Leisure Battery Cycles – Why Are They Important?
On a leisure battery, you will see a label stating how many cycles the battery provides; but what are cycles and why are they important?
What are leisure battery cycles?
When a leisure battery is discharged and then recharged, it has completed 1 cycle.
Some battery technologies have been specifically designed to provide more cycles for strenuous applications; Start-Stop car engines for example use AGM and EFB batteries to support the constant stopping and starting of the engine, mobility applications like scooters can use Gel batteries to ensure longer usage time between charges. However, your decision regarding the cyclic capability of your new Leisure battery should depend on how you plan to use your Caravan, Motorhome or Van Conversion…. here’s why.
When choosing a leisure battery, you should first think about your requirements by asking yourself these two questions:
- Are you often ‘off-grid’ and away from an electrical supply or ‘hook up’?
- Do you have a lot of electrical appliances on board (motor mover, fridge, microwave, lighting etc)?
When you’re ‘off-grid’ you’re relying on your leisure battery to supply power to all your appliances, potentially for a significant length of time, which indicates you’ll need a cyclic battery to keep up with the demand as there will be far more available power. However, if you’re on-site and using the electrical hook-up, you won’t be relying on your battery to power your appliances, therefore, your requirement for a highly cyclic battery is reduced.
There are however some exceptions to this rule. For example, motor movers need a lot of power to work correctly, this power is taken from your leisure battery. If you have a motor mover, you will need a good quality robust battery, for example the L31-110MF.
BBL are excited to announce the extension of their AVON ADC range, ADC EV. The ADC-EV range includes ten part numbers all of which contain the latest AGM – GEL Technology. The range includes AGM separation construction with Pb and Pb-Ca alloy plates, and with the addition of Silica Gel into the electrolyte, pre addition, the result is a significant improvement in performance in deep discharge applications which in turn dramatically reduces sulphation. This means you can use as a direct replacement for standard AGM batteries but still use your existing AGM charger.
And as well as traditional lead acid batteries, BBL Batteries have launched a Premium range of Lithium Iron (LiFePo4) Batteries under their renowned AVON Brand, synonymous with superior quality at exceptional value. The AVON LFP range consists of 11 part numbers covering all the popular sizes. 7 of the batteries in the range boast Bluetooth Connectivity which enables them to be monitored via a ‘free to download’ smartphone app. This enables the user to monitor the key performance indicators of their battery in real time. With a significant saving on ‘cost per cycle’ when compared to other technologies, AVON LFP would be a great choice for all deep cycle applications including leisure vehicles.
For advice or fitting information, talk our battery experts!
Bristol 0117 9550535 | Swindon 01793 616646 | Truro 01872 270011 | Exeter 01392 254418 | Plymouth 01752 338501
