Autolite Leisure Battery Review
A whisper in the wind. That’s how it started. Then, it grew into a crashing gale.
Not how your typical analysis of a lesiure battery starts, but, well, here we are.
What are we talking about? The batteries of Autolite. We first started to see them used on the odd occasion in caravans and campervans a few years ago, and now we’re seeing more and more.
Here, then is our Autolite Leisure Battery Review.
These models are made with the same materials and the same technology (the only difference is size), so we’ve reviewed them together.
Check specs/price for 130Ah model; or specs/price for 90Ah model.
Peruse the basic stats and info below, then read on for a more full analysis.
Autolite Leisure Battery 130Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 130Ah
- Dimensions: 303 x 172 x 225mm (LxWxH)
- Weight: 22kg
We found two sellers at lower cost, we advise to check both (on the buttons above) to make sure you get the lowest price.
Autolite Leisure Battery 90Ah
- Voltage: 12V
- Capacity: 90Ah
- Dimensions: 260 x W172 x H225 (LxWxH)
- Weight: 19kg
What did we test and analyse the Autolite battery for?
The key factors were:
- Build quality (with particular attention to how solid and secure the outer casing is)
- Analysis of the real-life feedback from users of this battery, especially with regard to reliability and longevity
- Technology used in the battery plates
- Analysis of the sustained power delivery
Rating the 12V Autolite Battery (130Ah/90Ah)
Let’s go in-depth on the plus and minus points from our scrutiny.
Autolite Leisure Battery: Is it any good?
Plus points and what buyer type this 12V lesiure battery best suits:
Its proven to be reliable
As we mentioned in the introduction, when we started to see Autolite batteries popping up here and there, we said okay, seems solid, decent price, but we’ll give it a minute or two. We’ll see how they last over time. And from the feedback we’ve had, they’re lasting pretty well, at least for the last 4 or 5 years or so, in the vast majority of cases.
A tough cookie
Autolite batteries are tough and solidly made, they’ve also established a good reputation recently for their van and truck batteries. And that type of battery has to be more rugged that your typical lead-acid battery.
Great value
While the best lon-term investment in a leisure battery is to purchase a good quality Lithium battery, that’s still at least double the price for a battery of this size. Since this Calcium battery (more on Calcium characteristics below) is likely to last longer than other lead-acid batteries (and this model appears to be doing so according to real-life observations) this could be the best option for a low cost leisure battery.
It has Calcium technology
What does that mean for your likely experience with this battery? Well, first and foremost, improved power performance. That’s because Calcium in the battery plates means lower internal resistance (less resistance in a battery = better flow of power). It will also cope better with high temperatures than a typical lead-acid battery. Finally, it has low self-discharge, so it’ll keep hold of its power better when not in use. That could be a primary reason why this Autolite battery is proving to last well compared to a typical lead-acid battery.
Cons and why this model is not for you:
We said its lasting well but…
Frankly, it’s not going to outlast a mid-range LiFePO4 battery. If you’ve read an article or two on this site, you’ll know that Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (that’s what LiFePO4 denotes, batt fans), are the new generation of Lithium that is extremely safe, lasts 2 or 3 times longer than even the finest lead-acid/AGM battery, and has come down on price a lot recently. Then again, you won’t get a decent Lithium battery for under 100 notes.
At 23kg, it’s pretty heavy
We’ve probably (nay, definitely) been spoiled in the last few years to pick up at 100Ah or 200Ah battery and go: “wait, is this actually really a working battery, not a practically empty display model?”. If you’re really trying to keep the weight down in your campervan, motorhome or caravan, then consider a LiFePO4 battery instead – it’ll likely be less than half the weight of this model.
Where can you get it?
Check out price on Amazon, for the 130Ah model here. Or the 90Ah model here.
Autolite Battery Review Summary
That, then, was our Autolite Leisure Battery Review.
For a well-made battery, from a manufacturer with growing reputation, with genuine Calcium technology, it represents pretty good value.
We have to be clear that we, in the last few years, have declared that Lithium leisure batteries work out cheaper in the long-run. They’ve tipped over a certain threshold, where they’ll last a fair bit longer and have come down in price a lot (the best value is the Eco Worthy Lithium battery). But if you’re not ready to make that investment yet, then this Autolite battery looks to be the best of the lead-acid alternatives.
Check your chosen model on Amazon here:
We hope this was a helpful review, good luck with your decision.