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Quote: Originally posted by tykey on 09/2/2009

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Does it need one at all, if it's always on an EHU?

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I also think that its best to have a battery (a reliable EHU mmmmm ) even my home town had power cuts last year ...... And a few campsites I've visited have had power outs  .......

I think 85amp .... 110amp if you have the mover too ....

Trefour

Quote: Originally posted by michael on 09/2/2009

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I always thought that the battery transformer supplies 12V as well. I must disconnect my battery and prove it to myself (or not!)
modern chargers do both jobs of 12 V supply and charge.it is not required to keep a battery if not wanted,

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Quote: Originally posted by caradad on 09/2/2009

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I agree with Michael, my modern (1994) zig unit supplies 12v. I have had 3 years using EHU at all sites, and never got round to putting a battery in. Never even had a power cut from the EHU, but then again I never overload the supply, and keep a battery light handy just in case!!

If in doubt try it, just disconnect the battery, and try the lights. Make sure you switch the panel to caravan battery.

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I would check the caravan handbook or seek advice from the manufacturers.

Some modern caravans can be used without a battery in place, some can't. The handbook for my 1997 Avondale stated that it was necessary to have a battery on board even when using mains - may be something to do with smoothing the 12v power output?

Anyway, I always use a battery as I've been on a few sites where the mains has gone off and not been restored for some hours - once it was a day and a half (and I never got a rebate ), plus in summer I sometimes go on sites without EHU.

Quote: Originally posted by blondieandi on 09/2/2009

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My caravan fridge seemed to work better on gas when we went to festivals, not too great on battery.

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The fridge won't run on battery except when it's connected to the car and the engine is running - it isn't wired in to the leisure battery circuit because it would flatten it very quickly.

It should be run on EHU or gas.

Another thought - Many older caravans didn't even have a battery charger, the two systems were completely separate.

I well remember arriving on site with two smallish kids (about 8 & 5 IIRC) on a Friday night in March, just as it got dark, with our 1989 Sprite Major. It was our first trip out since New Year.

Was so chuffed with myself when I managed to reverse straight on to the pitch.

Unhitched, levelled the van and wound down the steadies. Moved the car to the side, let the kids out and into the van, putting the lights on. Went off to get the water, connect the electric and put the waste barrel out etc. Got back in the van and all the lights (which had been getting dimmer) went out.

DOH! I had forgotten to charge the battery before leaving home - it had only the charge from the car during the journey to the site. All the lights were 12v, and the water pump. So we had no light and no water that evening, 240v of electricity coming in to the van and no way of getting light from it.

I bought a table lamp next day.