Using battery for camping

[robinhoodguy]

Hello all,

So I have a trip planned next month to the Le Mans classic race in France but camping not caravaning. I was wondering if I can take my leisure battery and use this for powering th radio etc. Nothing major. Radio, maybe charging a phone or two.

Will it kill my battery if I use it and it runs out?

Thanks
Paul

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

YOu don't tell us how long you will be using the battery without charge, but if all you are using is a radio, then I can't see there being a major problem with your proposal, provided you arrange to recharge the battery as soon as is reasonably possible.

If it is a leisure battery rather than a starting battery the method of construction should in theory allow you to virtually fully discharge it .and leave it for several days before recharging it without damage. Its only long periods without charge which are really detrimental.

For only a few pounds you could get a caravan electrics plug (7s or 13 pin to suit) a few meters of 1.5mm2csa or bigger cable, an in line fuse holder and 20A fuse with a couple of battery clips, and use your car to recharge the battery whist travelling. The cables will normally pass through the boots compliant seal so the batter can be located in side your boot. BUT it must be securely mounted in a spill proof box so it cant tip over or move around whilst the car is in motion. IF its to be charged for long periods you should also arrange to vent the battery box to the outside to allow any hydrogen to escape safely.

 

[Gafferbill]

:huh: :huh:
How are you transporting yourself and camping gear?
If you have a car you already have a source of 12 volt power to charge phones etc.
It will have a very good charging system.
If you don't have a car, how are you going to transport a heavy leisure battery to Le Mans?

 

[robinhoodguy]

Hello thanks for replies.

We tend to arrive and park up for three four days so not much chance for recharging once w have arrived. and hence i was worried about flitting my car battery over that time. I could use it as an emergency but thought that as I have a leisure battery it might be an idea to use it.

I am taking a bike carrier on my car but I'm not using the the second plug on the twin electrics so I could charge on the way down, to ensure its fully topped up.

Thanks again

 

[swpostie]

I use one of these when I'm off grid:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Powertraveller-Powermonkey-Extreme-Portable-Charger/dp/B004XNLLQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466448290&sr=8-1&keywords=powermonkey extreme
Just charge it up at home, use it to charge your phone etc and keep it topped up with the solar panels.