Battery Charger

Milothedog
Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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edited December 2017 in Caravans #1

I have had to move my caravan to under cover storage at the request of the site owner so my SP option is no good anymore. I didn't have time to investigate today when I went over to move it but I have left it on EHU  for now.

My question is, will the charger still keep the battery topped up with the master switch off ? I have left it on for now as I need to go there again next week and clean the roof but I would prefer to leave the master off.

Or is it a case of taking a multimeter with me next week and checking how its wired up? 

The Caravan is a 2013 Elddis Avante 540.

 

Thanks in advance for any info.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #2

    There is normally a basic wiring diagram in the handbook, Milo, which should show if the charger is wired before or after the master switch.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited December 2017 #3

    Its a very poor diagram unfortunately, and gives no insight other than  suggest if it does, its a part of the internal circuitry of the unit itself. Its no hassle to see what is happening with a meter next week but thought someone might know.

    Thank for the reply smile

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,149 ✭✭✭
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    edited December 2017 #4

    No problem, Milo. 👍🏻

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited December 2017 #5

    If you have a multimeter you can measure the voltage at the battery terminals. A free standing battery voltage is 12.7 volts fully charged. With charger connected it would be around 13.7 volts. This assumes that you have a regular Caravan charger not a smart charger like Sargent. I believe that the Elddis does not have a smart charger but if it did then the voltage would vary up to 14.4 volts depending on battery condition. If the battery is on charge and you disconnect it then the voltage will fall straight away but may take several hours to drop to 12.7.

    It is not good to leave permanently on EHU unless you have a decent smart charger but this may be the best compromise because otherwise you will have to check battery status once a month. Also, a “dumb” charger on a Caravan is not good for recharging your battery and it is better to disconnect the battery and use a proper charger like a CTek.

    Sorry if this sounds complicated but it is!

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited December 2017 #6

    Thanks for taking the time to reply, Yes I have a decent meter (Fluke) and understand batteries and chargers & charging smile.

    I agree with you about leaving it on charge all the time as well. Which I don't want to do. I only posted on the off chance that someone may have been able give me a definitive answer re the way the master switch is wired and if it isolates the charger function. Like I said when I return to it next week to clean the roof now its stored under cover, I'll test it. I have also spoken to the owners of the storage site and they have agreed to plug it in for a couple days once a month or so if I leave the EHU lead connected to the van and call them.

    FWIW, my 6 Watt SP battery maintainer was doing a grand job, but is no good now inside the prefabricated concrete barn frown

    Thanks again cool

  • edmundl
    edmundl Forum Participant Posts: 37
    edited December 2017 #7

    Hi on the subject of batteries and chargers when I opened up my van the other day there was a strong smell of rotten eggs the battery had been connected up to mains for about three days. Obviously the smell was from the battery normally because it’s overcharging the battery has not been in top condition for a while and runs down fairly quickly if not connected to the mains. Has anyone any thoughts on whether the battery or charger is at fault. Ps the charger is a Sargent smart charger and only just over three years old

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited December 2017 #8

    If it was me I’d blame the battery and replace it. Whilst it could be the Sargent unit it is far less likely.

  • Phishing
    Phishing Forum Participant Posts: 597
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    edited December 2017 #9

    Smell is hydrogen sulphide, usually indicated that the battery is not in good health. Smart charger should never suphate a healthy battery.

    Either way the the battery needs changing.

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
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    edited December 2017 #10

    Just to update the post.  Spent the day cleaning the caravan roof, my it was chilly smile

    So took the Multi-meter with me and proved that you don't need the master switch on, Battery is still charged with just the EHU lead connected. I'm still not happy about leaving it connected all the time so put the lead away for now. I'll go back in January and connect it for a couple days. 

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