Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Charging leisure from car Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSHANTY SINGER
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 11:42am
 Location: walton on the naze e
 Outfit: Coachman pastiche View SHANTY SINGER's Profile View Profile   Reply to SHANTY SINGER Reply   Quote SHANTY SINGER Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   243
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Hi all. I'm going for a few days in caravan off grid which I haven't done before, we only ever gone EHU. If my caravan battery needs recharging can I use jump leads from my car. Any advice would gratefully received. Mick.


Personmarg6
03/10/2024 at 12:28pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0
yes you can do that, but doubt you will need to if only for a few days away


Person664DaveS
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 12:32pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75 View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4382
Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41
No. Your car may be wired to charge the battery when the engine is running so it should top it up on your journey.

The original 7 pin set up used to have a 12v feed from the car to the van but older vans didn't have leisure batteries! Our first couple of vans didn't so I fitted one.
You don't want to flatten your car battery!

If you charge your battery fully it should last a few days or more depending on it's capacity and condition, as well as what you use.
Your fridge and heating will be on gas.

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


Personmarg6
03/10/2024 at 1:15pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View marg6's Profile View Profile   Reply to marg6 Reply   Quote marg6 Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2016

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3126
Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 15
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 03/10/2024
No. Your car may be wired to charge the battery when the engine is running so it should top it up on your journey.

The original 7 pin set up used to have a 12v feed from the car to the van but older vans didn't have leisure batteries! Our first couple of vans didn't so I fitted one.
You don't want to flatten your car battery!

If you charge your battery fully it should last a few days or more depending on it's capacity and condition, as well as what you use.
Your fridge and heating will be on gas.


those of us that do go off grid regularly, what do you think we charge the batteries back up with? just connect the leisure battery with the jump leads to the car battery once the engine is running, it can take quite a while tho the better alternative is to get a solar panel and have that on the leisure battery as soon as you arrive and be topping up rather than charging from dead


PersonColin21
03/10/2024 at 1:23pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6270
Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18
As a last resort if your leisure battery does go flat you can connect it to the car using jump-leads, but only do it when the engine is running or you will end up with two flat batteries!


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


Advertisement



PersonSHANTY SINGER
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 1:28pm
 Location: walton on the naze e
 Outfit: Coachman pastiche View SHANTY SINGER's Profile View Profile   Reply to SHANTY SINGER Reply   Quote SHANTY SINGER Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   243
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Yes Dave S. Many thanks for your reply. I know I'd have to keep the engine going but just checking if caravan starts to go flat can I top it up with jump leads. But only if necessary. It wouldn't be a full charge. Cheers.


PersonFiona W
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 1:54pm
 Location: Ayrshire
 Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs View Fiona W's Profile View Profile   Reply to Fiona W Reply   Quote Fiona W Quote  
Joined: 10/4/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   5144
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 234
Site Reviews 2024: 18 
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 12 
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 4  
Site Reviews 2019: 9  
Site Reviews 2018: 18 
Site Nights 2024: 37
Site Nights 2023: 25
Site Nights 2022: 32
Site Nights 2021: 25
Site Nights 2020: 20
Site Nights 2019: 28
Site Nights 2018: 30
Quote: Originally posted by Colin21 on 03/10/2024
As a last resort if your leisure battery does go flat you can connect it to the car using jump-leads, but only do it when the engine is running or you will end up with two flat batteries!



A running engine sounds like a good way to irritate close neighbours - based on my neighbours doing it on a winter morning at 0600 to warm up their car. But fine if you’re on own, of course.
I’ve seen a number of fold-out solar panels on sites this year, often outside campervans on non EHU pitches. Doesn’t use diesel or petrol either…


-------------
2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.


PersonColin21
03/10/2024 at 2:05pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6270
Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18
Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 03/10/2024

The original 7 pin set up used to have a 12v feed from the car to the van but older vans didn't have leisure batteries! Our first couple of vans didn't so I fitted one.
You don't want to flatten your car battery!



Exactly the same for me, our first two caravans didn't have any internal electrics at all, they had gas lights. Water had to be carried in a big plastic bottle and tipped into the sink to use it, until I fitted an electric pump, operated by a push-button, and a water spout. I also fitted a couple of 12 volt lights as I got fed up with keep changing mantles!

I rigged a split-charge system from the car, a Mk2 Cortina, and I thought I had invented it until I saw them on sale years later.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin


PersonAncient Uncle
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 4:18pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Festival View Ancient Uncle's Profile View Profile   Reply to Ancient Uncle Reply   Quote Ancient Uncle Quote  
Joined: 22/5/2017

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   479
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 34
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Ah yes, Colin. Reminds me of our trailer tent when we first started. I fitted a spout over the sink and a bell push to activate a pump in the small water bottle outside. We considered that a great luxury. Eventually we even bought a heater that screwed into a camping gaz bottle so we were even able to have a bit of warmth of an evening.


Person664DaveS
via mobile 03/10/2024 at 4:52pm
 Location: Shropshire
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75 View 664DaveS's Profile View Profile   Reply to 664DaveS Reply   Quote 664DaveS Quote  
Joined: 24/7/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4382
Site Reviews Total: 55
Site Reviews 2024: 2  
Site Reviews 2023: 8  
Site Reviews 2022: 6  
Site Reviews 2021: 6  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 4  
Site Nights 2024: 16
Site Nights 2023: 55
Site Nights 2022: 54
Site Nights 2021: 56
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 20
Site Nights 2018: 41
Our first van a Monza had the gas lights.They did keep,the van a bit warm but the mantles were fragile and often broke during the journey but we carried spares.
I fitted a gas and 12v fridge myself, which necessitated fitting the second socket and fridge relay etc to the car.
I then got a secondhand car battery and stuck it under the front bench in a wooden frame!
In those days sites would often charge a battery for you for a small fee.
Water was cold only operated by a footpump.
It was a good little van which we enjoyed, even taking it to Germany. Better than tenting which we used to do!
We went to a CL once off grid, our battery lasted a week easily. That was an Abbey GTS. No solar panels then.


Post last edited on 03/10/2024 16:56:11

-------------
DS-There's more to life than football!!!


Advertisement



PersonColin21
03/10/2024 at 5:38pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6270
Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18
Our first two vans were both Sprites. First an Alpine, then a Musketeer. This was back in the 1970s and 1980s, but they were both quite old then. We used to tour more in those days rather than staying for a week or more in one place like we do today, and every time we moved we had to replace the gas mantles because they had fallen to bits on the journey. Always carried loads of spares. Didn't have a fridge as we couldn't afford one, and there was no room for one anyway. No onboard toilet either, as we used the tiny compartment as a cupboard.

Our "leisure battery" was an old car battery too, but it lasted ok as every time we moved it got a charge from the car.

We enjoyed ourselves, a family of 5 when we had the Musketeer, and we also had our two dogs with us. Very cheap way to have a holiday back then as all we paid for anywhere was a pitch. No extras whatsoever, anywhere!

We started with a tent for just the two of us, then with our first as a baby, but we then bought a caravan as it seemed so much easier, particularly when a second girl came along. They are now 44 and 49, and don't seem to have followed in our camping ways, although they enjoyed themselves as kids.


-------------
Best Regards,
Colin



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Repairs, Servicing and Maintenance - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

9038 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder