Caravan leisure batteries during winter

[@CarlJones14]

My home converted panel van has 4 × 110ah batteries & a 3mm thick 250w solar panel on the roof. The surface of the panel is rippled. These ripples refract light into the panel even when the sun is low or its cloudy. Granted, I live in London & in the depths of winter the panel does not get direct sunlight, yet my batteries didn't drop below 12.8v all winter. This type of panel is expensive but I think its worth it. Ideal when your caravan is in storage all winter.

[@mikebro2557]

Thanks for the great video, very informative. I removed my battery and took it home to charge, the battery may now be healthy but I can’t say the same about my poor back after lifting it out of the battery compartment that is sunk into the floor under the fixed bed! The voltage chart is a very handy reference 👍

[@jonchambers958]

Really great video to help lay people (like me!) understand how the leisure battery works, how it should be maintained and when it should be replaced. I now need to replace mine! Keep it up!

[@MrDoohdaah]

Very useful information and well explained. thanks, as I was a bit bothered about what to do when the caravan is not used over winter. Fortunately we keep it at home.

[@CaravanGossip]

This is a great positive video Dan. It left me fully charged. Which leads me on to say there is nothing negative about this.

[@Perthshire]

Caravan Gossip I tried to come up with a re-volting comment

[@qedelec]

Another useful vid to inform and instruct. I have an older van with an analogue volt meter which only shows green amber and red. So bought a very cheap plugin digital volt meter, (£1.32), and allows a constant readout. Although the battery is best measured disconnected from all current drain, it can still indicate sufficiently that the charge is OK after two or three hours, the only item still drawing power is the aerial amp.

[@Parknest]

Absolutely spot on Dan. I'll need to check my battery the next time I'm down at the caravan. I might even feature it in a future caravan video. Using a solar panel isn't an option for me because I use a cover on the caravan to keep the leaves off as the caravan is parked under some trees. Last year I took the battery out and charged it up at home. I've nothing that requires constant power so taking the battery home isn't an issue and I'm only 10 minutes away from the caravan.

[@martinkitchin6204]

Very interesting Dan - thanks ! Our new caravan will be stored in a locked barn with very little direct sunlight so a solar panel will not be much use. We've no plans to go 'off grid' so the battery will be used just for the PowerMover. There will be no tracking devices etc I think then it'll be a case of buying a Voltmeter, periodically checking it and bringing it home to charge. How often do you think that will be?

[@stonkeng]

Good advice. I took my old worn out battery to the scrap yard and got £18 for it in 2017.

[@MrWilko58]

As a presenter, you have great potential. :-) About 12.8 volts worth.

[@johncreen5957]

Great video, terrible puns lol, it was on your advice we installed a solar panel to our knackered battery, it needs replacing but the charge it gets from the panels is enough to use the lights or CD player for a short time, I do check the battery regularly to make sure it’s ok, bye for now

[@simonc4810]

I was under the impression that leisure batteries exist because standard car batteries are not engineered to handle low voltage conditions. My understanding is that the metal plates within a leisure battery are much stiffer and therefore don’t distort and short-out during deep-cycle conditions. In short, leisure batteries are designed to go flat without suffering damage. AGM batteries take this capability to a new level. In terms of keeping a battery trickle-charged, not many chargers are designed for this purpose. CTEK make excellent maintenance chargers but a quick web search for “maintenance charger” will do the trick. You can even select a regeneration program if the battery is struggling. A common cause of battery death (and associated smells) is being connected to a standard trickle-charger (or solar panel without battery-management) for too long.

[@HowardB54]

Great video Dan , just the info I was after , agree with comments below re multimeter settings , don’t want anyone to connect it with the meter set to amps ! Now .... winter tyre care next ! .... axle stands ? Swap for old car wheels ? Blank wheel stands ? Etc ... Good work as ever Dan Regards Howard

[@paul-ne1bh]

spot on faulty battery ,i have now change it and we are back to normal many thanks paul

[@TheMuttleydog]

I'm new to caravaning and you really have helped and given me good advice and cracking tips.

[@robnicholson4942]

Thanks Dan. Important , clear guidance for a dodo like me.

[@MarmaladeTour]

I've learnt a lot from this video and I'm only 3 mins in! Good work!

[@newhorizons3451]

Its worth noting that batteries don't like been shaken or moved around a lot also, which brings two points, taken them backs and forwards to be charged, is not great, but also with the state of our roads now, using lead acid batteries is not the best type, I know they are slightly more expensive but AGM are better.

[@robforrest12739]

Another great video Dan - very informative. I’m actually off to our van after work to check it’s OK as been 3 weeks since we used it and off again in a couple so fingers crossed all is OK 👌

[@georgewarmowski6881]

Like your videos, started watching and was curious about the differences between units in UK and US. Some things are similar, some not so much. Very interesting.

