A leisure battery, also known as a deep cycle battery or auxiliary battery, is a type of battery commonly used in recreational vehicles (RVs), campervans, boats, and other applications where a reliable power source is needed for extended periods without access to a mains power supply.
Unlike a regular car battery, which is designed to provide a short burst of power to start the engine, a leisure battery is designed to deliver a steady supply of power over a longer period.
Before you go on a hunt for batteries online for your new campervan, it’s essential to gain knowledge about how to maintain a leisure battery. It will ensure optimal performance for a long.
Here are some major points to consider:
1. Charging
Regularly charge your leisure battery to prevent it from discharging completely. Use an appropriate battery charger designed for leisure batteries, preferably one with a trickle or maintenance charge mode.
Avoid using regular car battery chargers, as they may not be suitable for deep-cycle batteries.
2. Discharging
Deeply discharging a leisure battery can significantly reduce its lifespan. Try to avoid completely draining the battery, and recharge it as soon as possible after use.
3. Storage
If you’re not using your leisure battery for an extended period, it’s important to store it properly. Before you store the battery in a dry, cool space ensure to fully charge it.
It’s recommended to periodically recharge the battery during storage to maintain its charge level.
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4. Connections
Ensure that the battery connections are clean and securely tightened. Loose or corroded connections can result in poor performance and may damage the battery.
Regularly inspect the terminals and clean them if necessary, using a mixture of baking soda and water to remove any corrosion.
5. Ventilation
Leisure batteries emit gases when they are charged, so it’s essential to have proper ventilation in the battery compartment or storage area to prevent the accumulation of potentially explosive gases. The vents have to be clear without any obstruction.
6. Temperature
Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and lifespan. Avoid exposing the battery to excessive heat or cold whenever possible.
If you’re using the battery in very cold conditions, consider using insulation or a thermal wrap to help maintain its performance.
7. Maintenance
Check the battery’s electrolyte levels regularly if it’s a traditional flooded lead-acid battery.
Ensure the battery plates are submerged in the electrolyte and top-up with distilled water if necessary. Sealed maintenance-free batteries do not require electrolyte maintenance.
8. Load management
Be mindful of the electrical load you put on your leisure battery. Excessive power consumption can drain the battery quickly. Consider using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting to minimize power usage.
9. Turn off everything when it is not used
Always have the fridge settings on medium to low whenever not hooked to the main. The fridge is responsible to drain the RV battery, so continuous use will make the battery vulnerable. It will be unable to hold a charge longer, which means battery replacement.
Remember to consult the specific manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for your leisure battery, as maintenance requirements may vary depending on the battery type and model.
