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Topic: Car/Caravan switch

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mickyallsorts

16/3/2010 at 9:02pm
Location: Essex
Outfit: None at the moment

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I thought that I would be able to switch my 12v fridge on whilst connected to the car with the little 'car/caravan' switch in the 'car' position. It only works hooked up with the switch in the caravan position. Is this right?

If this is right and the switch is in the caravan position, would the leisure battery be charging still?

When the switch is in the car position then should'nt I be able to use the caravan lights, pump, etc taking power from the car battery?

Your advice would be appreciated.

Micky

swiftsure

16/3/2010 at 9:15pm
Location: watford
Outfit: vectra c1.9cdti estate abbey vogue 1

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12v operation of fridge is only working when car is connected and engine is running,switch on fridge must be switched on for 12v operation all others off.

van battery will only charge when again engine is running,you should be able to have lights on in van when either car is connected and switch is set to car or when switch is set to caravan.

pump will not operate on just car battery.

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navver

16/3/2010 at 10:07pm
Location: West country
Outfit: Mondeo

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Plugged in to car with engine running: Fridge on 12v will work & battery will charge.

Plugged into car with engine stopped: Lights work from car battery

Unplugged from car: Lights work from caravan battery

jennifernn

16/3/2010 at 10:57pm
Location: NW of Glasgow
Outfit: Sterling Searcher 2008 Volvo XC90

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Some fridges draw power from the van battery to power the LCD that shows the operation of the fridge, so you should normally have the car/van switch on "van".

The "car" position is really an emergency setting. Should you be unable to charge your van battery (e.g. not on EHU) and your van battery is flat, by setting the switch to "car" and plugging in the van 12S or 13 pin to the car, you can use from the car battery.

But be careful.....you don't want a flat car battery too!

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Jennifer

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