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<h1 class="b-page__heading b-heading__primary-2 b-font__tertiary page_header">LEISURE BATTERIES FAQS
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<p>If you own a caravan or motorhome, it’s important to get to grips with the leisure battery. Knowing how to
maintain your leisure battery will keep it going for as long as possible and can help reduce the cost of running
your caravan or motorhome. Keep reading to discover all you need to know about leisure batteries.</p>
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What is a leisure battery?
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<p>A <a href="https://www.halfords.com/motoring/batteries/leisure-batteries/" class="font-weight-bold"
style="color: #ff9718;">leisure battery</a> is used to power electrical appliances and
equipment,
like lights or a TV, in a motorhome or caravan.
in a motorhome or caravan. As these appliances place higher power demands on a battery, leisure
batteries are specifically designed to withstand repeated deep discharge cycles.</p>
<p>It’s important to use a leisure battery because automotive starter batteries within vehicles
can't support this type of usage. If you do try to use a starter battery, you risk damaging the
internal components and causing it to prematurely fail.
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How to charge a leisure battery
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<p>Most motorhomes have two different batteries: one that’s used to start the vehicle’s engine and a
second leisure battery that powers other appliances within the motorhome.</p>
<p>On the other hand, caravans only have leisure batteries, and these need to be charged to ensure your
motorhome or caravan receives the power it needs.</p>
<p>Charging a leisure battery is a simple process. For motorhomes, whenever the vehicle’s engine
is running, both your leisure battery and the starter battery will be charged using a split charge
system. For caravans, it’s also possible to charge a battery while driving but the caravan
will need to be carefully wired through the tow bar into the car.</p>
<p>When not driving, a leisure battery will be used as the only source of power in both a caravan and
motorhome. To help support this, many have on-board charging facilities that can be connected to a
charging point, like you’d commonly find on a campsite.</p>
<p>It’s also possible to charge a leisure battery using a solar maintainer. Providing a greener
way to power your caravan or motorhome, solar panels come in various sizes and are also ideal for
off-grid travellers who don’t have easy access to charging points.</p>
<p>During the off season when you won’t be using the battery, it’s best to use a <a
href="https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/battery-chargers/?prefn1=type&prefv1=Smart%20Chargers"
class="font-weight-bold" style="color:#ff9718;">smart
charger</a> to keep the battery topped up and to monitor its condition. Before doing so, make
sure
you’re using the correct type of charger for your battery and refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions. The charger then needs to be switched to the correct settings for
your battery.</p>
<p><strong>TOP TIP: </strong>Always check that your smart charger is safe for unattended charging.</p>
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What is a leisure battery smart charger? </span>
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<p>It’s important to maintain your battery during the off season as all batteries lose their
charge when not in use or when not being charged.</p>
<p>If the charge level drops too low for an extended period (12.4 volts and below), permanent internal
damage may occur, damaging the battery to a point where it can't be recovered by recharging.</p>
<p>However, by using an intelligent smart charger specific to the battery type and technology, you can
safely monitor and maintain your leisure battery when it’s not in regular use.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.halfords.com/motoring/battery-maintenance/battery-chargers/?prefn1=type&prefv1=Smart%20Chargers"
class="b-button__primary">Shop smart chargers</a></p>
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How do you use a leisure battery smart charger?
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<p>Using a smart charger is a simple process. However, it’s important to note that not all smart
chargers are suitable for charging leisure batteries. If you’re unsure, speak to one of our experts
in-store. </p>
<p>First, ensure the smart charger is switched off, then connect your charger’s positive connector
(usually red) to your leisure battery’s positive terminal.</p>
<p>Next, connect the negative connector (usually black) to your battery’s negative terminal. Once
complete, switch your smart charger on and select the correct option for your application.</p>
<p>Depending on the level of pre-existing charge, the charging process can take several hours. Once
complete, switch your smart charger off and wait at least five minutes to allow any gasses to clear
before removing the leads.</p>
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How do you test a leisure battery? </span>
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<p>Monitoring the condition of a leisure battery is important – after all, you don’t want to
get all the way to your destination to discover it’s giving you no power!</p>
<p>Leisure batteries should be tested for both voltage and state of health regularly. On many vehicles,
voltage can be checked using an on-board battery control panel. If not, you can also use either a
multimeter or voltmeter. Always ensure that all electrical appliances and consumers are switched off
prior to checking the battery voltage. To use either appliance, place the probes on the correct
battery terminals. A fully charged leisure battery will show a reading of 12.7V or more. Anything
less than 12.4V is deemed as deeply discharged and the use of a smart charger is advisable.</p>
<p>State of health testing should be carried out using a suitable conductance type tester. This type of
test will require the input of an amp rating into the device, which can’t be found on most leisure
batteries as they aren’t designed for starting vehicles. To get the amp rating, simply multiply the
battery’s Ah rating by 4.</p>
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