Leisure batteries are crucial to campervans and caravans (and some marine vehicles, too) to help make sure your camping trip goes as smoothly as possible. These compact power packs provide the electricity needed to run functional necessities, like pumps, fans and lights, and domestic comforts, including TVs and microwaves.
Whether you’re new to leisure batteries or a seasoned user, you need to know about the different types of batteries, your requirements and how to use them. It’s also important to make sure that when you’re buying an upgrade or replacing degraded batteries, you’re getting the best option and the best price.
To help you find the best leisure battery, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best options on the market.
The best leisure batteries for campervans at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Platinum AGMLB6110L 100Ah Leisure Battery – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for off-grid use: Yuasa L36-AGM 95Ah Active Leisure Battery – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best for budget: SuperBatt LM75 75Ah Leisure Battery – Buy now from Amazon UK
The best leisure batteries for campervans
Editor's choice
Pros
- Long lasting charge
- Great for appliances
Cons
- Heavy
Best for off-grid use
Pros
- Maintenance free
- Ideal for off-grid use
Cons
- Awkward carry handle
Best for hook-up
Pros
- Added safety protection
- Status indicator
Cons
- Electrical hook-up required
Best Class B battery
Pros
- Can provide higher power for short periods
Best for budget
Pros
- Can be used for starting
- Lightweight
Types of leisure battery
Lead Acid – Lead Acid is the most common type of leisure battery. They require maintenance, need venting and will be damaged if left to run flat. Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries operate in the same way but do not require venting.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) – Absorbent Glass Mat, or AGM, combines compressed glass fibres with acid. This extends that battery’s lifespan. As sealed units, maintenance is of a minimum. They can sit on their ends and sides, just not upside down. An AGM charger is required, and the units tend to be more expensive than Deep Cycle batteries.
Gel – Gel batteries are sealed units, just like AGM, and therefore can be laid on their side. They are leakproof and can recharge if run flat (though still not advised). Gel batteries are considered the safest option and are commonly in campervans and motorhomes in Europe. They are one of the most expensive battery types.
What are leisure batteries for?
Leisure batteries are mostly used for motorhomes and caravans, and marine use. They sit at 12v – and only 12v – and release their charge in a controlled, smooth flow. Leisure batteries are typically used with low-power devices for a long period. They can be used with kettles, TVs, fans and lights, and also smooth out and correct irregularities in a power supply.
What do Class A, B, and C mean?
Class A batteries are high-capacity batteries meant for those who will not often hook up their campervans.
Class B batteries are for those who mostly use mains hook-up but will sometimes require a larger capacity.
Class C batteries are for those who are almost entirely hooked up to the mains and will require battery power for short lengths of time only.
How long should a battery last?
As with any battery, the elements of a leisure battery degrade over time, and the performance will decrease. Even if a battery is holding up well, it’s recommended a battery is replaced after five years.
Can I use a car battery?
No. Though they look a lot alike, a car battery and a leisure battery discharge power differently. A car battery releases its power in one short, sharp jolt before being recharged via an alternator. A leisure battery releases its power in a slow, controlled stream.
What size battery do I need?
To help you work out which leisure battery is best for your needs, this is a useful equation:
Device voltage (for example, a 12-volt TV) – 2.5Amps x hours of usage = Ah
Do this for each device you will use and add up the Ah values to get your total.
Does a leisure battery need maintenance?
A level of care and attention comes with all leisure batteries. This includes ensuring that they are stored in a safe and dry location and the terminals are greased.
Further to this, some batteries will require that acid levels are monitored and topped up with deionised water. Other batteries, typically those with under 14.6V, can be manufactured to be maintenance-free. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer.
Alex Boyd is a Commercial Content Writer for Parkers specialising in power tools and pressure washers. In his spare time, he enjoys DIY, Travel, Gardening, and music.
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