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When your car engine is running check pins 2 & 3 on 1998 Pin Allocation socket
or pins 3 & 4 on 1999 Pin Allocation onwards .
Note i think you'll find that now EEC regulations stop the caravan battery being charged whilest towing .

See here http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/towbar_electrics.shtml

atb

Wizard

One alternative would be to use a meter. Check the voltage at the battery without the engine running, and then again with the engine revving a bit,and if there's an improvement, that should indicate that it's charging.

Additionally, if you switch the interior lights on inside the 'van, then start the engine, the lights should go out once you build some revs up. This would indicate that it's switching over ok. 

Quote: Originally posted by wizard9956 on 19/8/2008

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Note i think you'll find that now EEC regulations stop the caravan battery being charged whilest towing .

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Blimey, what's this one about.  I rely on the car charging to replace the power taken out of the battery during extensive motor mover action to get my van out of its awkward parking position.  Also, the car charges the battery to 100% whereas the caravan charger only does about 90% (I believe). 

Thus we arrive on a non EHU pitch with the battery fully charged.

Why would the EU want to stop car charging?

Quote: Originally posted by Crypto on 20/8/2008

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Why would the EU want to stop car charging?

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Far as i can remember it was going to effect new caravans and it was because of escaping gasses , read about it in a caravan mag , when you plug in ( 12s socket ) relays in the caravan disconnect the supply to the battery when the engine starts , so only the fridge will recieve power . 
I've tried to find out about it on the net and have not come up with much so far .

atb

Wizard