What battery can I use for my caravan?

Planning that #vanlife and don't know which battery is best for your caravan?
We've been in this business for a long time...we've got you!

Batteries used in caravans and motorhomes are generally categorised as Leisure Batteries.

Here are a few things to consider when trying to pick a Leisure battery:

Battery size: The size of the battery you need will depend on several factors, including the size of your caravan, the number of electrical appliances you want to power, and how long you plan to use the battery. The physical size of the battery is also important as it needs to fit in your caravan's battery compartment. Make sure to measure the compartment and choose a battery that fits.

Caravan size: The size of the caravan is important when looking for a caravan battery because the size of the caravan and the number of electrical appliances it contains will determine the amount of power that is required to run them. The larger the caravan and the more appliances you have, the more power you will need.

Reason for Use: Calculating how much energy will be needed for a caravan battery can be done by estimating the power consumption of each of the electrical appliances in your caravan and how long you will be using them. This will help you determine the battery specification needed for your caravan. Calculate how much power your battery will need to supply here

Frequency of use: How often you use the battery is important. Do you use your caravan seasonally? Occasionally? Or Regularly?
If you use your caravan frequently or for long periods of time, you may want to consider a deep-cycle battery. Deep cycle batteries are designed to be discharged and recharged regularly, making them ideal for frequent use.
On the other hand, if you use your caravan infrequently or for shorter periods of time, a starter battery may be more suitable. Starter batteries are designed to provide high bursts of power for short periods of time

Battery type: There are two main types of batteries used for caravans - lead-acid and lithium-ion. Lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper but heavier, while lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more expensive but offer better performance and longer lifespan. You pay for what you get, so invest wisely.

Battery Capacity: This is the amount of energy that a battery can store and provide to your electrical appliances and thus determines how long it can power your caravan's appliances. A battery’s capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). Consider the power consumption of your appliances and how long you'll be using them to determine the required battery capacity. It's important to choose a battery with sufficient capacity to avoid discharging it too quickly. The larger the battery's capacity, the more energy it can store, and the longer it can power your appliances.

Battery Cyclic life: The cyclic life of a battery refers to the number of cycles it can handle before its capacity drops to 50%. A higher cyclic life means a longer lifespan, so choose a battery with a high cyclic life if you want it to last longer.

Battery Charge rate: The charge rate of the battery determines how quickly it can be charged. Lithium Iron Phosphate LiFePO4 batteries typically have a higher charge rate. Campers prefer having batteries that can be charged quickly, especially when there is no steady flow of current when you are on the road.

It's important to note that there can be other factors that can affect battery performance, such as temperature, age, and discharge rate. Therefore, along with having this basic knowledge of what to look for in a battery, it's recommended to consult with a professional or specialist to determine the best battery for your specific needs.

Our battery specialist will give you advice that is honest and free from bias!

Find the perfect battery for you.

Speak to our battery experts today!
Email: sales@ultramax.co.uk

Call: + 44 (0)208 803 8899

Explore our range of UltraMax LiFePO4 Batteries!