Leisure batteries.

[RayS]

I will need to replace the battery on my van (fitted with Powrtouch mover) soon.

Any views on wheter the extra cost of the big brands like Exide is worth spending, or is it better just to go for the cheapest you can get locally ? need good performance particularly on potentially cold trip down to Spain in January.

 

[Icemaker]

RAY, i bought a cheaper type leisure battery and it failled within the first year, the dealer replaced it under warranty and the second one lasted round about the same length of time. the dealer seemed to imply that i was over using the battery due to my motor mover which did concern me as i thought as long as it stated 85 or 110 amps on the side then it should be up to the job. I went to glossop caravans in the end for advice and they said that since my van is a twin axle and 1690 kgs i really should be using a 110 amp version as an 85 will soon lose its grunt on my drive, since fitting the new battery (exide 110 amp) we have had no further problems and it is now 18 month old. I am not sure wether its going up to 110 amps or changing to a branded product that has given us the reliability but i'm glad i no longer have to start pushing the van when the battery dies.

 

[Lutz]

If you do decide to go for a cheaper brand, at least make sure that it is a true leisure battery and not a starter battery under another name. Starter batteries are designed for short bursts of high currents. Their life is seriously shortened by prolonged use until almost drained of charge. Leisure batteries, on the other hand, are much more durable when cycled a lot through the full operating range.

 

[Larry1]

I have a fair bit of experienc on batteries from sailing and my advice would go for the biggest ampage you can fit into the space, as for the mover,it will really eat the amps when it is pushing hard.Make sure it is a true deep cycle [Leisure]battery. Remember there is no such thing as a free dinner, You only get what you pay for

 

[Paul_5061183]

Hi Ray

If you can wait Exide have got a 115amp. The dealers will have to use up the stock of 110's before thay get the new stocks. I work for exide and orderd mine thinking 110 and a 115 arrived told its the new range, Same size has a 110.

 

[RayS]

Hi Ray

If you can wait Exide have got a 115amp. The dealers will have to use up the stock of 110's before thay get the new stocks. I work for exide and orderd mine thinking 110 and a 115 arrived told its the new range, Same size has a 110.

Thanks Paul, very useful. I can certainly wait for this and deep down know that I shall get a better long term deal. The Exide battery on my Suzuki SJ has just died after 7 years, and the (Exide) replacement is only guaranteed for 3 years instead of 4, but it is still a good deal at

 

[Chris4]

I have a motor mover for my twin axle and use an Elecsol 110amp deep cycle battery. Seems to deliver buckets more power than the last battery I had from Halfords. With most caravans costing costing around

 

[MickC1]

I have virtually the same history as Chris above. I had a Halfords leisure battery that lasted a couple of seasons and then would no longer hold the charge.

When I fitted a Powrtouch mover a couple of years ago I upgraded to an Elecsol 110amp and it's had no problems. It comes with a 5 year warranty as well which is also very good.

 

[john_5042169]

I have a motor mover for my twin axle and use an Elecsol 110amp deep cycle battery. Seems to deliver buckets more power than the last battery I had from Halfords. With most caravans costing costing around

 

[chris_5068897]

I have tried to source an Elecsol battery without success - I live in Cleveland, even tried to contact Elecsol themselves still no success.

Do anyone know if they have out of business?

John

John-no they are not out of business! I just bought a 100 amp version via www.12voltz.com and very efficient they were too. The price almost everywhere online is