
We do not have a Bailey so have no experience of the in floor type of box. The problem we have with the boxes is that having a mover fitted means extra wiring over the battery and the room for that is the problem.
I accept that a very small battery would do for those who never go off grid unless you have a mover fitted, but on looking round sites we have used movers are fitted to more than half the caravans and so the larger ones are needed. Having said that we manage with a 75 AH battery which is enough provided you do not take liberties. We use it mainly for putting the caravan back into storage where things are a bit tighter and it helps that this is mainly downhill.
I accept that a very small battery would do for those who never go off grid unless you have a mover fitted, but on looking round sites we have used movers are fitted to more than half the caravans and so the larger ones are needed. Having said that we manage with a 75 AH battery which is enough provided you do not take liberties. We use it mainly for putting the caravan back into storage where things are a bit tighter and it helps that this is mainly downhill.
I agree with you there as the extra wiring for movers do make it even more cramped but couldn't be without it. We had a 110 amp battery which went flat after only owning the caravan for 6 months which was replaced under warranty and the new battery is a 13o amp which is the same size though but still tight to get in !
This is just a thought and not in anyway meant to be offensive. Is it possible that at some point your van has had a change of battery .say from 90 amp up to 110. if this was the case the batter box would have been fitted to cater for the smaller battery .When buying on line the sellers always advise check battery size before placing orders . It could be the case of well it will fit ,as others have said if other items such as motor movers have been fitted then thats reason enough to go for the bigger battery.
Sir Roger .
Sir Roger .
I purchased a new battery a couple of months ago and whilst I remembered to check the height it was not until I went to place it in the box that I realised that it was longer than the one it replaced although both were 100ah.
The new on just fitted but only just
The new on just fitted but only just
There are batteries and then there are batteries; some worth having and some not. I found an interesting document the other day on the subject which is worth a read or two, at least I found it so. :huh:
When I went to a dealer to buy the battery they had those details and because I have a mover and went for a C they did note this on the receipt saying any guarantee claim might fail. Several years later the battery is still going strong.
Raywood said:
Seems like you struck lucky. When I next need a new battery I shall ask you to pick it for me.
Nothing to do with users of electric hookups,there is no reason why a battery box should be so small except for caravan manufacturers saving a couple of pounds."if it fits then the locker is big enough" is not the answer.
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