Elecsol again

[Derek Uzzell]

Rod_vw - 2013-04-01 4:30 PM

 

I've read this thread with interest as I have two Elecsol batteries fitted to my MH. As yet, two years into mission, I have had no problems there is of course plenty of time yet!

 

However how many readers of this thread are like me, quite happy with the product? I ask that to try to get some idea of what percentage of these batteries are actually failing within the five year warranty.

 

Secondly, where did that mention of DIN375A come from. As far as I am aware DIN stands fo 'Deutsches Institut für Normung' and when I Google DIN375A I the only logical direction is towards a standard for Morse taper drills! Although the only listing that I have managed to find for DIN standards in general does not list a DIN375 at all. That was Wikipedia which is not always a wise site to place too much trust in.

 

So who has NOT had problems with Elecsol batteries? Heads up please.

 

Regarding the longevity of Elecsol batteries, I refer you to Dave Newell's 11 December 2012 9:26 PM, 26 November 2012 7:22 AM and 9 May 2011 11:06 AM postings on these three threads:

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Elecsol-battery/29750/#M345438

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Elecsol-110-amp-battery/29617/#M342492

 

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/Battery-guarantees/23536/#M262013

 

To check the number of forum members who have (or have had) Elecsol batteries that have lasted beyond the 5-year warranty period, compared to those whose Elecsol batteries have failed within the warranty period, you'd be best to set up a separate suitably-worded 'NEW POLL".

 

Over the years, all the Elecsol-related complaints on internet forums have involved the firm's lamentable customer relations. For example:

 

http://www.touringandtenting.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38481-elecsol-batteries/

 

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?123004-Elecsol-Batteries

 

Besides a 'number check' poll, you might want to set up another poll to check how many people whose Elecsol batteries died early managed to make a successful under-warranty claim.

 

I can't tell you where the "DIN375A" mention came from and, as the forum member ("bengie") who referred to it has not logged on since April 2012, I doubt you'll get an answer from him. Presumably he was either told by Elecsol that a "Din 375A" test was required, or (less likely) there may be something in the warranty about it. As I suggested to bengie, it would appear that there's a standardised battery-condition test that involves a 375 Ampere load. If Elecsol refers to this test as "DIN 375A" and that's wrong, then I ain't too surprised!

[Airstream]

Elecsol batteries are an ok "leisure" battery - not to be confused with a high end deep cycle battery and with care will last as long as any other battery of a similar spec

 

The issue is the FIVE year warranty and the claim that the batteries are virtually indestructible even when use on boats

 

If you offer this warranty then it should be honored without all the hassle,lies and abuse that "Steve" is infamous for, and yes I do have first hand experience of warranty claims with failed Elecsol batteries

 

If you are to buy Elecsol be aware of the issues and purchase from a well established retailer and get in writing that in the event of a warranty issue the retailer will test the batteries foc and deal with the claim - ie you take duff batteries in and walk out with new replacements

 

Ray

 

 

 

 

[mikethebike]

Hi all

I have two 110amp Elecsol leisure batteries fitted to my motorhome and on looking at my receipt I see that they are just over 5 years old. they are still going strong and I have had no problems with them.

I recently had them checked by a mobile motorhome service engineer and he said they appeared to be in very good condition and should be ok for a while yet. I do have a 80watt solar panel which he said did help prolong the life of the batteries. For obvious reasons I cannot comment on aftersales care.

[Barney123]

Hi all, been to my local Trading Standards to, they in turn will be taking it up with Elecsol's local area Trading Standards office. Also as instructed I will be writing to Elecsol giving them the 14 day notice to give a satisfactory reply. WKUA

 

[DaveWH]

Hi All

 

Just to let you know

.

I called at the premises of Elecsol this morning. This unit does not appear to be visited very often.

 

There must be hundreds of letters piled up behind the glass doors all addressed to Elecsol.

 

There does not appear to be any activity in the offices which also have piles of letters strewn across the floor.

 

Best of luck with any your inquiries

[Rod_vw]

And their website is recorded thus...

