Help caravaning virgin

nikdorset
nikdorset Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited August 2017 in Caravans #1

Hi all

just bought our first ever caravan - a 2000 Five berth Abbey Warwick but somehow the red leads disconnected from the battery and the battery died - what setting do I need to have the internal control set on to charge the battery ? The guide reads like war and peace - at the moment it's on van - not central or car is this correct as charging from the mains ?? Cheers all

Comments

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #2

    Sorry you have not had any responses yet to your question.  As I read your post the red lead (positive) on the battery terminal was disconnected and the battery was flat.  If I am correct, then basically all you need to do is ensure there is some distilled water in the battery if not a maintenance free one,  reconnect the lead to the battery; then connect the caravan's main lead to a 220v source.  The battery should charge without you having to touch any switches - just make sure that the trip switch is on (this will be a circuit breaker on a box - mine is under the front seat in the caravan).  You can check if the battery is charging by looking at the voltage indicator on the control panel - if you have one - or by using a multimeter on the battery terminals; in both cases you should get a reading in excess of 13v.  It may be that your battery needs replacing; like a car if it does not hold a charge then a new one is needed. 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #3

    My Abbey has a control panel above the door and that has to be ON before the battery charger will work. No need for any of the lights to be on except the battery one - but mine is a 2010 model so may not be the same.  

    Something a bit strange about this forum - your post hasn't been visible to me.  Good luck and you might be lucky and get your question answered more promptly next time - it normally takes a matter of hours not days!

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #4

    Sorry, I don't have an Abbey.  Try Pippah's suggestion re 'on' switch then follow rest of  mine.  Yes, this forum is odd, only picked this discussion up by accident the other day.

  • Si Jo Tom and Ems
    Si Jo Tom and Ems Forum Participant Posts: 58
    edited August 2017 #5

    How you get on?

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #6

    I should think they got tired of waiting for a reply and will never be seen again which is a pity as there is so much help to be found on here..