Specification of replacement Leisure Battery

Hi all,

I am considering buying a replacement Leisure Battery for my 1999 Symbol. The current battery (marked as Type L85?) is not holding its charge at all well and is I think now in need of replacement. Confused by multitude of choices though. The battery sits beneath the drivers seat and the current one is 275mm long, 180mm wide and 230mm high. It fits snugly into its frame so need one of similar proportions. I have read that it's important to have a gas escape pipe venting to the outside. My current battery does not have one, but I do see a hole in the floor through which a pipe could vent. But I don't see many batteries on sale with an outlet pipe ?? Confused...
I also have read about the A,B,C ratings but struggle to locate a battery higher than C rated ?
Also would prefer a maintenance free battery.
Finally - I read that a 'deep cycling' model is best?
I use the van a lot for days out, without electric hook up - so do rely on the 12v source quite a lot.
Sorry to ramble but would really welcome some advice.
Cheers,
Rob

Visit Tayna Batteries website. All dimensions are there. You only have to ask for a vent pipe.

Going to check this out - always handy to know about these things. My battery is also below drivers seat and a snug fit. Guess limited to capacity as a result.

From what I have read in past - specialist supplier better than high street options.

Make sure whatever battery you get that it has shoulders at the base sides for your securing clamps. I once got a slightly higher amp battery that fitted under seat but it didn't have those shoulders and I had to construct a clamp over the top instead. For the extra 5 amp it wasn't worth the hassle.

Thanks Paul. Only problem is that I don't seem to have any securing clamps present !

I am SLOWLY working my way through the many available choices but am stuck on a potentially silly question - sorry ! If the battery requires a Vent Tube to be in place where does this tube connect to the battery !!!! I have a hole in the floor to vent other end. Also, can anyone suggest where I could buy some retaining straps - in the absence of any clamps on the battery tray currently. Many thanks. Rob

The vent tube goes into a hole at either end of the top filler caps. Not sure if a sealed battery would have them. The security clamp I mentioned earlier was the style you used to get in cars back in the 60's/70's. I got one off eBay (a length of angle-iron with several holes across and two lengths of bar ). Like this....
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Paul, you are so kind and knowledgeable - THANK YOU 

this was my solution for my Symbol when I couldn't find a battery with base ledges   it did hold. It is hidden under the seat so doesn't need to be elaborate and of course it isn't.
You can see the breathing tube

Even with maintenance free batteries there is a possibility of venting if overcharged. I would be curious to see what the original battery was if there is no pipe at the moment. I suspect there should be.

Thanks for the latest responses. There are very few markings on the current old battery which would help to identify it. Think I am ready to make some decisions now. Currently preferring a Lucas LX24MF 80Ah battery which is deep cycle, sealed / maintenance free and comes with a 3 year warranty from Tayna online for a delivered price of 85.57 including vent pipe. It's a perfect size at 257mm length, 175mm width and 220mm height. Also thinking to get a decent battery charger to maintain the charge during any long spells of non use. Will secure with straps. Will let you know how it all goes. Many thanks again for all the help. Rob.

If you happen to know anyone with a trade card from Halfords, they could get you 20% discount. If you are a mechanic (and a few other trades) you can apply for a card yourself. I've only just discovered this. I could have had one myself as a taxi driver if I'd known before I retired.