Leisure Battery replacement questions

[Fitz@CFB]

After 8 years I apparently need to replace at least one of my leisure batteries on our 2018 Ocean - poor performance in one came up on a service health check. I decided to source and do the replacements myself. There are very helpful how to U-tube videos by Campervan Bits. I am not going crazy so will replace with traditional lead acid rather than spending a fortune on Lithium etc. Before I purchase a couple of questions have arisen which I am sure some of the experts on here will be able to help answer:

A couple of the product specs I have read say if I have 2 leisure batteries I should replace both at the same time - is this advisable? Only 1 was identified as weak but I assume after 8 years it won't be long before the other one also starts to fail.

I assume I can 'upgrade' from the factory fitted 70amphour units to 95s? The physical dimensions are the same and I think it just means they would have slightly longer life under load.

I have 2 of Roger Donahue's roof mounted solar panels connected to the rear battery. Does having solar make any difference to the type of replacement battery I should go for - I assume not but just wondered if any battery tech changes make some types better with solar than others.

Many Thanks

fitz

 

[WelshGas]

After 8 years I apparently need to replace at least one of my leisure batteries on our 2018 Ocean - poor performance in one came up on a service health check. I decided to source and do the replacements myself. There are very helpful how to U-tube videos by Campervan Bits. I am not going crazy so will replace with traditional lead acid rather than spending a fortune on Lithium etc. Before I purchase a couple of questions have arisen which I am sure some of the experts on here will be able to help answer:

A couple of the product specs I have read say if I have 2 leisure batteries I should replace both at the same time - is this advisable? Only 1 was identified as weak but I assume after 8 years it won't be long before the other one also starts to fail.

I assume I can 'upgrade' from the factory fitted 70amphour units to 95s? The physical dimensions are the same and I think it just means they would have slightly longer life under load.

I have 2 of Roger Donahue's roof mounted solar panels connected to the rear battery. Does having solar make any difference to the type of replacement battery I should go for - I assume not but just wondered if any battery tech changes make some types better with solar than others.

Many Thanks

fitz

Yes, both batteries should be replaced as the older battery will drag down the performance of the new battery.
AGM is a form of lead acid battery but better suited for Leisure purposes.
The physical dimensions are important because both battery compartments are tight and won’t accommodate anything bigger. Amps is not important as long as both replacement batteries are the same.
Be aware- the batteries are wired in parallel so disconnecting the +tve lead on one battery means it is still live as it is connected to the 2nd battery.
The rear leisure battery can be removed from the rear compartment whilst still connected as the leads are very long.. use something like a paint scraper to ease the rear battery over the lip of the inspection hatch once the battery clamp and bolt have been removed.
For the front, under seat battery undo the 4 bolts/nuts holding the seat to the sliders and push the seat upwards and forwards to lean against the Dashboard. No need to unplug the electrical connections to the seat BUT if you do DO NOT switch on Ignition until reconnected otherwise you will trigger a Dashboard light and disarm the airbags which will require resetting with Carista/OBD11/VCDS or a trip to a garage .