Leisure battery required for motor mover

ScreenName4EC74D0650 replied on 12/04/2022 17:52

ScreenName4EC74D0650

Posted on 12/04/2022 17:52

Hello everyone! New member here and new to caravanning life!
we need a new leisure battery on the caravan we have bought - a lunar eclipse 6 berth single axle. We had a motor mover fitted and the battery is completely draining after using it for 2 minutes! We also finding the battery never shows as fully green, it only ever says good.
the other question is should the car be charging the battery when towing too?
when charging the leisure battery I have just the charger lit on the mains and nothing else is that right?

feel completely out of my depth here and have no idea who or where to ask questions!

13 replies

commeyras replied on 12/04/2022 18:54

Member

commeyras

Caravanner from West Sussex

Posted on 12/04/2022 18:54

Don't feel awkward about asking any questions on this forum, we all started some time. By the way you can give yourself a screen name by going into 'My Profile' at the top of this page when logged on.

It sounds as though your battery may be shot. However, give it a good charge using an external charger rather than the one in the caravan; if it still does not retain its charge you need a new one. Get a 110 or 120 amp if it will fit. When towing, the caravan leisure battery will be receiving a charge. If your caravan is connected to mains the battery should be charging using the on board charger; check it with a multi meter to see it should read 13v + if it is working.

replied on 12/04/2022 20:15

Posted on 12/04/2022 20:15

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Burgundy replied on 12/04/2022 21:59

Member

Burgundy

Caravanner from Durham

Posted on 12/04/2022 20:15 by

If you do decide to purchase a new battery you can't go far wrong buying from Tayna Batteries. A massive choice, good prices and excellent advice if you phone to discus you requirements.

Posted on 12/04/2022 21:59

cyberyacht replied on 13/04/2022 08:29

Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer from Hampshire

Posted on 13/04/2022 08:29

If you have a foreign car, they are often not wired up to provide power to the caravan apart from road lights.

JohnM20 replied on 13/04/2022 09:10

Member

JohnM20

Caravanner from Derbyshire

Posted on 13/04/2022 09:10

Be sure to check the physical size of the battery, whichever one you choose, and the size of the battery box to make sure it will fit, including room for the cables.

TonyBurton replied on 13/04/2022 14:55

Member

TonyBurton

Caravanner

Posted on 13/04/2022 14:55

The battery should charge when you are towing. However with a modern euro 5 or 6 diesel engine you may find they only charge when you are braking. For the same reason, the fridge doesn't get much power either when on the road. It's best to have it charged up before you set out.

TonyBurton replied on 13/04/2022 15:05

Member

TonyBurton

Caravanner

Posted on 13/04/2022 15:05

Also, your battery could have become flat while the caravan was not being used. My Lunar has a 12v switch under the front bunk. It prevents the battery from being drained whilst in storage. The control panel above the door will go completely blank when the 12v is isolated.

Things like the TV aerial amp or a tracker would then be disconnected.

commeyras replied on 14/04/2022 09:49

Member

commeyras

Caravanner from West Sussex

Posted on 14/04/2022 09:49

Further to Tony Burton's post. I have heard that with modern E5/6 diesel cars it is necessary to drive with headlights on to put a load on the 'alternator' and that this will then run the fridge and charge the caravan battery. However, I'm no expert perhaps someone with more knowledge can comment.