Leisure battery

[Fozziebear]

Hi people,
I need to get a new leisure battery for my Westfalia California is it just case of swapping for what I currently have in there how much would I be looking at ? Also when changing it over will I just remove the old one and put the we one in and that's it?

Thanks

[kevtherev]

Assuming your leisure battery is under the drivers seat then you have to replace it with the same size dimensionally (see the wiki for that size and battery code)
If you just use the battery for lights, then a cheap starter battery will suffice.

link to battery dimensions http://www.puretyre.co.uk/car-battery-s ... ion-chart/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
most commonly used are 065 and 100

replacement is the reversal of removal

[Fozziebear]

Thanks for that I see the link below has 2 types that will fit my vehicle I just need to decide which one to go for?

http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/catalo ... /?q=VW+t25

[kevtherev]

Don't forget the terminal orientation, your connections might not be able to swap if they are different

[Fozziebear]

Don't forget the terminal orientation, your connections might not be able to swap if they are different

It is specifically listed for a T25 but I will check before I order.

[kevtherev]

Don't forget the terminal orientation, your connections might not be able to swap if they are different

It is specifically listed for a T25 but I will check before I order.

I don't think make them specifically for 30 year old vans, they just make batteries

[California Dreamin]

Fossiebear, as the battery boxes are a little restrictive in the size of battery that will fit you need to be looking at 'maximizing' the space you have. The original battery was a standard starter type 065/075. However, you do have the option to squeeze something bigger in the space. The favoured option is a UK type 100 something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Type-100-Car- ... SwhkRWd~dk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheaper option.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Premium-Heavy ... SwAYtWQewA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bearing in mind that any battery you buy should be 'Low Profile' 175mm tall and not standard 190mm

Martin

[Fozziebear]

Fossiebear, as the battery boxes are a little restrictive in the size of battery that will fit you need to be looking at 'maximizing' the space you have. The original battery was a standard starter type 065/075. However, you do have the option to squeeze something bigger in the space. The favoured option is a UK type 100 something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Type-100-Car- ... SwhkRWd~dk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheaper option.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Premium-Heavy ... SwAYtWQewA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bearing in mind that any battery you buy should be 'Low Profile' 175mm tall and not standard 190mm

Martin

Hi Martin,
Thanks again for the info looking at those links aren't they normal car batteries i am looking for a leisure type?

I know what you mean about maximizing the space i would like to get the biggest i can i'm leaning towards the one below:

http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/volksw ... e-battery/

Going on the sizes it should fit really nice in the space and it is the larger of the 2 that they have for my van.

[CovKid]

Or you can do as many have done and relocate the battery to under a seat or in a cupboard which, from then on, means you can fit almost any size leisure battery. I much prefer that as I'm not having to look for fixed dimensions and can snap up a bargain when it comes along.

[California Dreamin]

Fossiebear, as the battery boxes are a little restrictive in the size of battery that will fit you need to be looking at 'maximizing' the space you have. The original battery was a standard starter type 065/075. However, you do have the option to squeeze something bigger in the space. The favoured option is a UK type 100 something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Type-100-Car- ... SwhkRWd~dk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheaper option.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Premium-Heavy ... SwAYtWQewA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Bearing in mind that any battery you buy should be 'Low Profile' 175mm tall and not standard 190mm

Martin

Hi Martin,
Thanks again for the info looking at those links aren't they normal car batteries i am looking for a leisure type?

I know what you mean about maximizing the space i would like to get the biggest i can i'm leaning towards the one below:

http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/volksw ... e-battery/

Going on the sizes it should fit really nice in the space and it is the larger of the 2 that they have for my van.

Yup that leisure battery has been purchased by quite a few people on here...bare in mind that this battery is actually 80Amp/Hr and NOT 100 as stated (its all to do with how they measure battery draw, Alpha have chosen to choose a different measuring scale compared to 99% of other manufactures.. this artificially inflates the battery rating..look at the small print)
Its up to you whether you use a dedicated Leisure battery, Westfalia fitted starter batteries from new. The reasoning behind that decision was 'Campers' are stopped/started/moved more often than say a Carrravan.
True 'Deep Cycle' leisure batteries have the ability to withstand damage better from heavy discharge, however, it is never advisable to discharge ANY battery to that level whether Leisure or starter.
Those Alpha's just seem quite expensive for what is a cheapish brand 80amp battery.

Martin

[NOOG_monkey_II]

Yup that leisure battery has been purchased by quite a few people on here...bare in mind that this battery is actually 80Amp/Hr and NOT 100 as stated (its all to do with how they measure battery draw, Alpha have chosen to choose a different measuring scale compared to 99% of other manufactures.. this artificially inflates the battery rating..look at the small print)
Its up to you whether you use a dedicated Leisure battery, Westfalia fitted starter batteries from new. The reasoning behind that decision was 'Campers' are stopped/started/moved more often than say a Carrravan.
True 'Deep Cycle' leisure batteries have the ability to withstand damage better from heavy discharge, however, it is never advisable to discharge ANY battery to that level whether Leisure or starter.
Those Alpha's just seem quite expensive for what is a cheapish brand 80amp battery.

Martin

Damn, wish I read this before just purchasing one! Its just arrived and you are spot on, seems expensive for what it is.

[California Dreamin]

Sorry to hear that mate, although I'm sure it will give good service.
These have been advertised and aimed specifically at the T3 (T25 owner) with low battery height boxes. Many on here have fallen for the same advertising trick, very dishonest if you ask me.
Martin

[ghost123uk]

As Martin says above, remember folks that letting your battery voltage fall below about 11.5 Volts is bad for it. Letting it run very flat is REALLY bad for it.
You can buy a simple device that automatically disconnects the battery when the voltage drops below a pre-set value. These ones are good and cheap enough, though they need putting into a plastic box of some sort.