What is a leisure battery?
A leisure battery is found in motorhomes and campervans. They provide a steady flow of current over a long period of time to power various appliances and equipment that require more battery power.
How long does a leisure battery last
Leisure batteries are designed to endure continual discharge cycles, as the appliances that they run depend on more power. The type of leisure battery your campervan or motorhome needs will depend on the performance and overall lasting power required.
Generally, you can expect 4 to 5 years of battery life from a leisure battery. However, it’s lifespan can be affected by several factors:
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Maintenance – though the average battery life is 5 years, this could be extended with the right maintenance. Whereas if the battery is left to go flat consistently, the lifespan could be cut to well under 5 years.
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Usage – the more appliances your leisure battery is powering, the more it will need to be recharged. This can lead to the battery degrading quicker and therefore shortening the life of the battery overall.
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Temperature – The colder the climate, the more the performance will decrease. You can expect around a 1% decrease in running power each time the degree hits below this.
- Size – the more appliances that are running, the more the battery will drain. Therefore, the bigger the battery size, the more power it will have to power multiple devices.
Different battery types and their longevity
Lead-acid or Wet Battery
This type of battery requires regular charging as it only offers short-term power. You can expect this type of leisure battery to last around 3 to 5 years.
Gel Battery
This type of battery is quite expensive as the lifespan is relatively high, though they are vulnerable to overcharging. They tend to last around 5 to 6 years.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Battery
Unlike wet batteries, the acid in this type of battery is not free-flowing but is absorbed within fibreglass mats. AGM batteries are longer lasting than conventional lead-acid batteries, having a lifespan on 5 to 6 years. They last an average of 6 years in total.
Lithium (LiFePO4) Battery
LiFePO4 stands for lithium iron phosphate however, there are other types of lithium battery. This type of battery is the best performing overall compared to other leisure battery types. They tend to last around 7 years.
Discover our range
Looking for the right leisure battery for your motorhome or campervan? Shop our wide range of batteries now or for more information, find out more here. Alternatively, contact our helpful team today.