 

Registrant:

 

Domain Discreet Privacy Service

ATTN: elecsolbatteries.com

12808 Gran Bay Pkwy, West

Jacksonville, FL 32258

US

Phone: 1-902-7492701

 

Email: d898f0920a1612330b99f7c65c8e9998@domaindiscreet.com

 

Now why would they want to be so secretive I wonder??

 

Does anyone know who really makes these batteries, surely they are not manufactured in a rarely visited unit on the Wirral?

 

 

[lennyhb]

That is just the 3rd party that registered the domain for them, probably the company where the firm that did their website registers domains.

[Brian Kirby]

Their accounts are a bit overdue, as well. Doesn't look too healthy. If the batteries were bought on credit card, you may be able to claim against the card issuer if all firms involved have ceased trading.

[Barney123]

Thanks for that very encouraging information. That information backs up the news gleaned from other past posts on this problem with Elecsol.

My local Trading Standards has promised to come back to me next week after they have contacted Elecsol's area Trading Standards.

Thanks

Barney

[Rayjsj]

Rayjsj - 2013-03-29 4:04 PM

 

Must admit i hadn't heard of any problems with Elecsol batteries, and until I read this thread, i too would have been taken in by the 'Premium British Gel battery' hype, thanks for the 'Heads Up'. My instinct would be to put the batteries in the car and drive up to 'Elecsol headquarters' with the warranty document, and have a 'face to face 'with this 'Steve', but as been said before 'Trading Standards' are definitely the best way to go. He (Steve) is probably on 'A wing and a prayer' but is still prepared to 'Sting' as many customers as possible before he finally 'Sinks'. He Needs 'Stopping', or at least to be made to honor his warranty claims. let us know how you get on. Ray

 

 

Just done a search on 'Elecsol' quite an education, seems 'Steve' has previous. His customer relation skills are a bit suspect. I now know which Brand of Leisure Batteries I definitely WILL NOT be buying.

 

Sounds like the 'Wing' has fallen off, and the prayers have gone unanswered, Shame for 'Steves' customers, but not sad for Steve, he needs to learn that 'Customer relations' are important. Ray

[Airstream]

Any update re Elecsol replacing the faulty battery?

Ray

[Barney123]

Hi, All I can say at the moment is Its in the hands of Trading Standards, and I have heard nothing from Elecsol.

Thanks for your interest

Barney

[Barney123]

Hi all interested parties,

Thanks to those who PM'd me re this subject,

I am still awaiting Trading Standards investigating the case,and I have just got to await them reporting back to me.

Thanks again

 

[Airstream]

Hi,

If hoping for some kind of financial reult take heed of the statement below

 

"Elecsol Europe Limited is an Active business incorporated in England & Wales on 26th April 1999. Their business activity is recorded as Non-specialised Wholesale Trade. Elecsol Europe Limited is run by 1 current members. and 1 company secretary. 2 shareholders own the total shares within the company. It is not part of a group.

 

The latest Annual Accounts submitted to Companies House for the year up to 30/06/2012 reported 'cash at bank' of £100, 'liabilities' worth £0, 'net worth' of £100 and 'assets' worth £100. Elecsol Europe Limited's risk score was amended on 29/03/2013."

Good Luck

Ray

 

PS gives you some idea of the total bu"""it of the website

R.

[Brambles]

http://company-director-check.co.uk/director/906444708#anchor-current-03191878

 

(click on Elecsol Limited, also look for Solartrim)

[Guest pelmetman]

Keithl - 2013-03-29 9:18 AM

 

Barney,

 

You only need to search this forum for 'Elecsol' and virtually every post you will find is a tale of woe over Elecsol batteries and their abysmal warranty :-(

 

From previous replies I wouldn't hold out much hope of getting them replaced.

 

Keith.

 

8-)....................I bought a Elecsol battery a couple of years ago 8-)...........don't remember any bad reports :-S

[Barney123]

Thanks Brambles and Airstream for that information.

No doubt Cheshire West Trading Standards will be paying Elecsol a visit soon (if they can find anyone at home)

Thanks

[Barney123]

Yes Pelmetman, I know not all Elecsol's batteries are duff, I had on a previous van 2 batteries which gave me good service, but the 2 which I have now are duff after 3 years and they have 5 years warranty, so I think they should exchange them at least.

