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Subject Topic: Stirling Eccles 1992 Charger Fail? Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonSadssandiford
24/3/2015 at 12:08pm
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Joined: 24/3/2015

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Hi I have a 1992 Eccles Diamond caravan that I have just brought out of storage. The problem is I don't seem to have any 12v in the caravan. Im new to caravan in, 1st winter, and forgot to remove battery, so it's discharged!
I'm electronic engineer by trade so know my way around electrics.
There is no 13v at battery when caravan switched to battery and no 12v when caravan switched to caravan, no internal lights/pump/heating fan.
The problem is Im away next weekend so was wondering if for this 5 day how I could just slave 12v battery charger into battery supply. This runs off mains and the pitch has EHU anyway.
Would this cause any permanent damage to caravan systems as battery charger output 14.5v and inbuilt charger only supposedly output 13v!
Also does anyone know where I can get a wiring diagram for in built PMS5V charger?
Any ideas on what I can check? I've checked all fuses on PMS5V?


Personbilly
24/3/2015 at 3:57pm
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
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If battery has not been charged all winter & is flat it has probably had it. You need to charge it first & see if it will hold a charge. If battery is ok then you could use a separate charger to charge it up if you need to while on site overnight but a fully charged good battery should last you a few days anyway with just normal use of taps & interior lights.

What I would not do is connect a separate car charger to a battery that will not hold a charge & keep it on all the time, in fact it may not work anyway if you pull more out of battery than charger is putting in. If your battery is good & you have both caravan leads plugged into car then car should fully charge battery if you are driving an hour or more to site.


PersonGrampian91
24/3/2015 at 4:00pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
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I would always use a battery in teh system it will stabilise any voltage spikes and if you or your neighbour trip out the EHU post then you will still have lighting.

Have you got the van hooked upto the mains? The battery only charges when connected to the mains.

Checked the fuse in the charger and that the charger is actually switched on?

I found my charger was switched off when i frst bought it and managed to knock the switch to off when storing the hookup lead once.


Personalbee
24/3/2015 at 7:48pm
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Hi, take battery to local garage get it charged and tested then you will know where you stand, a faulty battery can confuse an in built charger. once a good battery is on the caravan check voltage at battery terminals then connect to mains and watch volt meter it should rise slightly if charger is working.


PersonSadssandiford
25/3/2015 at 8:13am
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Hi, Ive charged battery and it's holding a charge. Ran caravan for 12 hours yesterday, blown heating/lights etc. I've heard the built in charger outputs a dumb, constant, 13.5v to supply caravan and trickle battery as it's on all the time. I've got an old dumb car charger that outputs a constant 14.5v!
What would happen if I just connect my dumb charger to my battery, while still connected to caravan?
Wouldn't this just replace my broken in built charger?


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PersonShytot4x4
25/3/2015 at 10:12am
 Location: West Yorks
 Outfit: Lunar Clubman 475-EK - Nissan X-Trail View Shytot4x4's Profile View Profile   Reply to Shytot4x4 Reply   Quote Shytot4x4 Quote  
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Personbilly
25/3/2015 at 10:47am
 Location: North Essex
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The caravan charger is a transformer/charger with 16 or 20amp output so if it is working it will supply 12v side of caravan whether battery is any good or not & most can be used without battery while on ehu.

A cheapo car charger only outputs about 6amps so it would be a better idea to disconnect battery & charge as required without using it at same time.


PersonGrampian91
25/3/2015 at 2:54pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
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The caravan charger runs at a lower voltage that your standard car charger because it prevents the battery from gassing and boilling the water away from it.

Older and cheaper car chargers were not designed to be left on 24/7 for days at a time so would bol a battery dry fairly quickly.

Thats why the voltage is lower on a caravan charger.



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