How To Change a Leisure Battery
Once you have established a battery replacement is required you need to get another leisure battery. Ideally exactly the same size, power and layout as your current battery, otherwise you may have issues fitting the replacement battery. There are occasions where you might consider increasing the battery size, power and quantity, but you would be advised to check you have the physical space to do so and always seek the help of a professional if you are unsure.
When changing your leisure battery it’s always best to know how many batteries you have and where they are located before hand.
Switch off the master switch in a motorhome for example, usually near the doorway or control panel. If you are changing a leisure battery in a campervan then if you have a mains or master switch, this needs to be turned off. If you have solar panel’s connected it would be wise to disconnect them from the controller first to prevent any damage and if there is no inline fuse, it would be best to fit one at this point. Depending on the complexity of connections you have in your motorhome or campervan, it would be prudent to disconnect the main vehicle battery in order to remove any unwanted problems during the changing of the batteries.
Removing The Leisure Battery
When looking to remove the leisure battery or batteries from your motorhome, campervan etc, it would be best to make sure you are prepared and have everything to hand. To safeguard your eyes and hands make sure you wear protective glasses and latex gloves are good for your hands, as they give the dexterity you need while protecting your hands.
You’ll probably want the following items: a torch, some rags, socket set with extension bar and if you need to clean the battery, cables and terminals, then a solution of water and baking soda will help clean everything.
- Before removing your battery it always makes sense to either draw a diagram or take a picture of the layout in the motorhome, campervan or other set up you have, in case you need to refer back to this when re-installing the battery or batteries.
- Always make sure you are wearing safety protection glasses for your eyes and gloves for your hands. Latex gloves can provide the dexterity that you need whilst protecting your hands.
- Before starting, make sure you have the tools you’ll need. Items such as: a torch, rags, socket set, extension bar, cable ties and some solution of water and baking soda for cleaning any corrosion.
- Remove any obstacles, covers, tables, seats etc in order to access the battery or batteries, if your battery is not visible please check your user manual to locate it.
- Once you have located the battery, make sure you have the correct tools to remove the battery.
- Pull back the rubber cap if there is one from the battery’s black negative terminal, using a socket set, select the correctly sized socket and unfasten the nut and bolt connecting the negative battery cable from the negative terminal. Once the nut and bolt has been loosened, free the battery cable and remove from the battery. IMPORTANT – always remove the black negative battery cable first.
- Pull back the rubber cap if there is one from the battery’s red positive terminal, using the correctly sized socket unfasten the nut and bolt connecting the positive battery cable from the positive terminal. Once the nut and bolt has been loosened, free the battery cable and remove from the battery
- Lastly, remove the hold-down bracket or strap by undoing the bolts securing the battery in place, the battery can then be removed safely.
After removing your battery, this might be a good time to clean the area the battery sits in and make sure it’s free of any acid residue.
You can also check the battery cable and terminals to make sure there’s no corrosion or frayed wire, which will greatly reduce the power supply and cause problems when in service.
Installing The Leisure Battery
Before installing the battery, make sure the battery cables and terminals are clean and free of any corrosion.
Whether you are installing a brand new battery, or a battery you have had on charge out of the vehicle perhaps over the winter period, make sure it is clean, undamaged and fully charged. Once you are happy your battery is ready to be installed, you can begin the process.
- Always make sure you are wearing safety protection glasses for your eyes and gloves for your hands. Latex gloves can provide the dexterity that you need whilst protecting your hands.
- As with the process of removing the battery you will still need your tools for installing the battery, so make sure you have everything you need prior to getting started.
- Install the battery in the same orientation and layout as is was prior to removal. If you are unsure then refer to your diagram or picture, failing that, please refer to you owners manual.
- When connecting the battery cables always connect the positive (Red) cable first. Using your Socket set fasten the nut and bolt connecting the positive battery terminal to the positive terminal on the battery and ensure you have a secure connection.
- Connect the negative black terminal and using your Socket set fasten the nut and bolt connecting the negative battery terminal to the negative terminal on the battery and ensure you have a secure connection.
- Attach the hold-down bracket or strap and using the bolts, fasten securely making sure the battery is firmly in place.
- Replace the seat unit or location cover and your installation is complete.
Power Up
If you have disconnected the main vehicle battery this can be reconnected, as can your solar panel, please reconnect them in the same order and fashion that you disconnected them. If in any doubt then secure the services of a professional to assist you. Switch the master switch on and test everything, and you should then be ready to go on your adventures.
