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Subject Topic: Battery problem
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PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 8:42pm
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Hi there, just bought a 2004 tec travel king 53, the battery wouldn't even power up the lights even on mains electric, so bought a new battery all sorted until 2 days later the battery is flat nothing else is switched on as not in use yet, any ideas please


Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 9:04pm
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If the battery has gone flat after 2 days it points to one problem and that the battery isn't being charged by the onboard charger. Either you haven't got it switched on or the charger is defective. If it's the latter then you need a voltmeter and check to see if there is any power coming to the two battery contacts without the battery connected up. You should receive a reading of about 14 volts so if it's anything less then that it's evidence that the onboard charger needs replacing.


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PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 9:15pm
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Thanks for the reply, the onboard charger seemed little temperamental, and when properly checked it today it showed up 0.2v as to couple days ago was 12.4v, do u know if there is a switch board on those vans to switch from battery to mains


Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 9:24pm
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When you are connected up to a 240 volt mains electric supply the switch should be switched to battery anyway. If there is no power to the charger then the first pace to look is the MCB's to see if one of those has tripped. The protection for the mains circuit is via the MCB's (Miniature Circuit Breakers) and the fuses are are for the 12 volt circuit.


PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 9:29pm
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The trip switches all on ok, what I'm also bit puzzled with is how the main lights won't come on without battery, I know sounds bit stupid but last caravan I had was a lot older so this all like a new start


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Persontrog100
04/4/2021 at 9:58pm
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the mains charger isnt just a charger it should feed the 12 volt system all on its own when the van is plugged in..

my van has separate switch to charger the battery..

for about 12 quid on ebay you can buy a battery meter.. it connects to the battery and mounts somewhere you can see it.. depending which way you connect the two small wires it will tell you whats going into the battery or whats going out of the battery..

trog


Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 10:06pm
 Location: Lichfield
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A caravan should have a battery in circuit anyway to stabilise the current from the charger because if there is no battery in circuit then the current can fluctuate which in turn could damage the onboard charger.
When you say main lights are you referring to the 12 volt ceiling lights or the mains electric wall lights?


PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 10:07pm
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Right ok and the electric sockets work fine on mains but the ceiling lights don't without battery


Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 10:21pm
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Yes, the ceiling lights are 12 volt so you need a source of power which is a battery. There are other appliances that work on 12 volt too which is the submersible water pump, the toilet flush unless it's a manual flush, exterior awning light and also if you need operate the fridge on gas then a leisure battery is quite often the source of the ignition to light the flame.


PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 10:23pm
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Brilliant thanks for this information as wasnt sure just hope can get charge on battery fixed


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Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 10:47pm
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If you are doubtful about the charger functioning effectively then obtain a voltmeter and follow the steps as mentioned in my previous post. It's no good guessing as to what's wrong as that way it can cost time and money replacing things unnecessary (like the battery) when a simple check with a multimeter for under a tenner can detect and trace the underlying fault.


PersonCraig85
via mobile 04/4/2021 at 10:49pm
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Cheers a m8 of mine is coming ova in week with 1 and testing along with other probs on van like toilet flush and fire ignighter


Persontango55
04/4/2021 at 10:53pm
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PersonBridgelayer
06/4/2021 at 5:19pm
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The charger doesn't work on our van either, so our solution was a small 2amp charger from E Bay at appx £13.00, and plug into mains socket when hooked up.
The charger is very small and fits quite easily into the battery box.

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some days you are the tree.

Goodbye tension, hello Pension!


       


Persontrog100
06/4/2021 at 9:31pm
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my van charger actually works but its output isnt that high so i bought a 20 amp mains charger off ebay..

the idea being i could quickly charge the vans batteries if need be..

i wired in a separate socket to avoid the usual crocodile clips on the battery terminals..   

trog


Personbilly
07/4/2021 at 8:00am
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Does this van actually have a transformer/charger or is it only a transformer ? Many German vans made in that era or before did not have batteries as standard & had only a transformer fitted to step down mains to 12v but no battery charger. It is possible your battery has been fitted afterwards & can be charged from car while driving & not from the original transformer while plugged into ehu.

The proper solution to this is to remove original transformer & fit a new caravan transformer/charger cost around £100. Modern transformer/chargers can be used with or without a battery fitted & are 3 stage so can be left plugged into mains indefinitely with battery connected. Link here

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