Club 80-90 Forums

Recharging fronm a solar array might take several years.
First thing to do is find the code numbers on the 'leisure' battery and identify if it is a leisure battery or a std battery used for camping power.
Charging a Leisure battery on a std battery charger will most likely shorten its lif (though yours is probably past it anyway)

I'd get a voltmeter on the leisure battery, 12V is OK,
Start the engine and measure again, you should expect 14 V ish,
(or at least 12V if the battery is realy flat)

Turn engine off and repeat with the van plugged in to external 240V

I'd recomend 10-12 hours charging.
T

as ever - really appreciate the advice. will get on it - thanks.

The solar panel must be connected via a regulator or you will overcharge the battery (and flatten it when the light level falls). The regulators come in the very cheap and nasty versions and the more expensive pulse chargers. If the battery is 'bubbling' then it is possibly 'gassing' due to the high rate of charge from the solar panel. If you have a good high watteage solar panel then invest in a good 3 state solar regulator. Maplin sell a range suitable for panels up to 100W.