Platinum leisure battery

[Ads910]

Hi just wondering if anyone is able to help me out.

I've just recently purchased a 2006 caravan and want to know if the battery is any good.

I charged the battery over night last night with the battery charge button lite inside the caravan.

Today I checked and it is showing 12v but drops to around 8v as soon as I switch on a light, then drops lower as I switch on more lights.

Would this suggest i need to buy a new leisure battery?

Thankyou

 

[Damian]

The caravan charger should take the battery to 13.8v, however if your battery has been left discharged for a period of time then it can take a couple of days to charge, but it is preferable to use a charger that takes it to 14v or thereabouts then stages the charge to recondition the battery.
With what you have described it would seem that your battery is faulty, it should not drop so low with just lights.

The nominal resting charge of a good battery is 12.8 to 13v

 

[Ads910]

I did think it may need replacing.

I purchased it from a private seller that hadn't used it in a few years so assumed it may be dead.

I'll leave the power lead connected up to my garage for a couple more days and see if the voltage goes up.

It would be nice if I didn't have to buy a new battery as they are quite expensive but looks like I may have to.

Thankyou

 

[Damian]

If it is true that it has not been used for several years then it will never hold a charge as the plates will have sulphated and nothing will bring it back to life.

 

[thosoneill]

As Damien Moderator has said your battery is probably dead - lots of online leisure batteries to be had at a decent price - suggest you purchase a reputable brand - I picked up a Varta at a good price

 

[Ads910]

I have a swift accord 570, any suggestions of what battery to go for. The current one is 110ah,

 

[ProfJohnL]

I have a swift accord 570, any suggestions of what battery to go for. The current one is 110ah,

Same again

 

[thosoneill]

I have a swift accord 570, any suggestions of what battery to go for. The current one is 110ah,

Halfords are currently selling a decent 115amp battery for £99

 

[Martin24]

I have a swift accord 570, any suggestions of what battery to go for. The current one is 110ah,

Whilst I agree with the prof for my usage, if you don't have a motor mover and always stay on sites with ehu you could have a smaller one say 85ah

 

[Woodentop]

I have a swift accord 570, any suggestions of what battery to go for. The current one is 110ah,

Halfords are currently selling a decent 115amp battery for £99

If that is the Halfords HLB681 it is actually a badged Yuasa - pretty well as good as you can buy.

Look at the old battery for its manufacture date which will be shown (usually) as a six digit number embossed on the top plate the last four of which are week number and (last two digits of) year. If it is more than about 4-5 years old it is probably shot. Less than that and there is a good chance of bringing it back to life with a controlled charger.

 

[Ads910]

I'll have a look tomorrow for that date Thanks.

Had another play with it today and it had gone up to 12.6 but this time when I switch on lights it starts above 11. I'm going to leave it charging again tonight then have a look tomorrow.

 

[thosoneill]

For the sake of ninety nine quid I definitely know what I'd be doing

 

[Lappy]

Ads910,
It looks like it may be picking up life again and as thosneill has quoted "For the sake of ninety nine quid I definitely know what I'd be doing" So do I, leave it charging for another 24hrs and fingers crossed, you have not needlessly paid out for a new battery.
Best regards,
Martin

 

[thosoneill]

Ads910,
It looks like it may be picking up life again and as thosneill has quoted "For the sake of ninety nine quid I definitely know what I'd be doing" So do I, leave it charging for another 24hrs and fingers crossed, you have not needlessly paid out for a new battery.
Best regards,
Martin

Sincerely hope it works out for you

 

[Ads910]

I've had it charging 4 days now. Tested it earlier an it is still dropping when lights come on. It's reading 12.6 with nothing on then drops onto the 11,s and lower once I turn more stuff on.

New battery it is