Battery problem

McRiches replied on 06/05/2016 13:41

McRiches

Posted on 06/05/2016 13:41

Ok my lovely experienced caravaners who are guiding us through the early stages of caravanning life and know how.

We bought the Buccaneer last year and put it into storage in late September. It was briefly brought out in March to take to dealer and then back to storage. I went yesterday and bleeped the alarm fob and although the red light came on the fob there was no bleep sound. I surmised we had no power in battery. Upon reading the discussion we novices may have deadened the battery?

if we have how to you go about removing the battery, I.e is there anything we should know about, detailed answer for removal gratefully appreciated as it is myself not my husband who will be doing this.

I have researched also that a Ctek MXS 7.0 is the best charger for the job to try and ignite some life in to the battery. Is this the case or any other recommendations?

If that fails then a new battery is a must? Now the Buccaneer is a weighty van and we have always had trouble with motor mover giving up part way. So advice on makes and sizes of battery to handle our van would again be gratefully received.

I apologise for our ignorance!

4 replies

peedee replied on 06/05/2016 13:53

Member

peedee

Motorhomer

Posted on 06/05/2016 13:53

I noticed your original post in the Parts and Accessories discussion hadn't received much of a response so I have just posted a reply >there<. I f you really want to lug a battery backwards and forwards to site storage then >these chargers< are regularly recommended.

Sorry cannot help you with battery removal because I have no idea where or how it is stored in your van and I have never had a motormover.

peedee

lesbunny replied on 06/05/2016 15:00

Member

lesbunny

Caravanner

Posted on 06/05/2016 15:00

Hi Mcriches, For removal of the battery:

1. open the battery locker door. You will see a strap holding the battery in place & possibly a metal plate & screw at the bottom of the battery in the middle. Undo one or both of these. 2 very slowly pull the battery out away from the van - be very careful as they are extremely heavy. If the battery in sitting in a plastic tray pull that out with it. 3, you should have enough wire length to sit the battery on the floor. 4, there are two types of battery connectors. One is a squeeze on type, just flip the top & it releases. The other has soft rubber covers ( or none at all ) & requires a spanner to loosen the bolts before disconnecting.

Hope the above helps. If the battery is less than 110amp I would personally just buy a new one as this is certainly why your motor mover keeps stopping.

hitchglitch replied on 06/05/2016 15:17

Member

hitchglitch

Motorhomer

Posted on 06/05/2016 15:17

Unfortunately you may have ruined the battery as they don't like to be completely discharged. A CTek 5.0 is good enough for a 110 Ahr battery.

When your van is in store you will have to recharge the battery every 1-2 months unless you have a solar panel as the alarm etc. will gradually use the battery. It helps to have a spare and if you are able to partly rescue the one currently fitted it may suffice for a few days whilst you charge the other one.