My Beach arrived today! ....but a little advice required please

KernowBeach · Dec 30, 2025

Apologies in advance for the ramble....

Well, the bright yellow van turned up this morning, delivered by a nice chap used by the dealer - so a good 3 + hour run.
All good, and not in anyway disappointed, considering it's a 12 reg - a few bonus bits too, like a made to measure Emma topper, sides for the awning, internal insulation screens etc
Obviously I've been fiddling with all the bits for a few hours, only to find that the starter battery went flat over that time, but leisure battery [LB] good at around 12.7v
Doors open, and maybe I left the ignition on?
Anyway, having put a bit of charge in and starting it, I then checked the voltage - charging to both the engine, and LB so that was all good.
I'm struggling to find any reference to the leisure battery in the handbook, or supplements - perhaps I'm missing something?
I would assume the interior lights and step lights would be taking load from the LB?
I'm familiar with LB's and charging complexities as I have a Hymer A class, but I really would like a bit more info on how VW set the LB up.
Maybe, it's just a tired starter battery?
It's showing around 12.8v now, so I'll leave it overnight and take another reading in the morning.

If you haven't fallen asleep yet - any advice gratefully received!

Regards,
Mike

Perfectos · Dec 30, 2025

Congrats

Starter battery will loose a small amount of power daily.
If it looses a couple of tenths overnight it's probably shot.
Smart charger hooked up for 24hrs will do it no harm if you have one.

12.6v is normal resting voltage for AGM (correct voltage)

Use it and see what happens, or if you have a warranty report to the seller

Edit, it will loose voltage over a few days , which is normal.

There are lots of posts on the subject.
The search function (top right) will assist

colintfcolintf · Dec 30, 2025

Congratulations!

KernowBeach · Dec 30, 2025

Yes that's the plan - and I'll check the voltage first thing, and then use my C-Tek for a proper charge cycle.
I do have a warranty to full back on
Just don't fancy driving to Bude for a couple of hours on the beach and finding I need a jump start!
Still surprised about the lack of focus on the LB in the handbook - perhaps I am missing a supplement?
Great vans though - they really get under your skin don't they!

Perfectos · Dec 30, 2025

You'll not be on the beach at Bude!
I'd be surprised if u needed a jump unless parked up for a week. ( unless starter is shot )
LB on a beach is singular battery under passenger seat (uk) split charge relay under seat, charge from alternator whilst driving and hook up (if you have one)

KernowBeach · Dec 30, 2025

Perfectos said:
You'll not be on the beach at Bude!
I'd be surprised if u needed a jump unless parked up for a week. ( unless starter is shot )
LB on a beach is singular battery under passenger seat (uk) split charge relay under seat, charge from alternator whilst driving and hook up (if you have one)

I suppose I'll be in the Beach at the beach really!
Yes, got the LB location thanks.
Starter is fine, both batts charging from alternator okay.
Tomorrow will make things clearer I'm sure.

owen_h · Dec 30, 2025

Welcome from another 2012 Beach owner.

There were 2 supplementary manuals supplied with mine (bought at 6 mths old). One is technical data, weights power etc. The other does relate to the internal fittings but mostly how to operate the parking heater (if fitted), fold the seat and fit windscreen blind. Nothing about the leisure battery.
2012 was the UK launch of the Beach and yellow a new colour so lots of dealers went for that colour. None of the Beaches had factory hook up initially so the alternator was the only method of charging. Retrofit of ehu was a popular topic on this forum back then. I’ve done it via a plug under the rear bumper connected via fuse/distribution box to a permanently mounted CTEK charger, other popular location was under the bonnet.
I’m currently on my 3rd engine battery and 2nd leisure (changed this year).

WelshGas · Dec 30, 2025

KernowBeach said:
Apologies in advance for the ramble....

Well, the bright yellow van turned up this morning, delivered by a nice chap used by the dealer - so a good 3 + hour run.
All good, and not in anyway disappointed, considering it's a 12 reg - a few bonus bits too, like a made to measure Emma topper, sides for the awning, internal insulation screens etc
Obviously I've been fiddling with all the bits for a few hours, only to find that the starter battery went flat over that time, but leisure battery [LB] good at around 12.7v
Doors open, and maybe I left the ignition on?
Anyway, having put a bit of charge in and starting it, I then checked the voltage - charging to both the engine, and LB so that was all good.
I'm struggling to find any reference to the leisure battery in the handbook, or supplements - perhaps I'm missing something?
I would assume the interior lights and step lights would be taking load from the LB?
I'm familiar with LB's and charging complexities as I have a Hymer A class, but I really would like a bit more info on how VW set the LB up.
Maybe, it's just a tired starter battery?
It's showing around 12.8v now, so I'll leave it overnight and take another reading in the morning.

If you haven't fallen asleep yet - any advice gratefully received!

Regards,
Mike

Word of warning, unlocking and opening the Drivers Door fires up all the vehicle electronics and they won’t switch to dormant mode until the vehicle has been locked for about 30 minutes.
The Step lights and lights around the rear view mirror are powered by the engine battery.
All roof lights in the rear are powered by the Leisure Battery.

Are the batteries fitted, engine and leisure Original. VW use Varta AGM and you can check the battery manufactur date.