[@timdhines]

Great video. I keep my caravan on my driveway behind locked gates and with alko wheel and hitch locks. It does have a solar panel and alarm so wondering if I should bring battery indoors during winter and trickle charge it. Or leave outdoors but worries about low temperatures in NE England. Advice appreciated and keep up the great work!

[@pencillou1]

Great video Dan, what battery do you use in the lunar clubman

[@juliechaplin5251]

Very informative and helpful - both on the battery and the solar panel set up. Can I ask how you got the wires through the back of the battery case please.

[@elpresidente8730]

Really like your tech tips videos, always clear and concise.

[@davidaustin2172]

Great video, thanks very much. You gave Amp le information and plenty of revolt ing comments!👍

[@sandralloyd838]

Brilliantly done. Simple to understand. Thank you

[@janicegalloway5636]

Very useful and informative, as ever Dan, particularly at this time of year! Thanks :)

[@pauladams4248]

Hi Dan, I'm thinking of installing a solar panel for winter battery charging. Placing it in the window seems a neat solution but, from what I've seen on-line, obscuring even a small part of a panel will prevent a whole group of cells from functioning, not just those in shadow - because they are linked in series. What are your thoughts on this? - You obviously feel a useful charging output is still achievable.

[@philipgray7951]

Great video, thank you. Invaluable to me, a newcomer to caravans. I, like you, have my van in storage. Your video explains very well the importance of keeping the battery topped up and a solar panel seems to be the obvious way forward. What about the frost angle though? That still remains an issue right? Can you assist further please? Thanks.

[@gordonturke4171]

Very informative Paul, thanks for sharing.

[@lavenderbluevintagetea1412]

Great video .. I’m going to try this as I think my battery has had it .. but don’t want to get a new one until the new year.. also I noticed my battery got hit after towing is this normal.?

[@robertburnett8009]

Hi Dan Great video .My vans in storeage and I am going to charge leisure battery with a cooler panel. Can I use crocodile clips supplied or have to hard wire. Do I leave all electrics off a fuse box in van ? Thanks Dan Regards Bob

[@vince_martyn]

Another thought about vans with solar panels on the roof, most systems will tell you to shutdown the solar by disconnecting the panel from the solar charge controller *before* disconnecting the battery.

[@wwdamoz]

The battery you have fitted is a dual use battery, and not a dedicated leisure. Also battery voltage below 12.3 is considered flat and in need of charge.

[@sidlewis3954]

Thanks for the great video Dan, you’ve answered a lot of questions I have been thinking about.keep up the good work. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@dukenukem5768]

As the theft alarm, tracker etc don't take much power, why not take the main battery home and replace it during the winter by a small 12v one, maybe a pack of NiMh rechargeables? No freezing issues.

[@kevjones2107]

Interesting vid. I'm new to the camper van scene and never thought of the cold weather and my battery. Thanks for sharing and will sub for more tips ATB Kev

[@markmahoney2300]

Hi Dan I have a 5 berth double dinner ace jubilee viceroy I love it best thing I've Eva done but im very worried about mould an horrible smell in it after the winter period is there any way u CN help me please as u are brilliant u know what Ur talking about plus I was Neva shown how to use the heater in my van the place I got it from tb caravan sales ltd Skegness they didn't show me how it all works I would not recommend them to any1 but I have my van now and I'm happy with it CN u help please 🥺

[@caileanmoore2835]

A really informative video. Thanks for sharing.

[@morleycrabbe193]

Thanks for all your information do you have any information about The Truman pump

[@JimWorldLeader]

Thanks Dan, the information in your video is very useful.

[@geoffsmith6757]

Hi, very useful as our caravan has been in storage over winter for the first time (previously at home) and it's been battery carnage. One thing that is not really covered anywhere is the current consumed by a typical caravan when in 'System Shutdown' mode. It's certainly not zero - alarm, tracker radio, aerial amp etc? Any thoughts on this and can a 100w panel still cope?

[@melaniecruickshank3711]

Thank you Dan for another really informative and educatative vid. Mel and Andy C

[@itroy3039]

Handy tips I always use at least 120 amp hours or more But not many caravans in Germany have a battery.

[@alliehowe663]

Thanks for the info very useful - can you do a video to explain how the leisure battery is charged whilst on your van ? Ours discharged whist hitched up and we didn’t know why as thought the hook up charges is so obviously we didn’t have lights/water pump etc that works on 12v as a result thanks in advance !

