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Thanks for the replies there Andrew, I reckon my problem must be as you've described. If only I knew how to use my multimeter. I reckon I'll get an isolator fitted.

BB

You can test if there is a current drain by disconnecting a battery lead, then dab it on na off the terrminal. A small spark means there is a current drain.

If you measured the battery voltage soon after returning from a trip, the battery would have been charged by the car system. This charges at a higher voltage which could easily be 14.5volts. I believe some modern cars have even higher voltages. For a true reading, you need to leave the battery off charge for a few hours before measuring the voltage or it will read high.

You can get quick release battery connectors. These will enable you to easily remove the battery without tools and can be used instead of a battery isolator.

Quote: Originally posted by AndrewK on 11/12/2009

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Quote: Originally posted by steve2020 on 11/12/2009To work out how much current is being draw do you disconnect the battery to see the exact reading then reconnect and apply the multimeter then subtract the new reading from the disconnected battery reading?

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Open the battery box and remove one of the leads from your battery. Set the multimeter to a current range and connect its probes between the lead you removed and the battery terminal you removed it from. Now simply read the current from the multimeter.

Cheers
Andrew



Best of luck
Andrew

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Cheers Andrew I'll do this next time I'm at the storage compound

Steve

Willl things in the van still draw from the battery with the control panel switched off? I noticed ours light up & go straight off again when I went in to check things were OK. The battery ever had enough power in it to light the panel up again. We've got a mover & this new Trailer control system on our van, could either or both of those have a problem? Our last van had a mover & its battery never went down like this one does.

If I put an isolater in myself, could that effect the warranty?

BB

Quote: Originally posted by Basilbrush on 13/12/2009

Willl things in the van still draw from the battery with the control panel switched off?

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I don't know. I'd be tempted to check with a multimeter. You can get some very cheap ones from B&Q if you don't have one.


Our last van had a mover & its battery never went down like this one does.If I put an isolater in myself, could that effect the warranty?

I did and it didn't. I don't see any reason at all why it should affect the warranty - though if you are concerned, ask your dealer.


Andrew

see looking after your battery...........

http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/datasheets

Looking after your Leisure Battery

I can pretty much draw the conclusion that the battery is well and truly shagged.
I must add that the battery had come off charge approx' 10 mins before connecting the bulb

sounds like you are correct,before you splash out big bucks ask a garage to do a drop test for you.

Quote: Originally posted by AndrewK on 14/12/2009

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I am doing pretty much the same test with mine.

It has been off charge for only a couple of minutes. I've connected a 21W 12V lamp across it and get a reading of 13.4V across the battery terminals (should be 12.7V fully charged, so it's not settled yet after charging), as at 2.30pm. So it's game on ................


Andrew

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