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Subject Topic: whats running what
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Personsherpa steve
15/5/2007 at 1:48pm
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Last year I had a bit of trouble with the engine battery running flat when I was on site and using the internal lights and radio etc in the van. I have a leisure battery but I have no idea what it is running and what the engine battery is running, apart from the fact that my engine battery runs the radio and this caused a fair few flats. I know the best thing to do would be go to a vehicle electrician but when I spoke to 1 he said I'd have to pay £45 just for him to look it over. Bearing in mind I am a poor student I cant afford this but after having some problems with the sherpa last summer I want everything running as smoothly as possible this year. Has anyone got any suggestions they would be much appreciated


Personsasquatch
15/5/2007 at 3:00pm
 Location: North West England
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Why not try a prof or student in your elec.Eng department.


PersonGeoffshumba
15/5/2007 at 3:01pm
 Location: Foothills of Lincolnshire Mountains
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If you have a leisure battery the lights should be running off that, but the van radio will be running off the engine battery. 

-------------
Best regards
Geoff
[email protected] http://goldenyearsirenfm.blogspot.com/


PersonMikey72
15/5/2007 at 3:58pm
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Easiest way to see what is running what, park up, turn the lights, radio, water pump. etc on, and disconnect the leisure battery, and see what goes off.

If you are worried it may spark, disconnect it first, then see what doesn't work.

Turn everything off before reconnecting.

If you want to check the leisure battery is charging you need to measure the voltage, this should be about 12v with then engine off, rising to about 14v when the engine is running.

 

 


Personcaulky
15/5/2007 at 4:31pm
 Location: Isle of wight
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Ideally, the leisure battery should run all of the 12V interior facilities when parked.
In other words, the vehicle battery should be isolated.
The leisure battery ought to be only connected to the vehicle battery when the engine is running (being charged).
If you have a 3-way fridge, use gas when parked, (or mains) dont use the 12V supply (which should only be used whilst travelling).
You need a split charge system.



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