Hi
I've recently purchased a 1997 conway challenger, when we bought it there wasn't a leisure battery on board, so I've put one in.
The problem is we have no power at the socket. There's a pic in my profile of the current "as wired" setup. I believe the way I've got it allows the battery to charge whilst coupled to the car, but isn't utilising the battery power when disconnected.
Any advice gratefully received as I'm a newbie with regards to this kind of stuff.
Many thanks
Is there a changeover switch just inside the door? It may not be switching over from vehicle supply to camper supply.
Where is that little red and black going to, through that little hole? There is no negative return to the battery point from what I can see.
Thanks for the replies, were off camping this weekend so I'll have another look at things.
Mod-con, I don't think there is a crossover switch, whilst trying to figure things out the other night I did read on the net some models have a car / van switch, but I couldn't see one. As for the wires through the hole, not too sure, I thought maybe it was the 12v socket by the sink? The black cable through the floor I think is from the water pump switch.
I sent the pic to my local tow bar centre,they say it's wired correctly to charge when on the move, but only get power into the tent when connected to the car, which defeats the point of a leisure battery for me.
Cheers
If the blackwire is returned to the battery negative, that 12v socket should work. If all the 12v sockets are working off the car system, then there must be a break in 12v positive or negative cabling from the leisure battery somewhere. Having not seen a full wiring diagram of the camper, it is either another hidden fuse, a relay, or a broken wire. If you could get the loan of a test meter and set it at D.C voltage, you could run around each 12v socket and check the red wire to them all, and then run the other black lead from the test meter back to the leisure battery negative terminal. You may have to extend this lead with a piece of wire to make it if it is too short to reach back to the battery. If you are getting a reading on the reds around 12v, then the break is in the black negative wire somewhere in the circuit.
If you don't get a reading on any of the 12v reds via the meter back to the black negative terminal, then you can be sure the break is on the red side of the positive wiring. This may be hard to understand, but basically the 12 volts runs like a ittle train to each 12v outlet through a fuse and back to the battery. A qualified electrician would be best to look at this. Do NOT attempt any work on the 240v system it you have one. NO! NO! NO!
If you DO have 240v, disconnect it COMPLETELY from the mains before attempting to work around any wiring. My first recommendation is to get a good electrician.
There has got to be a fuse from the leisure battery to the camper, because any short in the 12v side would short and really overheat the battery and wiring. In fact without a fuse, a fault could cause a fire. I can see a little inline fuse on the red cable. Is that working ok? The car charging circuit would trust in a fuse fitted from inside the car, so that's why it probably works fine from it.
Hi Lindylou 2, another a new question at the end of an old old thread. Hopefully someone can advise on this one.
Meanwhile, there is a Conway Challenger owners club - https://www.conwayowners.org.uk/challenger.htm .
It might be worth tapping into them as well as UKCS. They may have social events or rallies too & it’s always good to meet up with other people who have the same unit, to compare notes.
I hope you get sorted soon!
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Thanks for your replies battery sorted, didnt get a awning so went for a day tent which had a flap which opened at the back, i spent a day fixing eyelets in it and then grip things which slotted through then attach to camper going away on the 28th april so will post a pic if it works lol
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: conway challenger electrics
via mobile 17/3/2022 at 12:04pm
