Leisure or starter battery

[nobbyfox]

Need to add an extra battery to supply power to my newly repaired/serviced Webasto (thanks Oldiebut Goodie)
Do i relay need a leisure battery or will a good quality starter battery suffice?
Going to add a Durite relay and wiring from main battery.

Leisure batteries do seem a bit pricey.

Many thanks
Steve

[AngeloEvs]

I paid £40 for a SuperBatt LH50 9000 Silver series dual function starter/leisure battery. It is 50A/Hr and a deep discharge type with an excellent spec and compact profile. Mine is fitted in the kitchen unit but pretty sure it will fit behind the passenger seat. Check the spec and see for yourself.

I have used starter batteries for leisure but they do not like being fully discharged so probably best used if you tend to stay on campsites with electric hookup. A leisure battery is the better option for a camper. IMO that is......

[nobbyfox]

Thanks for the reply.
It will be hooked up to the starter battery so in theory should never discharge fully.
I am fitting it under the rear seats so plenty of room.
Will have a look at the battery you recommend.
Thanks

Steve

[Titus A Duxass]

I've used a starter battery for years without any problems.
As AngeloEvs say don't totally discharge them - if you do and they won't recover take it back and get it swapped under warranty

[Pinkythelabrat]

I’ve been running my diesel heater in my van using a secondary battery which is a 35amp hour starter battery from a Smart car that was completely drained so it wouldn’t start the car anymore.

It runs the heater fine and lasts for hours no problem. The initial draw of 8-9 amps doesn’t last too long so you don’t need a lot of battery to keep it going.


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[nobbyfox]

Thanks all for the words of wisdom. Think i am shopping this weekend!!

[phinw]

If you are placing it under the seat make sure the battery is the low profile type (175mm high). The taller ones (typically 195 and 220mm) wont allow you to get the lid shut or slide the seat back. The type AngeloEvs mentioned is the low height one.

[nobbyfox]

Thanks phinw.
I haven't measured anything yet but I am placing the battery under the rear seats, not the passenger seat. Think i have more room but still need to keep it relatively low.

Thanks
Steve