Flat battery

[Rioja]

My 85amp leisure battery is as dead as a Dodo. Not surprising really as not only is it about 8 years old but it's been badly neglected. We have only used the van once in the last 18 months and, despite my good intentions , probably won't get many outings in the next 18 months either.

My question is, since in all probability we will always have an electric hook up, do I need to buy a new battery or can I just leave this one as it is ?

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[Chris_374413356]

Hi Rioja, I caravanned for many years and with different caravans without a battery, so I'm sure if you use hook up and don't have a mover then there's no need to go to that expense.

 

[Rioja]

Thanks Chris, I will leave the battery in as I'm not sure if you have to have a battery in place or not, I assume you do if you want to use the battery driven lights for example. Although it won't hold a charge it still allows a current to pass through at 12v I guess ?

 

[David_374242465]

Hi Rioja, I presume you do not have a motor mover fitted, otherwise you will definately need a battery in reasonable condition !!! It is not usually recommended to run on EHU, without a battery connected, as this could result in damage to your Power Supply / Charger.

If you always use electric hook-up, then you should leave the battery connected, but if for any reason the site power fails for a time, you may find you have little or no power for essentials like water pump etc.

If you are sure your batterey is "Knackered" (technical term!)I would recommend you "bite the bullet" and invest in a budget battery, maybe 35 - 55 Ahrs. This should serve you ok for a few hours, if the site power is off.

 

[Damian]

Whilst you may be able to run the 12v without a battery (you ned to check your van specification for this) it is not a good idea to leave a bad battery in place as it could cause damage to the charger which is trying to charge it, but failing, so keeps on trying, overloading the charger and possibly causing th battery to explode.

 

[Rioja]

Thanks guys, You have convinced me to buy a new one and stop penny pinching !