New leisure batteries or Solar?

[reserves]

2018 T6 Cali - still on original leisure batteries, they are ok but not great, they hold about 80% of the original charge. Quite a low voltage (11.8v) when down to 50% but everything seems to operate ok.

Was just going to order some new Varta LA80’s to replace both batteries.

However, feels a little wasteful given the batteries are kinda working ok.

Was wondering if the money was better spent on solar panel instead and pair this with the original batteries?

Maximum we ever camp without plugging in is 3 days.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

2018 T6 Cali - still on original leisure batteries, they are ok but not great, they hold about 80% of the original charge. Quite a low voltage (11.8v) when down to 50% but everything seems to operate ok.

Was just going to order some new Varta LA80’s to replace both batteries.

However, feels a little wasteful given the batteries are kinda working ok.

Was wondering if the money was better spent on solar panel instead and pair this with the original batteries?

Maximum we ever camp without plugging in is 3 days.

Soon to be 8 years old - get new batteries for around £250 I'd say.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Had 3 panels fitted by Roger last year - brilliant. Did 10 days off grid in France last July, it was hot hot hot

 

[chockswahay]

Just get new batteries AND solar………. you know you want to!

 

[wildslammer22]

Just get new batteries AND solar………. you know you want to!

I’ll see you new batteries and solar and raise you new Li batteries, DC-DC charger AND solar

 

[WelshGas]

2018 T6 Cali - still on original leisure batteries, they are ok but not great, they hold about 80% of the original charge. Quite a low voltage (11.8v) when down to 50% but everything seems to operate ok.

Was just going to order some new Varta LA80’s to replace both batteries.

However, feels a little wasteful given the batteries are kinda working ok.

Was wondering if the money was better spent on solar panel instead and pair this with the original batteries?

Maximum we ever camp without plugging in is 3 days.

Your avatar says T6.1 which monitors the Leisure Batterries slightly differently to the T6.
On the T6 the batteries should still charge to !00% and 12.7v unless really knackered BUT would drop voltage over a few hours/days if on their way out, rather than a few weeks.
1. Check voltage of both batteries individually. If different check the Cube fuse on the rear +tve poll battery.
2. Charge both batteries to 100%, 12.7v, for 24/48 hrs then disconnect and monitor individual battery voltage. If the voltage drops over 7 days on one or both batteries then time for a change.
3. Solar is a good way forward but I would check the batteries and the Cube Fuse before going down that pathway.

 

[Cali Phillip]

Just get new batteries AND solar………. you know you want to!

I feel with solar it really extends the battery life. My batteries have done over 100weeks of off grid use in nearly 5 years and only seeing a slight drop now. In winter this far north the solar cannot float the batteries, so use hookup overnight every week before setting off grid to condition the batteries.

 

[Louis II]

If you want solar buy solar. Life’s to short make everything a practical, calculated choice.
If you’re feeling sensible then sorting the batteries out is the way forward.