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Camper Van Batteries
If you run a camper van, the last thing that you need on a weekend away in the sticks is for your battery to let you down. If you think that your camper van battery might be running low on juice or you haven’t had it checked in a while, why not book a free battery check
How do I know if my camper van battery needs replacing?
Not sure whether your camper van battery is on its last legs? There are a few tell-tale warning signs for which to look out:
- Warning lights on the dashboard: If the battery or engine light is showing on your dashboard when you start up your van, that may be a sign of a fading battery.
- Your camper van is slow to start: If your van’s engine is ticking over slowly when you try to start up and getting it up and running takes longer than usual, that’s a good sign that the battery components are starting to fail.
- Electrical issues: If you’re noticing dimmed lights or other elements of the electrical system running at less than their best, there’s a good chance that the issue lies with the battery.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues or have another issue which you think is linked to a potential battery issue, book in for a free battery check at your local National branch and we’ll happily take a look.
Can I get my camper van battery tested?
While you can check your battery at home if you’ve got the right kit, the easiest, quickest and most hassle-free way to get your battery tested is at your local National Tyres and Autocare branch, where you can get your battery tested free of charge.
Our free battery test looks at the key performance metrics of your battery; its voltage, start capacity and general condition. We’ll be able to identify any minor issues before they turn into bigger problems. More importantly, we’ll be able to tell you whether you need a new battery or not.
What gets tested as part of your battery check?
Voltage
Just like a car battery, your camper van battery should give a reading of 12.6 volts. If we get any reading lower than this, it’ll need either recharging or replacing.
Start capacity
Assessing how well your battery can start from cold is a critical performance metric. At low temperatures, a battery for a camper van must maintain 7.2 volts. If it doesn’t, this suggests that your battery isn’t working optimally and may cause problems.
General condition
We’ll also take a look at the overall condition of your battery, with four possible outcomes:
- Good battery – no action required.
- Good battery recharge – your battery is in good condition but needs recharging. This can be done by taking a 45-minute drive.
- Recharge battery then retest – your camper van battery is running low and needs recharging. We’ll also do a retest in a week’s time.
- Replace battery – your battery is nearing the end of its use period and it’s time to think about getting a replacement.
Which is the right battery for my camper van?
It’s important to get the right battery for your camper van. In most instances, we’d recommend a heavy-duty van battery capable of doing all the heavy lifting that comes with being a camper van in regular use.
Your first port of call should be your owner’s manual, though. There, you’ll find all the information on suitable battery type and size for your van.
Camper van battery FAQs
Your average camper van has two batteries, a starter battery to power up the engine start and a house or leisure battery to power the 12V electronics and appliances that make up all of your living resources in the campervan itself. We’re here to help with your starter battery – the power source that gets your camper up and moving in the first place, rather than the one that’s providing the power for the likes of the TV and kettle.
No, a starter battery for your camper van and the house/leisure battery are two different types of power sources. While you can use one to do the other’s job in a needs-must scenario, the two battery types produce energy very differently which makes them unsuitable for each other’s job.
Most of the starter batteries you get from us use thinner plates and different separators that make them poorly equipped to deal with prolonged use at lower energy levels. AGM batteries can function well for both purposes but, generally speaking, you’ll want a different type of battery for what are two very separate tasks.
The longevity of your camper van battery will come down to several factors, including which camper you drive, your driving habits and the weather conditions to which the battery is exposed.
As a general rule, you can expect to replace the battery for your camper van once every four or five years. All of our camper van batteries come with a four- or five-year warranty as a minimum, so you have that guarantee of solid performance in your back pocket.
For more information, take a look at our battery lifespan guide.
Head over to our van battery page for more information on van batteries in general, including a detailed FAQ on the basics of all things van battery related.
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