Batteries.

I know there's no point in asking how long the life span of leisure batteries is, some are used more than others.
My two are not charging any further that 78% capacity. They are just over two years old, and I would have thought they should last longer than that. They've never been depleted more than 70% so thats not the issue. What about if the manufacturer installed one and it lay unused for months or possibly up to a year, then at new, I installed a second one, surely that would have an impact on both. Any ideas? We've done 27K miles and around 200 nights wilding. 100w solar panel installed. NTEO.

That could be the issue.
I always feel it is better to drain them more than less as although they are not supposed to suffer from the memory effect I think they do in a way.

Also, 2 years could be their lifespan. We had a pair of Elecsols a few years ago and although guaranteed for 5 years they only lasted 2. They were replaced but we never as good as the first pair.

We had a new halford die in under a year, the replacement was working perfect when we sold the Motorhome two years later.

That is true.
I always insist on a pair of new Banner batteries when we buy a new van.

And a lot heavier when I'm in it....

Following on from Marks advice, I've gone for Banner. What brand are you using?
Nick.

Reading more on this subject of banner batteries.

It seems that the fact they are 'maintenance free' leads you, quite rightly, to assume they are in fact that.

But they are not, they require you to check the levels, every 6 months to a year. This seems to be why a lot of them are failing.

aandncaravan:

There is an underlying issue with battery charging in leisure vehicles.

To facilitate the use of 'maintenance free' batteries, that is those which are sealed, need no topping up and do not need outside ventilation the charging voltage is kept below the level which causes gassing and water loss.
The BIG issue here is that such batteries never perform to the best that a lead acid battery is capable of and can take an extended period of time to be recharged after use.
On the other hand, if a open battery, one which can be topped up, is used that offers the possibility of faster and more complete charging as a higher charging voltage and current can be used. That type of charging is good for a battery and will enable it to give its longest service, the down side is such a charging regime will cause gassing and water loss so the battery must be vented to the outside and the electrolyte level checked regularly.

Both my OE batteries had removable tops (Varta Semi-traction) and lasted over eight years they were charged by the onboard three stage charger when on EHU and B2B unit when on the road which is quite an aggressive four step charger. However they needed 'watering' about twice a year.

Mine are not easy got at either, they are either side of the engine, tucked in tight. (A-Class)

Better access than mine, but can you close that door with the lead in place?

Yes. Door closes and locks with lead connected to hookup

Some of the control panels give that info.
We have it and I am sceptical of the information to be honest.

I have seen ours show 95% capacity with a lower voltage than I would like to see.