Best deal on a leisure battery?

[sooper8]

Hi,
Any recommendations on a leisure battery specific type and place to buy it at the best price please?
Thanks

[jamesc76]

what do you want it to be able to run/how long etc plus wheres it going to go, loads of things needed!

[sooper8]

I have some things I know and a few things I don't...(only got the van a couple of months back and info on this area was pretty sketchy)

We already have a leisure battery in place but it might be toward the end of it's life...? (and I am really not sure how to tell a 'leisure battery' from a 'regular' one, so I am guessing)
The battery is mounted behind the drivers seat and visible.

The reason for seeking info is that the LED lights will run without fail off it but the radio and the fridge seem to have just a few hours before they are gone.

We need to run the fridge, LED's, radio and the water pump (am I right in thinking this comes off the leisure?), hopefully for a day

So, I think we might be in the market for one.

ps On our 'runs-out' in the last few weeks we have stayed over for a few nights a time but the length of journey is probably 2 hours away (not sure if this length of run is sufficiently recharging the leisure battery once we have run it down?)

Thanks in advance

[kevtherev]

Firstly the fridge runs off the alternator NOT the battery

I wouldn't bother with a leisure battery for your usage.
A UK code 096 would fit in the battery box and serve you well for five years
Available from any motor factor
Nice thing about starter batteries they charge up quick
Conversion?

[sooper8]

Firstly the fridge runs off the alternator NOT the battery

I wouldn't bother with a leisure battery for your usage.
A UK code 096 would fit in the battery box and serve you well for five years
Available from any motor factor
Nice thing about starter batteries they charge up quick

Thanks for info, I know pretty much close to nothing except the things I pick up here, so I appreciate your help.

So the fridge not getting down low enough is nothing to do with a battery at all ?
So, do you think the cause of the fridge not getting down to low enough temp is more to do with the fridge or problem with the alternator? (sorry for lack of basic understanding in this area)

Thanks
Jem

[kevtherev]

if the fridge is not working on 12V... like an icy freezer box in 20 mins and - 4 deg in two hours.
then it's either the element, or the ammonia needs shaking up.


does it have gas and 230V option?

[sooper8]

if the fridge is not working on 12V... like an icy freezer box in 20 mins and - 4 deg in two hours.
then it's either the element, or the ammonia needs shaking up.


does it have gas and 230V option?

Yes, it has gas but after reading some posts on here about venting etc , we have never used it.

The 230v option we used at the weekend on a site but it just didn't get down to freezing in there- so kind of confused..

What/how do you shake the ammonia up?

Thanks

ps Is the element fixable if not working?

[kevtherev]

Right
Do not be worried about using the fridge on gas.
If it has a flue to the outside it's quite safe.
What conversion camper do you have?

What model fridge is it do you know?
If you don't I'll assume it's an RM 212f as it's three way (gas 12 and 240v)
If you look in the "club stuff" (top of the page) there's a manual for your fridge with all sorts of safety advice.

So...
If it's not getting cold on mains then there is a either an element problem or a coolant problem
Now I know this sounds daft but you need to turn your fridge upside down for a night.
This mixes the coolant up and dissolves the crystals that form inside blocking the flow around the pipes.

Ideally we need to know if it works on gas as this is a separate heating circuit

[sooper8]

Right
Do not be worried about using the fridge on gas.
If it has a flue to the outside it's quite safe.
What conversion camper do you have?

What model fridge is it do you know?
If you don't I'll assume it's an RM 212f as it's three way (gas 12 and 240v)
If you look in the "club stuff" (top of the page) there's a manual for your fridge with all sorts of safety advice.

So...
If it's not getting cold on mains then there is a either an element problem or a coolant problem
Now I know this sounds daft but you need to turn your fridge upside down for a night.
This mixes the coolant up and dissolves the crystals that form inside blocking the flow around the pipes.

Ideally we need to know if it works on gas as this is a separate heating circuit

Cheers for that Kev- I'll get on to that.

It's an Electrolux 3 way- can't remember the model number but will check and then get the manual.

Is it a reasonable job for a newbie to get the fridge out and turn it upside down?

Thanks

[kevtherev]

For the third time.... what conversion do you have

[sooper8]

For the third time.... what conversion do you have

Oh sorry - it's a T25 custom conversion

[ringo]

For the third time.... what conversion do you have

I'll try asking Kevs question in a different way:

Is your van a professionally converted camper van or did someone do it themselves?

If it is professionally done, what company did it? Theres normally stickers indicating it around the van.

If your not sure, post up a picture of the van and the interior.

This kind of information is invaluable if anyone can help you on this and any other forum.

When you find out, stick it in your signature - along with your engine size and fuel type - and of course, reply to this thread

Cheers,

Ringo

[ringo]

For the third time.... what conversion do you have

Oh sorry - it's a T25 custom conversion

Beat me to it!

Ringo

[kevtherev]

OK well if it was an Autosleeper I could tell you how to remove the fridge, if it were any other conversion they could tell you how to remove it.

As it was installed by the previous owner (I presume) only they would know how it was fixed.
As a rule in coverted vans they have 4 screws, 2 in each side through the planking that encloses them.
have a good look and see if you can see any obvious fixings
the flue must be removed from the outside first, then the fridge can be pulled forward once all the fixings are out.

[sooper8]

Ringo, thanks for tip about putting spec in user name info, will do.

Not sure if it was professionally done and no signs/stickers to give any clues. So, I am working on idea that it will be different to an auto sleeper.

But, thanks for general help. I'll start to have a look this weekend and see what I can find behind the facia

Cheers!