[@davidaustin2172]

Don’t know how it discharged whilst hitched up. Was the hitch up switched on?, were all the circuits, ie, fridge, lights, arial booster etc. switched off? I always kill all circuits on control panel and my built in amp meter always reads just over 13 volts with hitch up plugged in. Does your battery recharge ok? Was your charger working? If it was a mains charger, it should keep everything supplied even if everything was on, like it should do when your hitched up on site! My battery went dead once, I’d assumed it was sealed, but no, it needed topping up with distilled water...silly me! Hope you’ve got it sorted now.

[@isackville]

Will you be doing any reviews of the advantages of using a lithium battery in the future

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Ivan, i have no immediate plans - as the cost for an equivalent Ah Lithium battery is prohibitively expensive. (At the moment)

[@michaelhallmark8476]

Just looked at the piece about batteries and looking at getting a new one.Can you tell me mine has the positive on the left of my battery as you look at the front and I have seen others with the positive on the right does this matter as long its connected correct

[@martinwarner1178]

Great video. Question, what if a battery reads 14.12 volts? Is it no good? It does seem to work OK.

[@simonc4810]

That means you have measured voltage with the charger connected and delivering power. To check battery condition, there needs to be nothing (apart from a volt/multimeter) connected to it.

[@keithdavies51]

I have looked at buying a multimeter to test the battery but they look so confusing that I always put them back on the shelf. An idiots guide on using one would be useful and much appreciated.

[@nigelwyn]

If only there was some way of searching the internet for useful information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHeWgKyHaK2qnLc Screw fix sell a good basic one for under £10.

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning Keith, I will be following up this video with a "caravan" specific video on multimeters, how to use and things you can check etc. Ive already got this one planned in, so your comment is really well received. thank you. Take care. Dan

[@keithdavies51]

Nigelwyn sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I’ll look forward to Dan’s video on using multimeters in a caravan environment.

[@nigelwyn]

Keith Davies Sorry, I didn't wish to sound mean.

[@nigelwyn]

And here's another good one from a useful channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipW4fGmIhcl8qKM

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Hi Dan I have a problem and needs solution I have a bailey with the battery under the fixed bed how would I get the cable from the front to the middle? Cheers Oliver

[@craigengle8440]

Awesome taught me what I needed to know . From AOTEAROA NZ

[@richardw5375]

What do you if you put a winter cover over? Where would you locate the solar panel and cable?

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Richard, if you place a cover on during winter and have a panel mounted on the roof, you can buy covers that have window panels to allow sunlight through. Have a look at Specialised Covers, they are very helpful.

[@johncahill6859]

Great advice

[@chrisfozz]

yes, worth watching with some good info

[@DesmondsDonders]

Nice one. I am going to avoid the puns though. If you are planning a future video on battery care etc. how about a "expose" on why the "charger" in you caravan is not a charger ;-) Nice to see someone talking sense on solar btw.

[@TheTrudgians]

ahh,... Good point, and a good topic to cover off...

[@SeasideVanlife]

Thank you for the reminder!!

[@alanalan1406]

Another useful video thanks Dan. If only alerting me to something I don't do and probably won't :-0

[@dukenukem5768]

100W panel at 12v = 8.3amps as you say. But putting 8.3amps through a 10amp fuse is stressing the fuse somewhat and may give spurious blows at normal loads. Fuses are not very accurate in their blowing current anyway. Generally a fault (like a short) will cause a much higher current than normal; therefore fuses are generally chosen at values much higher than any normal working current. You say in another comment that the connecting wire is 25amp rated, so I would fuse at 20 amps. The wire could tolerate much more than 25 amps briefly anyway; its rating will include quite a safety margin. In other words, if you shorted these wires from the battery, a 20amp fuse (even one at the upper end of manufacturing tolerance) would blow long before the wires or battery were distressed if they ever were; and the solar panel should have its own protection. I don't know much about solar panels, but if the panel needs current protection for its own sake, then it should already have that locally in its own controller and not be reliant on anything elsewhere in the caravan, so the solar panel's rating should not be a factor in the choice of fuse rating here, as long as the connecting wires and the fuse are over rated for its current.

[@jamiemacmaster4253]

Duke Nukem every wire leaving the battery post should be fused as close to the + post as possible. To protect the wire that could cut or rub up against any metal part of the caravan which would be ground back to the battery that’s a short that would be a fire. So you were saying the solar panel should have its own built in fuse system yes it will but it the situation I’ve just mentioned that wouldn’t protect the wire from that battery short to ground/body. So yes he does need that extra fuse he fitted just off from the battery

[@howejones4126]

Very informative video Dan, I have a question. My van has an installed roof panel which is permanently connected, how do I take a battery at rest voltage measurement?

[@TheTrudgians]

Morning, the best way to get a resting voltage check is to disconnect the battery from any connections. As if you were going to remove the battery. this way you can see the correct resting voltage. Measuring a battery with a solar panel connected will give you a false reading. Hope that helps. Dan

[@howejones4126]

Thank you Dan, I've now done that and the battery measured 7.8v, so it'll be a new battery.

