We have an Avondale Argente about 24 years old it stays on site since it was new there isn’t a battery as we hook up to the mains when we use it. The water pump isn’t working nor are any lights but everything else is although we haven’t tried the water heater as its empty I haven’t looked at all of the blade fuses but I think that I checked the relevant ones so can anyone please give me a clue as to what might be the problem it was all working fine last time the van was used
Quote: Originally posted by Mickeedoo on 24/6/2024
We have an Avondale Argente about 24 years old it stays on site since it was new there isn’t a battery as we hook up to the mains when we use it. The water pump isn’t working nor are any lights but everything else is although we haven’t tried the water heater as its empty I haven’t looked at all of the blade fuses but I think that I checked the relevant ones so can anyone please give me a clue as to what might be the problem it was all working fine last time the van was used
If you haven't got a leisure battery then you are using the battery charger to turn mains electricity into 12 volts DC that the lights and water pump use. It sounds to me like this charger has packed up. Not all battery chargers are intended to be used as power supplies like you are, although some can be. I don't know whether yours is one that is or not.
It could simply be that old age has finally caught up with it, but as mine is even older that may not be the case. After you have checked the fuses though, the charger is the first place I would look. Just like light bulbs, chargers work perfectly until suddenly one day they don't.
Yes, I'm with Colin. You need to check the voltage on the output leads with a multi meter. It should be around 13 to 14 volts.
Things really do need a battery connected though if only to smooth out any fluctuations.
On the other hand, you've had 25 years use out of the charger so you've had your moneys worth.
DaveS1
Thank you for your replies I have been given the name of a good and reliable technician and he says that he thinks the battery charger has failed but is not in my area until around the end of September but he has said that I could buy a new battery and a trickle charger and resolve the problem that way it would solve the problem quickly I guess but is it a good idea in the long run
Well in my opinion fitting a leisure battery is a good idea anyway. At the very least it would ensure you still have lights and water pump if the mains fails. It is always a good idea to have a battery across the output of the charger anyway, as it stabilises the 12 volt supply. Plenty of battery chargers on the market too.