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: Battery charge level Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonArmleywhite
01/7/2017 at 1:42am
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Elddis Crusader Mistral View Armleywhite's Profile View Profile   Reply to Armleywhite Reply   Quote Armleywhite Quote  
Joined: 16/6/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   67
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 1
I'm getting a headach :( Just bought a brand new Elddis crusader Mistral and it cam free with a years subscription to Tracker. This means that it has to be kept in storage for quite a few months with the alarm draining the battery. I've been looking at various methods of keeping the bty topped up, but tbh, my head hurts now.

Ideally, I'd love to have a solar panel inside gathering whats needed? Sadly, my position at the storage yard is north facing :( I've thought of sticking it under the roof light?

I'm not keen on permanently fixing it to the roof, as I don't relish drilling through the body, probably voiding the water Ingres warranty.

If I were to stick a panel in the front window, what "wattage" would I be looking at to make it work?

Cheers


-------------
Those who sacrifice Liberty for security deserve neither


Personfleck2
01/7/2017 at 7:11am
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Elddis accordo Motorhome View fleck2's Profile View Profile   Reply to fleck2 Reply   Quote fleck2 Quote  
Joined: 27/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1168
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
The biggest you would fit in the windscreen would be about 40w. But if it's in storage for a while I would take the battery off it and connect it to an Optimate 2 at home.
Our Elddis Motorhome came with a tracker 'Retrieve' that had it's own 5 Year battery.


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

PersonArmleywhite
01/7/2017 at 7:24am
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Elddis Crusader Mistral View Armleywhite's Profile View Profile   Reply to Armleywhite Reply   Quote Armleywhite Quote  
Joined: 16/6/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   67
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 1
Many thanks for that. I have no idea on Tracker, or similar vehicle tracking devices and just accepted that it is in fact fitted with such a device. Where would I find such a thing on my van? Sorry to sound so naive.

If it has such a battery that lasts a long time, is it not dependant on the alarm?

Bugger me, I thought I was a seasoned vanner.


-------------
Those who sacrifice Liberty for security deserve neither


PersonAVON EAGLE
01/7/2017 at 9:09am
 Location: Blackpool
 Outfit: Elddis Supreme View AVON EAGLE's Profile View Profile   Reply to AVON EAGLE Reply   Quote AVON EAGLE Quote  
Joined: 21/8/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   371
Site Reviews Total: 11
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
I think the amount of drain on the battery would be negligible. Providing your battery is fully charged when you first store your van it should easily last the winter season.
You can always pop back to the storage site every now and then and electrically connect up to your caravan - leave the car running for 5 - 10 minutes and it will give the battery a boost.

Re - "Where is it on the van" - They hide it so it can't be tampered with.

Just make sure everything is switched off in the van - including the master switch.

Another thing you could do is contact Tracker and ask them the question "How much drain is on the battery" ?

Post last edited on 01/07/2017 09:13:09


PersonArmleywhite
01/7/2017 at 8:27pm
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Elddis Crusader Mistral View Armleywhite's Profile View Profile   Reply to Armleywhite Reply   Quote Armleywhite Quote  
Joined: 16/6/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   67
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 1
Cheers peeps.   Appreciated. :)


-------------
Those who sacrifice Liberty for security deserve neither


Advertisement

Handiworld


PersonGrampian91
01/7/2017 at 10:55pm
 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
With the panel inside the window it will lose a lot of efficiency, even if it was in full sun.

The windows are tinted and will reflect light also.


Personchrisn7
01/7/2017 at 11:46pm
 Location: West Yorkshire
 Outfit: Bessacarr Cameo 625 2011 View chrisn7's Profile View Profile   Reply to chrisn7 Reply   Quote chrisn7 Quote  
Joined: 10/9/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   948
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
Both your alarm and tracker will have their own back up batteries, so that these systems can continue to function if the leisure battery is removed for charging, or indeed 12v battery power to the van is cut by a would be theft.

The back ups will provide power for a few months, but certain of these batteries are not intended to be allowed to become flat as subsequent re charging will not restore then to full health. i.e.they have a shorter life.

Best place for a solar panel is on the roof, and if it is fitted by an approved workshop, this will not invalidate your warranty,even if the roof has to be pierced for the cables. The panel itself is bonded only - no screws or bolts.

This means you don't have teh hassle of removing the leisure battery, lugging it home, charging then a reinstall. Plus if you need a mover to extricate from storage, the system is always ready to go.

Go for the roof - least hassle option.

Post last edited on 01/07/2017 23:50:27


PersonArmleywhite
02/7/2017 at 12:46am
 Location: Leeds
 Outfit: Elddis Crusader Mistral View Armleywhite's Profile View Profile   Reply to Armleywhite Reply   Quote Armleywhite Quote  
Joined: 16/6/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   67
Site Reviews Total: 13
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
Site Reviews 2019: 3  
Site Reviews 2018: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 8
Site Nights 2019: 16
Site Nights 2018: 1
Once again. Thanks for the invaluable info. Certainly something to take stock of.

-------------
Those who sacrifice Liberty for security deserve neither


PersonGrampian91
03/7/2017 at 1:03am
 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
Magnetic flexible panel on the roof with just the thin wire coming through the roof vent.

These are less efficient than a solid rigid panel but far more efficient than having it inside the van.



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...

6911 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