How Often Should You Change your Leisure Battery?

How Often Should You Change your Leisure Battery?

by: Dean Janse Van Vuuren
November 2020
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It is quite easy to lose track of the lifespan of a battery which is not used regularly. The leisure battery falls in this category as it is normally used on vacations and camping trips in conjunction with RVs, caravans, and motorboats. That is why it is important to understand the timeframe after which a leisure battery needs to be replaced. BPZ does not underestimate the utility of leisure batteries because finding out that the leisure battery is dead while on a trip can potentially ruin the entire plan. That is why to prevent this problem we would try to approach the topic at hand from different directions. We would look at the general lifespan of a leisure battery and how it varies across different variants. We would also look at the signs that may indicate the battery is about to go bad. Finally, the discussion would be concluded with some good and bad practices that can either increase or reduce the battery’s life.

On average, a leisure battery can last around 5 years. The lifespan of the battery is dependent on the maintenance of the battery itself and frequency of use in cold weathers. The leisure battery needs to work harder in colder climate and can expedite the degradation process. That is why it is generally recommended to avoid using the leisure battery during winters. If the battery is not going to be used during winters, then it’s a good idea to store it indoors. The battery should be kept in a dry place which is not exposed to extreme coldness. By adopting this approach, the battery is more likely to reach its average lifespan with ease and the need to change the battery would arrive later rather than sooner.

Usually most leisure batteries are lead acid batteries. While they are cheaper, they generally have shorter lifespans. If one is willing to make the investment, they can opt for AGM or gel batteries as well. They do not contain fluids, so their lifespan is not likely to be affected by gassing issues. Furthermore, they have lower self-discharge rates which prolongs both the cycle life and overall life of the battery.

When a battery is approaching the end of its life some signs become obvious. If the battery shows a drop of around 20-30% from its maximum voltage level, then it may be time to replace the battery. Also, if the leisure battery is now unable to properly power the appliances present in your RV even though the battery is fully charged and no new load has been added then it may also mean that the battery is about to die.

There are some dos and don’ts when it comes to leisure batteries. Regular maintenance work, such as checking and topping up electrolyte levels in case of flood batteries and use of smart chargers during periods of non-use, can prolong the battery’s life. On the other hand, things like overcharging the battery and leaving the battery in a discharged state for an extended amount of time can reduce the battery’s life.

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