Forgive me if this sounds really daft but we are still relatively new to caravanning and haven't quite sussed things out yet.
We have sited our van on a seasonal pitch so we can visit at the weekends but, unfortunately, we aren't allowed to keep our ehu cable plugged in while we aren't occupying the van.
So, if I charge up the on board battery over the weekend while we are there then flick the fridge over to battery operation just before we leave, will there be enough power to keep the fridge cool for a week?
------------- Never be a passenger in life (RIP Chris Mac)
Ah, I think I understand you Francophile1947. The battery will only operate the fridge when we are on the move in the car.
The thing that made me wonder if it would work was because the fridge light comes on if you flick it onto battery operation. Presumably it only takes a little bit of power to operate the light.
------------- Never be a passenger in life (RIP Chris Mac)
The answer is no, a normal setup runs 12v only when towing. If you cannot keep fridge running you need to bring your cold stuff from home every weekend. This is the best idea anyway because keeping your fridge running permanently all season would shorten life of element. A coolbox with freezer blocks in will keep your stuff cold between home & caravan.
If I can hijack the thread slightly, but with relevant question....
I've just had my first caravanning experience last weekend, the only puzzle was when I hitched up to drive off, the car displayed a 'low battery, start engine to charge' the car ran OK, showing 'charging battery' for five minutes. I wondered if it was referring to charging the leisure battery, to which I assume it's connected, as I would have taken some charge out when using the mover.
No purpose built caravan fridge runs off of a battery. The only connection to the caravan battery will be for any warning light, interior light or gas ignition.
The fridge will only operate on 12 volts when it is connected to the towing vehicle AND the engine is running at normal operating speed ( ie not just idling )
On site the fridge will only run off 230/240 volts mains or gas.
Red Mick: Similarly, I would not have thought your car would be indicating the charge available in the leisure battery. I don't know but would have thought that it is more than likely to be low voltage on the car's battery.
Red Mick: Similarly, I would not have thought your car would be indicating the charge available in the leisure battery. I don't know but would have thought that it is more than likely to be low voltage on the car's battery.
DaveS1
Yes, that was my thought too, Given my limited knowledge of caravanning and electrics aside, I found it odd that this should happen the first time I use the outfit. Never happened before or since.
Most modern cars will have an 'economy mode' for the electrics when engine not running but with electrical consumers in use, so:
You may have had the ignition on/engine off to check lights? even just the driver door or tailagate open/ajar for 5 minutes may trigger this economy mode, use of electric windows, wipers, interior lamps may be shutdown until the cars computer sees a suitable voltage (charging voltage 13.5 -14.5 volts apoprox)
It's to conserve battery power for start up (high current draw required to start an engine), it's totally normal, but it is good practice to only use/test electrics with engine running as it keeps all electics 'online'.
'Economy mode' may also be refferred to as 'limited strategy mode' and 'electrical consumer shutdown', amongst others,
Defininition = I am stopping you using the electrical accessories because otherwise the engine won't start, start me up now please.
If you see a red battery warning symbol or 'charging fault-visit workshop' or similar, there's an issue you need to sort before setting off - towing or otherwise.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Battery question
