Excuse please this extremely daft question, but, do all caravans have a switch somewhere that allows you to 'switch' between 'towing' and 'caravan' (or as i understand it, 240v and 12v) for things like lights etc.
We bought our first caravan about 3 weeks ago, a 2004 Avondale Argente 642/4 - and being a novice didn't think to even ask for things like a handbook.
In any case, it seems that even when i am plugged into EHU, either on site or at home - the lights and water pump still run off the leisure battery and will not run off 240v, in addition to this (probably as a result of it) the leisure battery will not charge when plugged into EHU.
It does charge when on tow, and if i connect a battery charger to it.
I've checked the systems, and buttons i can find - which included a 'Zig Charging unit' which is right next to the battery box and is (based on the switch position, 'ON') although there is no LED to confirm this? Also, there is a ZIG 12V fuse box, on top of which is a 12V master switch (again, this is in the on position). Final thing i can see is a 240V breaker box, ZIG MK 505, these are all in the on position, and the 240V sockets, the fridge and the water heater, and the Truma electric heater all work fine when plugged into EHU.
I have of course, tried the switches i have found in all the possible combinations i can think off, but....nothing makes a difference.....
I have checked all of the fuses in the 12V fuse box, and the fuse in the 240V breaker box, and also, the inline fuse which seems to sit between the battery and the ZIG charging unit - all are fine.
I read somewhere that caravans should also have a control panel that allows you to 'switch' between 240V and 12V....but, i can't find one - so, is this the case? Am i missing something? Have i bought a dodgy caravan?
Thanks for reading such a long post, any help AT ALL would be gratefully received. Thanks,
Personally I'd pop it down to your local dealer and get it serviced. They'll have somebody there who'll be able to explain to you how everything works plus the servioce will check to make sure everything is absolutely safe before you use it.
------------- Doing whatever the rice krispies tell me to.
Any switches control the 12v function only and select either car supply (for when towing) or leisure battery for 12v equipment when on site. Some vans don't have a dedicated switch, but the fridge will generally have some control on it.
Quote:
... the lights and water pump still run off the leisure battery and will not run off 240v ...
This is correct. Once on site and on EHU, the mains supply will power any mains operated equipment (fridge when mains input selected, water heater, again if selected etc), in addition to powering your Zig charger unit.
The water pump and your lighting will only run from the leisure battery and the charger unit is there to keep the battery charged when connected to EHU. The pump etc is reliant on the leisure battery; although some chargers provide a 12v output in addition to charging the battery, it would appear from the manual that your unit is a charger only and doesn't provide any other 12v output - see manual here.
If the battery isn't being charged from the Zig unit, then it's likely to have failed. You can get replacements or you might find that Apuljack Engineering might be able to repair/upgrade your existing unit.
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Topic: Do all caravans have.....
