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: Charger smells of rotten eggs Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonLoch Morlich
01/7/2013 at 11:11pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Loch Morlich's Profile View Profile   Reply to Loch Morlich Reply   Quote Loch Morlich Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Tent Reviews:   2
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
Hi

We discovered our charger was releasing a smell, no doubt not a good sign. We are currently on holiday and are nursing the battery a long by charging it only for an hour a day by removing the fuse to cut the circuit. To make sure we can use the pump and the caravan mover when we need to.

Can anyone advise what may be the cause?

We have a 2004 adria adiva does anyone know what part to source and where?

When we tow the van will the car charge the leisure battery independently of the caravans charger?


Personjeff juke
02/7/2013 at 12:05am
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854
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
Sounds like its about to pack in,a cheap car battery charger will do the trick till you get home but i would not leave it on constant just when the batt needs a charge.

I found with mine cheaper to replace than repair.

-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


Personalpiner
02/7/2013 at 6:07am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View alpiner's Profile View Profile   Reply to alpiner Reply   Quote alpiner Quote  
Joined: 08/7/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2264
Site Reviews Total: 1
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
The smell is the insulation covering the wires or charger components overheating.
Some people often describe the smell as a fish like.
Time to dump it repair it or replace.

-------------
alpiner


PersonJOHN BYRNE
02/7/2013 at 7:15am
 Location: Hertfordshire
 Outfit: Esterelle Caramatic T39 View JOHN BYRNE's Profile View Profile   Reply to JOHN BYRNE Reply   Quote JOHN BYRNE Quote  
Joined: 06/11/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1130
Site Reviews Total: 1
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
Could the battery possibly be sulphating?


Personmattlad
02/7/2013 at 9:49am
 Location: Worcestershire
 Outfit: Defender 90 and MyWay Voyager Raid View mattlad's Profile View Profile   Reply to mattlad Reply   Quote mattlad Quote  
Joined: 27/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2883
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
Quote: Originally posted by JOHN BYRNE on 02/7/2013
Could the battery possibly be sulphating?



+1

-------------
Love a lot. Trust a few. But ALWAYS paddle your own canoe!!
Minds are like parachutes:- They only function when they are open!!!
Those who talk don't know.
Those who know don't talk.


Advertisement



PersonAndy Higham
02/7/2013 at 10:52am
 Location: Bolton Lancs
 Outfit: Bailey Orion 430-4 & Mitsubishi PHEV View Andy Higham's Profile View Profile   Reply to Andy Higham Reply   Quote Andy Higham Quote  
Joined: 25/12/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   876
Site Reviews Total: 1
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
Check the voltage, should be 13.8 to 14.4v whilst charging. It sounds like the battery is over charging


PersonLoch Morlich
02/7/2013 at 11:15am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Loch Morlich's Profile View Profile   Reply to Loch Morlich Reply   Quote Loch Morlich Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Tent Reviews:   2
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
Hi we are never going above 13.8 volts. Smell not coming from battery definitely the charger.


Personmaljwilliams
02/7/2013 at 11:59am
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: Pennine pathfinder View maljwilliams's Profile View Profile   Reply to maljwilliams Reply   Quote maljwilliams Quote  
Joined: 01/7/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 2
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
I would say that the charger or battery is faulty, if the battery is on its last legs it would be pulling more currant than the charger can give, it would be best to get the battery and charger tested. The smell is from the circuit bored of the charger, one or more components on the PCB will be overheating. Most units can charge the battery from the car if fitted with the appropriate circuit. It would be wise not to use the charge.

-------------
maljwilliams wildlife film maker


PersonLoch Morlich
02/7/2013 at 12:08pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Loch Morlich's Profile View Profile   Reply to Loch Morlich Reply   Quote Loch Morlich Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Tent Reviews:   2
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
Hi the battery is holding charge well we are using the pump and lights as normal.

Does this suggest its more the charger than the battery?


Personmaljwilliams
02/7/2013 at 12:22pm
 Location: Huddersfield
 Outfit: Pennine pathfinder View maljwilliams's Profile View Profile   Reply to maljwilliams Reply   Quote maljwilliams Quote  
Joined: 01/7/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 2
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
Most likely the charger if the battery is lasting when in use. How old is the battery? Most batteries last about 3 to 5 years.
This may not be possible for you to check but if you can check the currant that the battery is taking this would give a good indication, if it is in the range of the charger (sometimes this is indicated in the manual or on the charger) then it is the charger that is at fault, if the battery is taking more than the charger is rated for then this would be a good indication that the battery is at fault.


-------------
maljwilliams wildlife film maker


Advertisement



Personjeff juke
02/7/2013 at 12:45pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View jeff juke's Profile View Profile   Reply to jeff juke Reply   Quote jeff juke Quote  
Joined: 09/8/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6854
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
Quote: Originally posted by alpiner on 02/7/2013
The smell is the insulation covering the wires or charger components overheating.
Some people often describe the smell as a fish like.
Time to dump it repair it or replace.


Agree with Alpiner,anything that smells from electrics in the van should be dumped as its a fire hazard..


-------------
Animals have feelings..

JEFF................


PersonLoch Morlich
02/7/2013 at 5:24pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Loch Morlich's Profile View Profile   Reply to Loch Morlich Reply   Quote Loch Morlich Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Tent Reviews:   2
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
We decided that we would need to remove the charger as soon as we smelt it, but we discovered it on our first day of holiday.....so we need to nurse the caravan for 2 weeks until we get it home and can get it serviced.

So far so good battery holding at 13.8 and our use of the caravan is not being compromised even though we have switched off the charger.

The main thing is making sure we have enough power for the mover when we get home but presume the car will charge the leisure battery during the drive home.


PersonFrancophile1947
02/7/2013 at 6:29pm
 Location: Norwich
 Outfit: Citroen Relay Campervan View Francophile1947's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francophile1947 Reply   Quote Francophile1947 Quote  
Joined: 23/1/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1870
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 Loch Morlich on 02/7/2013
We decided that we would need to remove the charger as soon as we smelt it, but we discovered it on our first day of holiday.....so we need to nurse the caravan for 2 weeks until we get it home and can get it serviced.

So far so good battery holding at 13.8 and our use of the caravan is not being compromised even though we have switched off the charger.

The main thing is making sure we have enough power for the mover when we get home but presume the car will charge the leisure battery during the drive home.


Are you sure the charger is switched off? The battery should never show 13.8 volts, unless it is on charge. A fully charged battery is normally around 12.7 or 12.8 volts.

-------------
Cheers
John


PersonLoch Morlich
02/7/2013 at 10:40pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered View Loch Morlich's Profile View Profile   Reply to Loch Morlich Reply   Quote Loch Morlich Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   15
Tent Reviews:   2
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
The battery is definitely off when we are reading 13.8volt because we have removed the charger fuse and the smell disappears.

After 24 hours use (pump and lights) the battery (with the charger switched off) drops to about 13,2volts.



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...

7775 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