Leisure battery
A leisure battery is a rechargeable battery that powers lights, charging and other equipment away from a mains supply. It is separate from the battery that starts a vehicle's engine, and it is often fitted in a campervan or caravan.
Where you'll see it
Leisure batteries appear in vehicle and caravan specifications, on battery labels and on pages about off-grid pitches. Their capacity is usually stated in amp-hours (Ah) or watt-hours (Wh), so check the unit before you compare two batteries.
What to check
- The capacity figure and its unit, on the battery label or in the maker's specification.
- The charging methods the maker lists, such as mains charging or a vehicle connection.
- Where the maker says the battery should be fitted and ventilated, and how it should be secured.
- The maker's guidance on use and storage, including any limits on how far the battery should be drained.
Related terms
- Watt-hour: a unit of stored energy, used on many batteries.
- Inverter: the part that turns battery power into mains-style power.
- Portable power station: a self-contained alternative to a fitted leisure battery.
Read more: Camping without hook-up (UK) and the off-grid power needs calculator.