When we went away to Southport we went non ehu and the electrics went really quickly (running lights, pumps and charging mobile phones pumps) our 110amp battery only lasted 3 days (have been away with a smaller battery that lasted for 5 days) battery was new last year and charges fine.
We ended up borrowing a genny and with in seconds there was smoke coming out of the charger unit thingy .
Phoned the dealer and they said we shouldn't have used a genny (says i can in the manual so how am i to know that you can't ?) we tested the genny and it was putting the same output as another genny on site (genny was a clarke 700w) and it then went on to charge another van with no issues at all
The van left the swift factory in april 2009 which is bang on when the faulty nordtronica chargery thingys were fitted to vans so we are hoping that this is the cause of the problem as to be honest we cant afford to have the electrics fixed if it isn't
can anyone think of any other reasons that this may have happened ?
These cheaper generators are notorious for fluctuation in the voltage hence the problem with your charger .
I have a pure sine wave generator which is a Honda Eu 2.0 and is safe to use with my caravan but these have a far more stable voltage and are ok for laptops and other electric appliances which require a constant level voltage
I believe it's all to do with the sine wave, and you can only use a more expensive pure sine wave generator.
Using a cheap generator will fry the electronics.
Nothing to do with voltage or RCD.
I don't believe a cheap generator can be used with a new caravan.
Jim
I agree with Jim. Cheap generators generate spikes that can kill switched mode PSU's. Some chargers are more susceptible then others. Mind, if the manual states you can use a genny, I would argue your case with the dealer. Good luck.
Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 25/5/2011
Quote: Originally posted by kevtore999 on 25/5/2011
A 700 watt genny should not have caused your charger to smoke at all! And the charger shold be fitted with a fuse to prevent over charging.
How long have you owned the Caravan?
Did you buy new or second hand?
If you answer the top two questions i can advise you legally!!
we had it from new and we bought it last feb
If its under three years old and under warranty! And nothing is mentioned about which type genny to use i'd say its down to your dealer to sort the problem out....
The reason as to why the generator worked satisfactory on the other caravan and not yours is probably down to the caravan charger itself as some manufacturers install cheaper versions to reduce costs that are susceptible to spikes which is a power feed fluctuation which has already been mentioned by neil and lena. I have a Honda EX650 generator and although it is a reputable make it advises in the handbook to charge the 12 volt battery direct from the generator itself due to this reason that it is not capable of producing a constant pure sine wave as the latest Honda Eu 2.0 does which was also mentioned. Many generators are advised not to be linked up to the caravan 240 volt mains input due to this very reason which is also detailed in the 'Caravanning Handbook' by John Wickersham. Hope you manage to get it sorted anyway.
There may have a been a problem with the charger or the battery and as you have had the van for less than six months then you are entitled to have the problem remedied at the dealers cost under s48B of the Sale of Goods Act ( as amended by the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002) However, that only applies if the dealer cannot show that you have caused the problem. Problem that we have here is that a generator has been used, rather than returning the van straight back to the dealer.
The dealer can ask some difficult questions and if you cannot provide the right answers then you may have to pay to have the problem rectified. I will give you some examples so that you can consider potential responses, if these kind of questions are asked.
Caravans run off 230V 50Hz with live, neutral and earth. Before using the generator did you check that it did not differ from these requirements in any way ?
Did you check that the generator was correctly earthed?
Did you check, before using the generator, that it was compatible with the requirements of the caravan battery charger unit?
Did you read the generator manufacturers instructions before use?
Was the caravan’s mains isolator in the “off” position before starting the generator?
Did you ensure that the connection of the generator to the caravan’s installation would not invalidate the caravan’s electrical Test Certificate?
Did you check with the manufacturers that the caravan distribution panel is compatible with that particular generator output. ?
Did the generator have any modifications?
Now, the dealer may just put the matter right without asking any questions and we hope so. However the dealer is entitled to check things out first to see if the owner may be at fault.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Quote: Originally posted by bobsbabes on 25/5/2011
When we went away to Southport we went non ehu and the electrics went really quickly (running lights, pumps and charging mobile phones pumps) our 110amp battery only lasted 3 days (have been away with a smaller battery that lasted for 5 days) battery was new last year and charges fine. We ended up borrowing a genny and with in seconds there was smoke coming out of the charger unit thingy . Phoned the dealer and they said we shouldn't have used a genny (says i can in the manual so how am i to know that you can't ?) we tested the genny and it was putting the same output as another genny on site (genny was a clarke 700w) and it then went on to charge another van with no issues at all The van left the swift factory in april 2009 which is bang on when the faulty nordtronica chargery thingys were fitted to vans so we are hoping that this is the cause of the problem as to be honest we cant afford to have the electrics fixed if it isn't can anyone think of any other reasons that this may have happened ?
My van is a europa 2008 model and we have just had a similar problem although nothing to do with generators.
when we went away at easter set up and plugged in as usual and everything was ok for approx 3and a half days then fridge went off and battery powered things started dying, when I checked charge it read 7 volts when normally it is 13.8 but all mains things were working fine.
rang dealer whilst away and was told to put a charger on battery off mains until we went home which did work.
when we got home rang Frys caravans and sort of assumed charger was kapput but they rang swift who agreed to replace it for free, The warranty had run out 2 weeks before so i was very pleased with this apparently this unit costs £500.00 plus fitting and they have rushed it for me so i can have van back for friday.
I did not know there was a problem with the chargers but after what you experienced it seems there is and maybe its a good thing that mine went when it did.
Hi, my charger did same 5years ago,when i had trouble with my lights,only had van for 4weeks,charger replaced free of charge. hope you get your sorted.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
rang Frys caravans and sort of assumed charger was kapput but they rang swift who agreed to replace it for free
That's Frys for you...just sort it
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
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: Caravan back in to dealer tomorrow