[mel64]

I had the same trouble with Elecsol I should of gone Trading Standards.

At least it should be a guide to others not to use Elecsol I did put this on the Forum.

 

[Derek Uzzell]

Just idle curiosity really, but what are the written terms and conditions of Elecsol's warranty?

 

I note that Elecsol's advertising leaflet mentions a 5-year warranty for their ordinary batteries, but is that it? I would have thought there would be some limitations (like incorrect usage), but perhaps there aren't.

 

The Elecsol website says about their Carbon AGM Deep Cycle Series of batteries "We are offering an incredible unlimited 7 year warranty. Guaranteed." which suggests there may be no exclusions, restrictions or limitations.

[Barney123]

Hi Derek, I have copy of Terms and Conditions for the batteries, but have not the facility this week to scan them in for you to have a look.

 

[Melvin]

To be honest my Elecsol are 5 years old and are in good condition, I was advised to clean the plates up using an invertor under load then recharging them.

[Derek Uzzell]

Barney123 - 2013-05-09 6:30 PM

 

Hi Derek, I have copy of Terms and Conditions for the batteries, but have not the facility this week to scan them in for you to have a look.

 

OK - I'd be interested in what the terms and conditions are.

 

It needs to be accepted that a percentage of batteries will fail 'early' even if treated kindly. Elecsol's advertising for their ordinary leisure-batteries mentions a 5-year warranty period, but makes no mention of any 'get out' clauses. 5 years is a goodly duration and, if I bought a battery from Elecsol and it gave 5 years of good service, I would not complain.

 

It may well be that the failure-rate of Elecsol batteries within the 5-year warranty period is no higher than the failure-rate of different-brand equivalent batteries over 5 years. The vast majority of on-line Elecsol-related complaints concentrate not so much on the batteries failing, but on the company's attitude to resultant under-warranty claims. I don't recall reading anything about Elecsol's warranty terms and conditions, but I've occasionally wondered how stringent they are.

[Barney123]

I fully agree, there are many Elecsol batteries about which give good service over and about 5 years and have no need for complaint. However if you are one of those individuals who happens to be lumbered with the odd rogue ones, that's when you feel let down.

The main problem is with the Customer Service at Elecsol towards individual customers.

In my initial post I did say I purchased the batteries via Alternative Energy Store, who have gone bust and I have to deal direct with Elecsol to sort it out, and Elecsol wont speak or answer calls etc.

I do understand that if you are a reputable dealer/outlet for Elecsol Batteries and purchase batches of batteries from Elecsol you will have no problems in getting sorted out with that dealer/outlet. Because if they don't get satisfaction from Elecsol they wont sell the batteries.

So make sure you purchase from dealers/outlets which will not go bust........if you have a crystal ball.

 

[Rod_vw]

Here's a quick update on my batteries, I have two 100Ah Elecsol Carbon Fibre batteries on a VW T5. They were not fitted as a pair but by Elecsol description are identical.

 

Battery 1 - Purchased from Tayna Ltd 01/09/11

Battery 2 - Purchased from Outdoor Bits 14/12/10 -0 This battery has been fitted from almost day one of the vehicle.

 

These are charged by a simple split charge relay and connected via 80Amp fuses and 20sq mm cable. One battery 'lives' under the driver's seat whilst the other 'lives' outdoors in a carrier amongst the chassis. Recently added is a 100W solar panel and simple solar panel controller. Habitation current consumers are a 300W inverter for Laptop, LED lights, an Eberspacher Airtronic and a Waeco CR65 compressor fridge.

 

First year's use (only one battery) was two four week stints in Europe, last year was two six week stints in Europe, this year it has just returned fron five weeks in France / Germany plus a number of short stays away. The total being 216 nights camping.

 

Additionally to note is that the vehicle is regular transport all year round, now at 34,500miles.

 

Now to the crux of the matter, in heat last week in Germany the batteries were struggling to keep the fridge going so I have just had them tested by my local battery suppliers and I am pleased to say they both come out with flying colours. It must have been that the fridge was working much harder than I realised.

 

I hope that this reasures folks that they are not all duff after a short while. Any change in that situation will be reported here.