A Basic Guide to Finding the Ideal 12V Battery

If you’re new to caravanning and are looking to equip yourself with a bunch of 12V devices that will make your trip in the Australian outback more complete, then you’re going to need a 12V leisure battery to make sure everything you get is properly powered. Unlike your car’s main battery, leisure batteries are designed to provide a steady level of power for extended time periods, and they help transform your vehicle and caravan into habitable, comfortable accommodation.

That being said, if you’re looking for a leisure battery to power all your 12 volt devices, you should carefully consider a few factors in order to get the best one for your needs. The first thing to consider is the type of leisure batteries that’s available in today’s market. The most popular types are Gel and AGM batteries. Both AGM and Gel leisure batteries are deep-cycle batteries, meaning they can be recharged many times before they start deteriorating in quality. This makes them ideal for powering 12 volt devices that are demanding.

Gel batteries are commonly used in vehicles like quad bikes and jet skis, both of which have a high risk of crashing. The fact that the battery contains a gel removes the risk of damage from being tipped over and thus, the risk of injury from leaking corrosive acid. Motorhomes and caravans that come equipped with a leisure battery generally have a gel battery. AGM batteries, on the other hand, comprise of lead plates and compressed glass fiber. These batteries can function as a starter and leisure battery, and they have a large number of charging cycles.

Regardless of what type of battery you end up choosing, in order to get the most out of it, you’re going to have to:

• Use high-quality clamps
• Apply a thin layer of grease or vaseline to its terminals
• Ensure the electrolyte level covers the lead plates
• Ensure the steel contact surface of spring-loaded clamps doesn’t rust
• Recharge it once it goes below 50% power
• Check it to ensure the gas relief tube is fitted and secured properly
• Don’t leave it uncharged, as that can lead to sulphation
• Use a proper charger to recharge it

Some of the factors that impact battery performance are temperature, age and consumption. Leisure batteries don’t perform well in colder temperatures, and the ideal temperature is around 25°C. Further, expect the battery to perform optimally for about 5 years (depending on model). And of course, the more devices you plug and use, the faster it will discharge and the more you’ll need to recharge it.