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Apologies for this subject but I'm struggling to find out the information I require.

I have just brought the van back home in readiness for this weekends trip.  I've connected the van to 240v and tried switching everything on.  The 240v lights work fine but the control panel keeps switching off after an error message which, according to the manual, means its a safety cut off to prevent the battery from damage.

Now I assumed that once the van was connected to EHU, it would automatically charge the battery and I could use the 12v straight away but I am still getting the error message.

Thanks in anticipation

Its a 2008 Lunar Zenith by the way

Must admit, I would expect to use the 12v straight away.

The charger in modern vans is not only a charger but a 12v power supply as well. Whilst they don't reccomend it, the 12v will work on EHU without a battery fitted, just need to be careful you don't overload it and sensitive equipment may be damaged.

'means its a safety cut off to prevent the battery from damage'. All I can think of for this is that it is a cutout to prevent the battery discharging to such a low level that it will be damaged. 

Is the battery flat or faulty?

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I too would have expected it to work immediately.  Maybe the battery is no good.  Slightly annoying as its still in warranty but the shop I purchased it from is quite a distance away so may be cheaper just buying a new one!  Hey ho, and I was sold caravanning on the promise that it was a cheap hobby!!!!

Try emailing the caravan manufacturer or one of their dealers. They may be able to shed more light. (Oops!)

Do the lights work on 12v only without the EHU connected. That would prove the battery is OK.

Have you disconnected the caravan from your car. If its still plugged in, the car battery will be in use not the caravan battery.

disconnect the battery, make sure the leads cant touch (if in any doubt wrap them in carrier bags or similar.

if it works, I would suspect a dead battery, possible showing a short to the charger, or being so flat its overloading the charger output.

would more likly being the charger shutting down to prevent damage to itself, rather than the battery.

Quote: Originally posted by misfit on 21/4/2010

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Apologies for this subject but I'm struggling to find out the information I require.

I have just brought the van back home in readiness for this weekends trip.  I've connected the van to 240v and tried switching everything on.  The 240v lights work fine but the control panel keeps switching off after an error message which, according to the manual, means its a safety cut off to prevent the battery from damage.

Now I assumed that once the van was connected to EHU, it would automatically charge the battery and I could use the 12v straight away but I am still getting the error message.

Thanks in anticipation

 

Its a 2008 Lunar Zenith by the way

 

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Thanks for all your replies

Charged battery overnight using trickle charger and battery been fine whilst at Elveston Castle this weekend, kept charge at around 12.5 volts.  Will have to keep an eye on it and charge it this way all the time just to make sure.  Dont really want to buy another battery!