Where's My Battery? And A General Leisure Battery Question.

[TheWM]

Along the list of absolute stupid questions - here goes. I thought my battery would be under the drivers seat. I can't actually see it so is it a seat out job? I have taken a pic there appears (to my untrained eye) to be some kind of earthing strap popping out which makes me think it may be hidden away.

The reason I ask is twofold. I want to know whether my solar panel has some kind of battery master that tops up the starter battery when the leisure battery is topped up. And where to jump it if needed!

My panel reads 13.0v on the leisure but is drawing 2 amps (with all off is this being drawn from the panel?) and 11.8v for the main battery.

I've attached pics of where I think the main is and the leisure batteries. Anyone got any comments about the leisure batteries in terms of their spec and longevity?

 

[Jon and Shell]

Your Rapido will have a CBE electrical system. This will look after your starter battery. Once the leisure batteries are fully charged, the starter battery gets charge too.

The batteries are Banner Gels by the look of it. Good batteries but you need to ensure your mains charger is set for Gel batteries.
There is a small dip switch inside the charger which you need to check. It is labelled gel or PB, meaning lead acid.

Ensure you are unplugged from EHU before removing the front of your charger to check though!

 

[TheWM]

Thanks. Where is said mains charger?

 

[funflair]

Hi @jonandshell what makes you say that these are GEL batteries, Banner 59533 is a starting bull wet battery according to Mr Google.

Also not sure if all CBE systems have the facility to look after the engine battery I know ours does but I thought that part of the system was an option.

Martin

 

[makems]

Do you have the original Rapido handbook?
It shows where the CBE box will be - it can be in a different location depending on which model you have. On the 983M we used to have it was inside the rear n/s garage door on the bulkhead.

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[TheWM]

Thanks guys. My manual is in German and not very handy when meine deutsche ist nicht so gut! I would be well happy if they were gel batteries! Ps am I right in thinking that the starter battery is under the drivers seat (lhd)?

 

[pappajohn]

At 11.8v your starter battery it is well discharged and probably needs replacing....either not accepting a charge or not holding one.

At rest (off charge for an hour and not under load) it should read at least 12.6v.

At 13v your leisure batteries are getting a charge from your solar panel which will be where the 2 amps reading is coming from....2 amps going into the batteries.

 

[pappajohn]

Banner 59533 is a starting bull wet battery

Yep......95ah lead acid.

battery code 019....starter battery which fits loads of different cars and isnt a proper leisure battery.

 

[TheWM]

At 11.8v your starter battery it is well discharged and probably needs replacing....either not accepting a charge or not holding one.

At rest (off charge for an hour and not under load) it should read at least 12.6v.

At 13v your leisure batteries are getting a charge from your solar panel which will be where the 2 amps reading is coming from....2 amps going into the batteries.

Thanks.

Looks like I may need new batteries all round as when I sat in it on Sat with a bit of music and friends with lights on, it dipped down to around 11(ish)v. I assumed that the batteries probably needs replacing as they are probably 6 years old.

So - how do I get to the starter battery on a Rapido A Class, as this seems to be the main problem currently!

 

[WillH]

What make is the chassis and what year and engine configuration is it and someone will know.

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[Mr B]

Your battery is between/front of the seats. Rubberised panel lifts out and it's there.
Your leisure battery's should be under one of the lounge seats just behind the drivers seat.
If you come across an English version for the manual, let me know. Mines in French. I'll send you the link for the Ducato user manual if you want.
Oh, my charger, control panel etc is on the left, in the rear mini garage.

 

[TheWM]

Your battery is between/front of the seats. Rubberised panel lifts out and it's there.
Your leisure battery's should be under one of the lounge seats just behind the drivers seat.
If you come across an English version for the manual, let me know. Mines in French. I'll send you the link for the Ducato user manual if you want.
Oh, my charger, control panel etc is on the left, in the rear mini garage.

Just emailed you. I should be able to get a download and will send you a link

 

[Mr B]

Just seen your photo. Lift your carpet up in the cab area and you will see the inspection panel for the battery

 

[Jon and Shell]

Yep, the others are right!

Leisure Banners all have blue tops!

 

[Techno]

Hi @jonandshell what makes you say that these are GEL batteries, Banner 59533 is a starting bull wet battery according to Mr Google.

Also not sure if all CBE systems have the facility to look after the engine battery I know ours does but I thought that part of the system was an option.

Martin

Some CBE panels only charge the engine battery when on hook up including mine (DS520RA)

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[Techno]

Starter battery applies to Fiat A class too
http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/x250-cab-battery-change-in-pictures.78883/

 

[funflair]

Some CBE panels only charge the engine battery when on hook up including mine (DS520RA)

I think it's a separate module Andy, I know ours has it as it charges the engine battery from the leisure when on solar.

Martin

 

[Techno]

I think it's a separate module Andy, I know ours has it as it charges the engine battery from the leisure when on solar.

Martin

Yes correct Martin. For mine I had to fit a CBECSB2 after market

 

[TheWM]

Thanks all - I found it! See pic.

Does look like 'more' wires than I'd expect to see on a starter battery. I'm guessing that it may have additional charging?