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How to Use the Leisure Battery

Everything You Need to Know About Managing Your 12V System

What is the Leisure Battery?

Your motorhome’s leisure battery operates separately from the starter battery that powers the engine. This means that even if your starter battery is flat, the leisure battery will continue to function, ensuring uninterrupted access to your 12V systems.

Designed to independently power 12V appliances such as lights, heating, USB charging points, and even your fridge (depending on the model), the leisure battery is a reliable source of energy for the habitation area.

Managing Your Leisure Battery

The great news is, you don’t need to do anything to use your leisure battery—your 12V appliances will automatically draw power from it. Simply use the control panel to manage and control individual items with ease.

For optimal usage, here are a few key tips:

  • Monitor Battery Levels: Use your control panel to keep an eye on the battery charge. For more information, refer to our separate 'How to Use Your Control Panel' articles for detailed guidance.
  • Battery Voltage: For optimal use, maintain your leisure battery voltage at 12V or above. If the voltage drops below 12V, consider plugging into mains electricity or taking a long drive to recharge the battery.
  • Charging Your Battery: The leisure battery recharges when the engine is running or when your motorhome is connected to mains power.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some practical tips for addressing leisure battery-related problems:

  1. Check the Battery Voltage: If the battery voltage drops below 12V you may need to recharge your leisure battery.
  2. Check the Isolation Switch: Your motorhome may include an isolation switch for the leisure battery. To power the 12V system in the habitation area, ensure this switch is turned on.
  3. Check the RCD Unit: If the 12V system shuts down while charging via mains power, inspect the RCD trip switches to ensure no switches have tripped. (This will be located on the inside of the motorhome, normally in a cupboard that is in the same area as the hook up point). Ensure the switches are in the ON position:
      • ON Position: The switch lever is usually up or towards the "I" symbol.
      • OFF Position: The switch lever is typically down or towards the "O" symbol.
  4. Inspect the Fuses: Your 12V system has a fuse between the leisure battery and appliances such as lights and the water pump. If systems are not working, check the distribution box for blown fuses and replace them if necessary.

With a properly maintained leisure battery, you can enjoy uninterrupted access to the comforts of your motorhome—making every journey a memorable adventure.

Looking for more assistance?

Our dedicated On the Road Support (ORS) team is ready to help! Just click the link and choose the 'I require Technical Support' option. Fill out the form with as much detail as possible, and a member of our team will reach out to you.