Batteries

[Monty777]

I have been going through our new (to us) Hymer, and have started checking the electrics-as in where are the fuses, distribution panel, charger etc. It has a pair of Varna Professional LA95 AGM 95ah batteries which I assume since the van has only done 10,000 miles since new in January 2016 are original. I haven’t had any issues with them so far, had 150watts of solar fitted when we bought the van. Has anyone any comment/opinion/suggestions to make? We tend to go away for a couple of 2 week periods in the spring and summer and then 5-6 weeks in Spain in the Autumn, stay mainly in aires in the Summer with maybe a couple of nights on a site with ehu. In the Autumn it would be on sites apart from travelling. Our old van had 2 x 100ah habitation batteries and 2 solar panels which were on it when we bought it so no idea of their capacity-but we managed for 10 days on an Aire in Biscarosse last year without ehu. So, should I be looking towards Lithium batteries in the long term or just carry on as we are??

 

[monzer]

Probably not worth the expense for 12-14 weeks of the year. Well not in my opinion anyway. I've just replaced my batteries and went for a like for like replacement of 2 90ah gels even though the lithiums were really tempting.

 

[jumar]

I think you have just what you need......until recently my 2006 Hymer had just one leisure battery 90ah and one 120w Solar panel.....only when I started asking more from my system did I upgrade my panel.....

 

[two]

I think you're doing well to survive 10days without EHU after five years.
You'll know when you need to change and the simplest is like-for-like.
I guess you're not a heavy user. If so, they could keep going for a few more years, yet.
I'd replace them when they last less than four days, which is as long as we usually stop without EHU. Your needs may differ.