The timeless problem of leisure batteries

[Chris63]

It’s an on going problem with 2 x 110 amp leisure batteries which are on an 2011 Autotrail Dakota .I suspect the batteries are original , I bought the van in March which has only 10000 miles from IH motorhomes
The batteries will charge from the alternator after running but lose charge over the day with no ‘pull’ on them
I’m now sitting with no lights only from a torch
Is there something which is draining them or are the batteries shot
Thanks in advance
Totthedog

 

[John Barrett]

It’s an on going problem with 2 x 110 amp leisure batteries which are on an 2011 Autotrail Dakota .I suspect the batteries are original , I bought the van in March which has only 10000 miles from IH motorhomes
The batteries will charge from the alternator after running but lose charge over the day with no ‘pull’ on them
I’m now sitting with no lights only from a torch
Is there something which is draining them or are the batteries shot
Thanks in advance
Totthedog

If they are truly ten years old then may I suggest that it is the latter condition and you will have to spend 200 quid on some new ones...

 

[Stealaway]

As always the van was sold with knackered batteries. Nobody fit's new batteries just before they sell their van. Bite the bullet and buy the best you can afford. They should last you about 5 year's.

 

[fat haggis]

Order new batteries mate. You already know that. Get gel if you can for better if you wild camp ️

 

[Jo662]

There is lots of battery info on here!

Motorhome/Caravan Servicing, repairs for most Battery Chargers

Most Motorhome/Caravan Battery chargers repaired. Schaudt Elektroblock, Nordelettronica, Calira, Arsilicii, Toptron, Plug In Systems and Burstner Reich E-Box repairs a speciality.

www.aandncaravanservices.co.uk

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[Lenny HB]

Order new batteries mate. You already know that. Get gel if you can for better if you wild camp ️

An AT won't have a charger suitable for Gels.

 

[davida71uk]

An AT won't have a charger suitable for Gels.

Hi Lenny HB - Could you advise why please? Cheers.

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny HB - Could you advise why please? Cheers.

Because they have never fitted Gels and use Sargent chargers that don't have a Gel profile. Sargent will tell you they are OK with Gels but they are not. Gels need a long absorption phase to fully charge, once they reach 14.4v they are only about 80% charged and won't be fully charged until after the absorption phase.

 

[Diabalo]

If it's the normal PX-300 Sargent charger then there isn't an option to change charging profiles, it has one and that's it.

 

[davida71uk]

If it's the normal PX-300 Sargent charger then there isn't an option to change charging profiles, it has one and that's it.

So on the AT's it's basically lead acid only?

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[Lenny HB]

So on the AT's it's basically lead acid only?

Yep but easy enough to change the charger.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Our gel battery had a bit of a treat last night.

The voltage was dropping after another poor solar day so I switched the charger on about midnight.

5½ hours later the battery was satisfied and the charger went to float mode

 

[Diabalo]

I have just put the PX-300 user guide in resources