[richyp]

do you need a special battery charger for a leisure battery?

[king marko]

Think so mate - a leisure battery charger - bloke at my local caravan store told me I would cook the battery and buckle the plates if used a standard charger and would invalidate the warranty

[David Kent @ KentKleen]

no you wont! he wasnt by any chance trying to sell you a new charger?

[richyp]

now i am confused!!!!

[Llaaww]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPLIT-CHARGE-RELAY-12V-30AMP-INTELLIGENT-SELF-SWITCHING-/200746256123?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2ebd68c6fb

[king marko]

no you wont! he wasnt by any chance trying to sell you a new charger?

Do you know that for a fact?? I bought a leisure battery - after about a month it wasn't holding charge so took it back - he asked me how I was charging and what with - then said I should only use a leisure battery charger

[king marko]

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Why-do-I-need-a-leisure-battery-charger?ugid=10000000002291657

[NJWindowCleaning]

Just a ordinary battery charger with a auto cut off when fully charged. 

[andyM]

http://reviews.ebay.co.uk/Why-do-I-need-a-leisure-battery-charger?ugid=10000000002291657

That info is for caravanners.  
I just use a normal 8 amp battery charger, the same as is used to charge car batteries.
As long as it is not constantly left on for too long it will not overcharge and cook a leisure battery.
I use a multimeter to check the charge of the battery and switch it off when it has reached around 13.8 volts.

[David Kent @ KentKleen]

what was the make of leisure battery you bought and what did you pay for it? if you dont mind me asking.

A split charging relay as fitted to most caravans and motor homes uses your cars/vehicles alternator to charge your leisure battery, your alternator puts out a charge of around 13.5v dc (the same as most battery chargers)  

The leisure battery does not know what is charging it, the vehicle or a charger in your garage
as long as you charge your battery fully each time you will have no problems.
most standard battery chargers use smart charging technology nowadays so again you haVE no worries.

the scare mongering on various sites is in order to sell more batteries and chargers!!!!

hope this helps
regards Dave (qualified autoelectrician)  

[Mike #1]

You can get a suitable charger from halfords that charges lesuire batteries and standard car batteries for about £30:00.  just call in ur local store mate you will be able to find the right one easy .  Mike

[Cliff perkins]

Didnt know you could overcook a leisure battery i leave mine on all night with no probs.its just a normal battery charger.

[Griffus]

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/buy.aspx?pn=ctek-4003-multi-battery-charger_1697775650.htm

Cheapest I've found this by far. Should be OK for all battery's I think........