[@vince_martyn]

Yes, that is a dead battery.

[@TheTrudgians]

yup, its an ex battery.

[@petegreenfield8366]

@@TheTrudgians Lovely plumage though, the Norwegian Blue :)

[@keithhicks1750]

Hi Dan, I guess that this applies to motorhome batteries as well, is that correct?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Keith, yes spot on, exactly the same. Dan

[@charlesegraham662]

Hi dan if you brought a 2008 baily ranger caravan how do you now if its got the right leisure battery in the van Ive got 80amp hr battery is this right thanks charles

[@namespacetoosmall]

You're using quite thin wires between the charge controller and the battery. If there is a short circuit at the charge controller end, the batteries could push a lot of current down it, heating it up and maybe causing a fire. Do you have a fuse (up to 16A, at a guess) between the wire and the battery positive terminal?

[@TheTrudgians]

The cable is rated at 25amp, the fuse on the top of the battery is rated at 10amp for the 100w solar panel.

[@richardcarrington2869]

Hi Dan, my van is currently stored at home, so no problems with charging, what are your thoughts on keeping it connected to the mains supply continuously to keep it trickle charging, would it be a positive action to disconnect and reconnect every couple of weeks.

[@ringe22]

Excellent video! Cheers Dan! 😉

[@yaroslavmuradian5959]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@Richie771]

One of your best!

[@scottgreenwood8165]

Travelling without a battery in the caravan say to storage doesn’t affect any electrics you need to drive does it? Thanks in advance

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Scott, yes its fine to transport a caravan without a leisure battery. The leisure battery will supply power to all items in the caravan, but is not required to run systems like the lights when towing.

[@plymouthwelshboy]

dan - really helpful video but I have a question. we have a new bailey unicorn Seville 3 with a 100w solar panel on the roof. having winterized the van I visited yesterday and when switching on the electrics discovered the battery at 14.7v. I am assuming this isn't good? in which case, being completely new to caravans, what am I doing wrong and what do I need to do to bring my battery back to 13.6v over the winter? can you help? thanks steve

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Steve, there is nothing to worry about here. Your battery is being charged by the panel, its completely fine. if you were to use the caravan (i.e switch on the radio, perhaps a couple of reading lights etc) you will find the voltage down to about 12.xxx you have nothing to worry about, your panel is doing its job. Hope that helps. Dan

[@plymouthwelshboy]

cheers Dan - much appreciated and thanks for all the videos - brilliant for a newbie - deeply appreciated

[@focusgazblay3177]

Hi can you educate me? If someone stole your van and disconnects the battery can you still track your van??

[@paul-ne1bh]

can you tell me why my caravan battery is getting vary vary hot and a smell of fumes many thanks paul

[@TheTrudgians]

HI Paul, No i cannot tell. But i can advise you to disconnect and replace the battery. They symptoms could be down to a faulty battery, a faulty charger or an issue with the caravan. However, if a battery ever gets warm and smells, you must disconnect and remove carefully. My advice, would be after disconnection, have your caravan serviced, or at least have the electrics checked by a qualified service engineer. Hope that helps.

[@williamwishart7138]

My caravan battery appears to be flat after 2 months in storage. I’m going to buy a 100watt panel to prevent this in the future. I think I need 16awg cable to connect the charging controller to the battery - I believe 16awg should handle 10amps. Or should I go for 14awg to handle a higher load?

[@TheTrudgians]

HI William, I recommend this - its rated for 25 Amps, won't drop as many volts along longer cable runs and has a handy outer sheath for easier installation. amzn.to/2jKz3Ef Hope that helps. Dan

[@AdaminPoland]

Who do I take to court if someone dies while giving a battery a bath like you suggested? :) :) :) Just kidding - great vid.

[@amandamcnab8791]

Great video cheers dan x

[@davidwinter2959]

I live in a static caravan can I keep my batterys under the seats in the storage area so they are kept warm

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi David, yes no problem, try to keep them warm, they get damaged if they freeze.

[@davidwinter2959]

@@TheTrudgians cheers mate ty

[@jedturner9173]

paul could the system charge my motorhome battery and the leisure battery at the same time

[@TheTrudgians]

Hi Jed, i'm sorry i don't know the answer to that, It might be better speaking to someone who knows the details of motorhomes and how they manage leisure / motor batteries.

[@gavinstreetie1473]

Thanks dan great info on batteries for when I eventually buy a caravan some dealers are offering a solar panel on a new van any thoughts ? Watched with interest most of your films , but here’s a question caravan or motorhome (money is not the issue ) i would be grateful of your thoughts

[@shaunio1113]

I’m a bit AC/DC about all these battery puns.