Why buy a second leisure battery at all?
Fridge, radio, heating, lighting - the permanent power requirement in a mobile home is higher than in a standard car. However, a second battery in a car can be useful for powerful audio systems or other electrical consumers. A backup battery is a simple and cost-effective solution for the consistent power supply of numerous electrical consumers on board. This is especially true for older or self-converted mobile homes.
As an electricity supplier, a solar panel on the roof can be useful. Your smart energy management can then be optimally adapted to personal requirements when travelling in conjunction with the appropriate inverter.
However, if you need on-board power for a few days, even if you only have a low to medium power requirement, regardless of the weather, you can't go wrong with a good second battery.
The difference between a starter and supply battery
Starter batteries are intended for the brief delivery of high currents during vehicle start-up. They are less suitable for continuous charging cycles and permanent power consumption.
A supply battery, on the other hand, is intended to deliver lower currents over a longer period of time. If both batteries are installed on board, they are both charged while driving by the vehicle's alternator.
Furthermore, the second battery can be charged on the go using a solar system mounted on the roof of the mobile home. Of course, suitable chargers and a standard 230V power supply can also be used in the stand.
The larger the capacity (Ah) of the supply battery, the more electrical consumers connected. Danger! The second battery should not be discharged completely. Otherwise, the battery's life expectancy may be significantly reduced or even destroyed. Installing a so-called battery warning system is thus a wise investment.
Gel, AGM, Lithium: Which battery should you choose?
Gel batteries: The reliable all-rounders
Gel batteries are very cyclically safe and thus ideal as a backup battery. This type of battery is leak-proof and has a longer lifespan than traditional, slightly less expensive lead/acid batteries. In order to charge and discharge optimally,
When it comes to gel batteries, the supply from the alternator is usually insufficient. It is therefore recommended to charge them every 2 to 4 weeks using the 230V mains. There are special chargers available for this. On the type plate of the device, you can usually read off their suitability for you. Long-term use of the incorrect charger, for example, if the end-of-charge voltage is too high, can result in irreparable battery damage.
AGM batteries: For demanding purposes
In theory, the structure of an AGM is similar to that of a gel battery. The battery acid in the AGM version, on the other hand, is bound in layers of fleece rather than gel. It does this even when it is damaged! - In comparison to other battery types, it is virtually leak-proof. So, if you consistently prioritise toughness and safety,
When it comes to expanding your mobile home, an AGM is a great option. A special charger is also required for the AGM battery. It should be fully charged on a regular basis for maximum life expectancy. Higher currents can be drawn from the AGM battery than from the gel battery.
Lithium batteries: The ultimate in camper batteries
This is the ideal camper battery profile: fast charging, light, and maintenance-free. Leak-proof and relatively resistant to deep discharge damage. And as long as the temperature does not fall below freezing, the ambient temperature has no effect on battery capacity.
In commercially available motorhomes, only lithium iron phosphate (LiFePo4) batteries are used. They are, however, the most expensive type of supply battery. These are made up of four series-connected cells, each with a nominal voltage of 3.2 or 3.3 volts.
Second battery costs: workshop vs. self-installation
The cost of installing a supply battery can vary greatly. They are largely determined by your professional requirements.
If you are unsure, please contact our customer service. You will receive an initial recommendation or offer based on the type and quantity of your connected consumers, as well as the vehicle type and class.
Here's a non-binding guide price from the free workshop market for retrofitting a camper bus: Battery + charging booster + cable + fuses + installation = 500-900 pounds approx.
Save money by installing it yourself
You can also retrofit or replace the supply battery yourself if you have a basic understanding of vehicle electronics and enjoy tinkering. To do so, you must first answer the most important question of all: How much capacity does your second battery require? That is easily calculated by yourself.
