Ensuring your leisure battery won’t let you down
Leisure Batteries
- Free personal on-site assessment
- Free overnight stay
- We stock a range of leisure batteries to suit all needs
- Qualified, experienced, approved & trusted mechanics
- Lithium battery upgrades
Leisure Batteries Explained
What’s the difference between a leisure battery and a car battery?
Leisure batteries are designed to provide a steady flow of power over time, while car batteries deliver short bursts of energy to start the engine.
What’s the difference between a leisure battery and a car battery?
Leisure batteries are designed to provide a steady flow of power over time, while car batteries deliver short bursts of energy to start the engine.Car batteries (starter batteries) are built to provide a large, quick burst of energy to crank the engine and then recharge quickly through the alternator. They’re not intended for long, slow discharges, the kind of power delivery you need with your leisure vehicle
Leisure batteries, on the other hand, are deep-cycle batteries. They’re made to discharge slowly over a longer period and tolerate repeated charging and discharging. This makes them ideal for powering appliances and electronics in leisure vehicles when you’re not plugged into mains electricity.
How long will a leisure battery last before it needs replacing?
Most leisure batteries last between 3–5 years, but this depends heavily on how they’re used, charged, and maintained.
How long will a leisure battery last before it needs replacing?
Most leisure batteries last between 3–5 years, but this depends heavily on how they’re used, charged, and maintained.Battery lifespan varies based on the type (lead-acid, AGM, gel, or lithium), how deeply it’s discharged, and how consistently it’s recharged. For example, traditional flooded lead-acid batteries might last 2–4 years, while lithium batteries can last 8–10 years or more under the right conditions.
Improper charging, deep discharging, or leaving a battery unused for long periods can significantly shorten its life. Regular maintenance, correct charging voltages, and avoiding full discharges are key to getting the most from your leisure battery.
What size (capacity) leisure battery do I need for my motorhome?
It depends on your energy usage but many motorhome owners find that a 100–120Ah battery is a good starting point for basic off-grid use.
What size (capacity) leisure battery do I need for my motorhome?
It depends on your energy usage but many motorhome owners find that a 100–120Ah battery is a good starting point for basic off-grid use.To choose the right battery capacity, you need to calculate the total power draw of the appliances you plan to use: lighting, fridge, water pump, phone chargers, etc. Add up their wattage and how many hours you use them per day to estimate your daily consumption in amp-hours (Ah).
For example, if you use 40Ah per day and want to stay off-grid for 2–3 days without recharging, a 100–120Ah battery would give you a comfortable margin. If you add solar panels or plan to upgrade to lithium, your battery needs (and flexibility) may change.
What’s the best type of leisure battery: Lead Acid or Lithium?
Lithium batteries offer the best performance and lifespan, but lead acid remains popular for their lower cost and decent reliability.
What’s the best type of leisure battery: Lead Acid or Lithium?
Lithium batteries offer the best performance and lifespan, but lead acid remains popular for their lower cost and decent reliability.Lithium batteries are lighter, charge faster, last significantly longer, and offer more usable capacity than other types but they also cost more upfront. If you’re a frequent traveller or rely heavily on off-grid power, they’re often worth the investment.
Lead-acid batteries are a long-established and cost-effective choice for leisure power. Traditional flooded types require regular maintenance, while sealed versions are maintenance-free and safer to use. Although they’re heavier, slower to charge, and have a shorter lifespan than lithium, lead-acid batteries still perform reliably in moderate off-grid situations. For many users, they offer a solid balance between price and dependable performance.
Can I use solar panels to charge my leisure battery?
Yes, solar panels are a popular and effective way to keep your leisure battery charged, especially when off-grid.
Can I use solar panels to charge my leisure battery?
Yes, solar panels are a popular and effective way to keep your leisure battery charged, especially when off-grid.Fitting solar panels to your motorhome allows you to generate renewable energy to top up your leisure battery daily, even when parked remotely. A typical 100W panel can produce around 30–50Ah per day in summer, enough to run lights, charge devices, or keep a fridge going.
To make the most of a solar setup, you’ll need a suitable charge controller (preferably MPPT for better efficiency) and a properly matched battery. It’s a great way to extend your independence from campsites and hook-ups, particularly in sunnier months.
Can I use my leisure battery while it’s being charged?
Yes, most leisure batteries can be used while they’re charging- whether you’re plugged into mains, running off solar, or topping up via the alternator.
Can I use my leisure battery while it’s being charged?
Yes, most leisure batteries can be used while they’re charging- whether you’re plugged into mains, running off solar, or topping up via the alternator.Using a leisure battery while it’s charging is completely normal and often necessary, especially when using mains-powered systems (via an inverter), solar panels, or running the engine. Your battery will simply supply power and recharge at the same time, assuming the charging system is working properly.
That said, if your charger can’t keep up with the demand from your appliances, your battery may still slowly discharge. Always make sure your charging source matches the battery’s needs, especially if you’re using high-power devices or charging a lithium system.
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Our Team
Welcome to the team here at Bristol Caravans and Motorhomes. We’re really proud of the team, and over the years it’s been our pleasure to provide advice and services to our ever-growing loyal customers.
Thank you for trusting us with your investment.
“We arrived at Llanfyllin, and it was raining so hard it was difficult to find our plot. Once parked up, it took just 90 seconds as we let our automatic levelling system get us level. Thank you, Bristol Caravans, for fitting our amazing levelling system.”
Jake and Carol Smith