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 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: 12 volt battery system Post Reply Post New Topic
Personkernow63
27/12/2013 at 3:39pm
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530SE View kernow63's Profile View Profile   Reply to kernow63 Reply   Quote kernow63 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   44
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 8
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

I am quite new to caravanning and need some advice. We have a Swift Challenger 530 SE (year 2000) and it is currently stored on our drive. The last time I went out to it the battery level showed 0 volts. Only a week or so before it was fine (in the green section, showing about 12 volts?)
I connected the mains lead to it and it jumped back to life, showing 12 volts again, even after I had disconnected the mains. I have just been out again and it is showing 0 volts again. Is this right? Does it go in to some kind of shutdown mode if not used for a while? I have tried changing all the switch positions but nothing brings it back on (i.e. none of the 12 volt lights etc are working) I haven't yet tried connecting it to the mains again, but was wondering if there is a problem or not?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

-------------
Greenhill Leisure Park, Oxon - Apr 2016
Gunvenna, St Minver, Cornwall - July 2016
Lincoln Farm, Standlake, Oxon - Sept 2016


PersonLobeyDosser
27/12/2013 at 4:08pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833
Site Reviews Total: 5
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
When you charge the battery via the mains (IE through the caravan charger), it will show 12v.

However if there is a bad cell in the battery, it battery will quickly die completely.

It sounds to me that your battery is gubbed.
They only last about 3 years anyway, although sometimes you do get ones that last longer.

I suggest you invest in a new leisure battery.

-------------
Lobey.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Personoxter
27/12/2013 at 4:13pm
 Location: NE Scotland
 Outfit: Bailey Phoenix + CRV View oxter's Profile View Profile   Reply to oxter Reply   Quote oxter Quote  
Joined: 02/10/2003

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3894
Site Reviews Total: 83
Site Reviews 2024: 3  
Site Reviews 2023: 2  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 6  
Site Reviews 2018: 8  
Site Nights 2024: 14
Site Nights 2023: 14
Site Nights 2022: 47
Site Nights 2021: 14
Site Nights 2020: 11
Site Nights 2019: 36
Site Nights 2018: 8
You need to leave on charge for at least 12/24 hours then disconnect. If the voltage drops quickly your battery may be knackered. A supplier will check the battery condition for you. Still worth a few quid for scrap.
If you always use hook up you can carry on using a dead battery but if you have a motor mover the good battery is a must. If you have left on a 12v appliance like an aerial signal booster for a status (inside a cupboard or wardrobe) or a light etc it will run the battery down.

-------------
playing at tinkies


Personkernow63
27/12/2013 at 4:40pm
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530SE View kernow63's Profile View Profile   Reply to kernow63 Reply   Quote kernow63 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   44
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 8
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

Thanks for the quick replies.

I didn't think it would be the the battery as it was a brand new one (100A/h) supplied by the dealer we bought the caravan from. We don't have a motor mover (unfortunately!) so there should be no drain on it.
It just seemed strange that it had been fine and as soon as I connected it to the mains the 12V supply seemed to kick back in and stayed working after the mains was disconnected. Even when I switched all the 12V lights etc on, the battery level only dipped a litle to the bottom of the 'green' section (from just above the bottom of it - if you know what I mean)
I will connect it up again and see what happens. Failing that I may need to talk to the dealer.

-------------
Greenhill Leisure Park, Oxon - Apr 2016
Gunvenna, St Minver, Cornwall - July 2016
Lincoln Farm, Standlake, Oxon - Sept 2016


Personnavver
28/12/2013 at 10:16pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4663
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
You may have a master switch for the 12 volt. If so, this needs to be on for the voltmeter to work.


Advertisement



PersonCaratechs
29/12/2013 at 6:21pm
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Abbey Spectrum View Caratechs's Profile View Profile   Reply to Caratechs Reply   Quote Caratechs Quote  
Joined: 31/1/2007

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   68
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
Hi you have a inline fuse behind the battery box try that first it is possible its blown or sometimes the connecter comes apart
Hope this helps
Dave
Hi Ive just reread your first post it wont be the fuse sounds more likely a battery prob get the battery tested first under load that will tell you more
Dave

Post last edited on 29/12/2013 18:38:27

-------------
Mobile caravan servicing and repairs we come to you


Persontommy tess
29/12/2013 at 7:04pm
 Location: notts
 Outfit: avondale 470 2 View tommy tess's Profile View Profile   Reply to tommy tess Reply   Quote tommy tess Quote  
Joined: 10/7/2008

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   73
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
The month and year shoud be stamped on one of the batteries terminals.Check battery is new.
     Tommy.


Personkernow63
29/12/2013 at 7:14pm
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530SE View kernow63's Profile View Profile   Reply to kernow63 Reply   Quote kernow63 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   44
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 8
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 all

Went out to caravan yesterday and gave it a 12 hr charge. Indicator is now half way into the green. Went out today and it was still the same level. Maybe I just need to keep it on charge for longer?

-------------
Greenhill Leisure Park, Oxon - Apr 2016
Gunvenna, St Minver, Cornwall - July 2016
Lincoln Farm, Standlake, Oxon - Sept 2016


PersonGrampian91
29/12/2013 at 9:58pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
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
Depends on the charger capacity.

Most chargers will start off with a boost then lower the charge rate.

So a 100amp battery wont take 10 hours with a 10amp charger.

It may charge at 10amps for 1 hours then reduce down to an amp or 2 as the battery charge comes up.

A good 24 hours at least. If the battery was left in a flat state then it may never fully recover.


PersonBob61
29/12/2013 at 11:58pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Bob61's Profile View Profile   Reply to Bob61 Reply   Quote Bob61 Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   10276
Tent Reviews:   4
Site Reviews Total: 28
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 2  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 4
Site Nights 2018: 3
I am no expert on batteries and have never owned a caravan with an on board battery condition indicator, but I did have a caravan which had 12v only, run from a leisure battery, and charged it at home. I tested it each time with a multimeter (voltometer?) obtainable from Maplins for around a tenner. It may be worth while getting one as a back up tester (can also be used to test live wires).

I recall having lots of questions on this forum about caravans and the battery and somebody gave me this list, which may or may not be useful:

12.6v = 100% charged
12.5v = 90%
12.42v = 80%
12.32v = 70%
12.20v = 60%
12.06v = 50%
11.9v = 40%

If your battery indicator is only showing 12 volts the battery could be less than 50% charged.


Post last edited on 30/12/2013 00:07:04


Advertisement



PersonLobeyDosser
30/12/2013 at 12:17am
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833
Site Reviews Total: 5
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
Any caravan or FC that I have owned had a battery condition meter. It does not read in percentages but in Red, Yellow and Green segments.

If you are measuring your battery with a volt meter, the simplest readings are;-
12.8 - fully charged.
12.4 - 50% discharged.
10.7 - fully discharged.

Ofcourse when you first take it off charging it will probably read above 13v so give it time to settle before testing it.

-------------
Lobey.


Personkernow63
30/12/2013 at 8:55am
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Swift Challenger 530SE View kernow63's Profile View Profile   Reply to kernow63 Reply   Quote kernow63 Quote  
Joined: 03/8/2011

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   44
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 8
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

Thanks for all the replies...very helpful

-------------
Greenhill Leisure Park, Oxon - Apr 2016
Gunvenna, St Minver, Cornwall - July 2016
Lincoln Farm, Standlake, Oxon - Sept 2016



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 - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

5803 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