what is a leisure battery?

[eucalyptus marley]

this might seem like a silly question, but what is a leisure battery?

how is it different from a normal battery?

my new T25 has the terminals and i need to put a battery in to run the fridge. lights etc.

can i just stick in a normal car battery or do i need a special battery with a different voltage, amps etc.

i am in the uk and i have a 1984 devon conversion

thanks in advance for any answers!

[ninja.turtle007]

Most people use a normal car battery. Just don't run them too flat. Have a good search on here there is loads of info.

[eucalyptus marley]

thanks ninjaturtle

could i use any normal car battery? some are cheaper than others, so it would be good to put in an affordable one.

Most people use a normal car battery. Just don't run them too flat. Have a good search on here there is loads of info.

[ninja.turtle007]

thanks ninjaturtle

could i use any normal car battery? some are cheaper than others, so it would be good to put in an affordable one.

Most people use a normal car battery. Just don't run them too flat. Have a good search on here there is loads of info.

The higher the Amp hours the longer it will last between recharges. I bought a 71 amp hour from Euro car parts through a recommendation on here. I think it was around £55. I do not have a huge power demand and have a 90 watt solar panel.

Tom

[jason k]

http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/buy-on ... od_31.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

proper leisure that actually fits under the seat and is cheap as chips

[kevtherev]

good advice from ninja and jason
leisure batteries are like starter batteries, they are built slightly different inside, which allows a more prolonged release of energy than a starter.

great for folks who don't hook up and spend more time camping in the winter.

I use starters..

[a1winchester]

Useful data sheet from C&CC here http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co ... attery.pdf

[ermie571]

I use starters too....that way, if you have a flat...you are carrying a charged spare....! (you shouldn't use a leisure battery to start the van....it kills them apparently)

[CovKid]

The downside is that a regular starter battery will go down fairly rapidly if you use anything consuming a lot of current over night. What a lot of us do (including myself) is use starters then rethink the electrics in terms of consumption. I use a small LCD TV, LED lighting (deck lighting at DIY stores is a good source) and generally look at ways to reduce any draw. I also replaced all my sidelights with LEDs a long while ago and can leave lights on all night if it came to it and batteries would be fine in morning. Had a few instances where I flattened main starter battery using tungsten bulbs so I dealt with that fairly quickly. As long as you think along those lines, starter batteries are generally fine.

A wind-up radio is a handy thing if you need to listen to one while camped (stereos generally consume way too much if parked more than an hour or so) and I still think those squeezy torches that £1 shops sell have some real possibilities. They seem to stay alight for a whole day which is incredible really. The mechanism from a wind-up radio could power all interior lights when camping I'm sure. This all sounds a bit tight-"interfered with" but no reason why you can't camp indefinately and still have battery power - with a little ingenuity and thought. Leisure batteries are good but you can circumvent them fairly easily.

For those that think along similar lines, take a look at this lot.....http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trks ... Categories" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[eucalyptus marley]

thanks for all the replies folks

very useful information!

[eucalyptus marley]

actually, i have one last question guys...

can i use any starter battery? or does it have to be one for a VW t25?

i notice that you need a specific starter battery for a particular car

i might try using one out of my mini

thanks in advance

[kevtherev]

A code 096 or 065 will fit

I use 096 for the higher cranking amps

[CovKid]

Yes you can use the one out of your mini but it won't have anywhere near the capacity of an 096 type battery - they're big 'uns A new one at £55 from Euro Car Parts isn't bad and you'll have no end of problems if you use batteries that are getting on a bit.