Common Varta Date Code Formats

Two-Line Engraving (Most Common for AGM): Look at the second line of engraving.
- First 2 digits: Year (e.g., 19 for 2019).
- Next 2 digits: Week of the year (e.g., 38 for the 38th week).
- 5th digit: Day of the week (1=Mon, 2=Tue, etc.).
- Example: 19384 means the 38th week of 2019, on a Thursday.
One-Line Engraving (Alternate Format): Skip the first 7 digits, then use the next 5 as above (Year, Week, Day).
Letters & Numbers (Older/Different Models): Some might use a letter for the month (A=Jan, B=Feb, etc.) and a number for the year (e.g., A9 for January 2019).

How to Find & Decode

Locate the Code: It's usually laser-engraved on the top or side of the casing, often near a QR code (which is for internal use).
Use a Calculator: akbset.com's Varta date code calculator can help decode specific codes.
Check Varta's Resources: The official Varta site and support documents often explain their coding system, as formats can vary slightly by battery series (like Silver Dynamic AGM vs. other types).

KernowBeach · Dec 31, 2025

WelshGas said:
Word of warning, unlocking and opening the Drivers Door fires up all the vehicle electronics and they won’t switch to dormant mode until the vehicle has been locked for about 30 minutes.
The Step lights and lights around the rear view mirror are powered by the engine battery.
All roof lights in the rear are powered by the Leisure Battery.

Are the batteries fitted, engine and leisure Original. VW use Varta AGM and you can check the battery manufactur date.

Common Varta Date Code Formats

Two-Line Engraving (Most Common for AGM): Look at the second line of engraving.

First 2 digits: Year (e.g., 19 for 2019).

Next 2 digits: Week of the year (e.g., 38 for the 38th week).

5th digit: Day of the week (1=Mon, 2=Tue, etc.).

Example: 19384 means the 38th week of 2019, on a Thursday.

One-Line Engraving (Alternate Format): Skip the first 7 digits, then use the next 5 as above (Year, Week, Day).

Letters & Numbers (Older/Different Models): Some might use a letter for the month (A=Jan, B=Feb, etc.) and a number for the year (e.g., A9 for January 2019).

How to Find & Decode

Locate the Code: It's usually laser-engraved on the top or side of the casing, often near a QR code (which is for internal use).

Use a Calculator: akbset.com's Varta date code calculator can help decode specific codes.

Check Varta's Resources: The official Varta site and support documents often explain their coding system, as formats can vary slightly by battery series (like Silver Dynamic AGM vs. other types).

Thanks for the input - I suspected as much, regarding the step lights.
I guess they must have a time delay, or they'd be on permanently if you were onsite with the doors open?
It's a Varta LB and a Platinum Prestige under the bonnet - I will check the dates.
I've not tried starting it this morning, SB showing 12.5 before I connected the CTEK - although I suspect it might be past it's best.
I guess it's all pretty basic compared to my Hymer, but trying to rule out parasitic

owen_h · Dec 31, 2025

Both of my batteries were Varta SLI (Starter Lights Ignition) sealed lead acid, not AGM. This was on a 140bhp Beach, i.e not the BMT Bluemotion 114bhp version. But doubt if VW would have used different batteries for the 2 Beach versions back in 2012.
Replacing the engine battery I have stuck with the same type (but Bosch brand) but leisure I switched to AGM. My understanding is that AGM type batteries have a different charging profile, using a slightly higher voltage. https://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/blog/a-detailed-guide-to-agm-batteries/
My thought was that if the alternator is only outputting the lower voltage I wouldn't be fully charging an AGM engine battery. For the leisure I can use the CTEK on its AGM setting to maintain the 100% charge & health.

KernowBeach · Dec 31, 2025

owen_h said:
Both of my batteries were Varta SLI (Starter Lights Ignition) sealed lead acid, not AGM. This was on a 140bhp Beach, i.e not the BMT Bluemotion 114bhp version. But doubt if VW would have used different batteries for the 2 Beach versions back in 2012.
Replacing the engine battery I have stuck with the same type (but Bosch brand) but leisure I switched to AGM. My understanding is that AGM type batteries have a different charging profile, using a slightly higher voltage. https://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/blog/a-detailed-guide-to-agm-batteries/
My thought was that if the alternator is only outputting the lower voltage I wouldn't be fully charging an AGM engine battery. For the leisure I can use the CTEK on its AGM setting to maintain the 100% charge & health.

Hello Owen, thanks for the insight -
The 'what's the best' - Gel, AGM, FLA and Carbon battery debate will continue, wherever you ask the question, and that's without adding Lithium to the mix.
You are right to consider the extra AGM charge on the leisure side of things - all types differ in their charge, bulk and absorption stages - it all boils down to personal preference and charging regime of the vehicle.
I have inherited AGM leisure batteries on my other motorhome, but in truth, outside of upgrading to lithium I'd prefer Gels TBH
Wishing you a happy New Year!

dspuk · Jan 1, 2026

100% as mentioned. It’s was all the faffing that caused it to flatten. Done it myself. Twice. Everything fine after a run to recharge. There is a lot more eating away at the starter than you realise as WG says. Be fine I’m sure.

Perfectos · Jan 1, 2026

KernowBeach said:
SB showing 12.5

Quite normal,

The SB charges to 12.6v the smart system saves 20% of battery capacity to allow for generative braking. The alarm and opening shutting doors etc will drain the SB.

You can turn the courtesy light off on the overhead panel (by the rear view mirror)