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: fridge and 12 volt light problem Post Reply Post New Topic
31/3/2013 at 6:43pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Compass Illusion
View Grumpy D's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grumpy D Reply   Quote Grumpy D Quote  
Joined: 31/3/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
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: 6
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have just wired up my car with 12s electrics using a split charge relay. When I connect it to my caravan(engine off) the 12v electrics all work ok inside the caravan. However, after I start the engine and the fridge starts to operate, all the 12 volt electrics inside turn off. Even when I switch between car/battery,it makes no difference.
I am assuming that I should be able to use 12 volt lights and the 12 volt fridge at the same time while connected to the car.

Please help


31/3/2013 at 7:08pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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

This depends on your van, but most likely the habitation relay will kick in to provide a supply charge for your battery and 12v feed for the fridge only when the towcar's engine is running.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


31/3/2013 at 7:09pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587

Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0

It sounds like it has been wired up incorrectly and sounds like it's something to do with the cars ignition feed as the circuit operates with engine off but not when it's switched on. I would get it out checked professionally just in case the wiring is unsafe and causes a fire as your car insurance is unlikely to pay out in a case of DIY wiring.



11/4/2013 at 2:49pm
 Location: Scotland
 Outfit: Compass Illusion
View Grumpy D's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grumpy D Reply   Quote Grumpy D Quote  
Joined: 31/3/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   8

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
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: 6
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi guys. I contacted the seller of my caravan who tells me this is a normal thing for caravans. He says all 12 volts appliances are switched off within the van when the car engine is running so all electricity is used to charge both the fridge and recharge the vans battery. This does sound plausible and also it would discourage people from being in a van while the van is in motion.

Thoughts?


11/4/2013 at 5:21pm
 Location: West Mids
 Outfit: Swift Ace Statesman & X-Trail 2.0
View G7ACU's Profile View Profile   Reply to G7ACU Reply   Quote G7ACU Quote  
Joined: 22/9/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2617

Site Reviews Total: 11
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

Yep, sounds most likely and exactly why I suggested towards the switching of the 'habitation relay' in my earlier reply.

Pleased you've had some further advice on this.

-------------
Paul

Every day's a school day!


Advertisement

Handiworld


11/4/2013 at 6:28pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Opensauce's Profile View Profile   Reply to Opensauce Reply   Quote Opensauce Quote  
Joined: 25/1/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4530

Site Reviews Total: 13
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 that is correct. You won't be using interior lights with engine running & with engine off no power is supplied to fridge, so all working ok.


11/4/2013 at 11:40pm
 Location: NW of Glasgow
 Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90
View jennifernn's Profile View Profile   Reply to jennifernn Reply   Quote jennifernn Quote  
Joined: 14/1/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9057

Site Reviews Total: 17
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

Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 31/3/2013

It sounds like it has been wired up incorrectly and sounds like it's something to do with the cars ignition feed as the circuit operates with engine off but not when it's switched on. I would get it out checked professionally just in case the wiring is unsafe and causes a fire as your car insurance is unlikely to pay out in a case of DIY wiring.





I am really surprised that you do not seem to know how your caravan operates in this situation!!



-------------
Jennifer



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...














9547 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