Plug in or out

harryb
harryb Forum Participant Posts: 1,536
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edited July 2018 in Caravans #1

I new caravanner asked me a question I couldn't answer so Ì'm looking for that answer.

If hooked up to ehu overnight is it ok to remain plugged into the car. Will this cause a problem with the cars 12v system.

Comments

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #2

    Not in theory, but I would still unplug anyway.  

    I really don't understand why people like to stay hitched up even on a 1 night stop, you cannot level the van properly.  Unhitching and hitching up again is not exactly strenuous.

     Just to turn and withdraw the 13 pin plug is even less onerous, so why take a risk?!

  • Cornersteady
    Cornersteady Club Member Posts: 14,431 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #3

    yes, the un-levelling would put me off anyway.

    On my van I can select either van battery or car battery. I assume you could leave it in as it only takes power from the car when the ignition is turned on, I think?

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited July 2018 #4

    On the odd occasion that I did so, I found no problem levelling the van whilst still hooked on.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited July 2018 #5

    you would still have the power going to the ATC on the van and I don't know how much this system would draw out of your car battery.

  • Navigateur
    Navigateur Club Member Posts: 3,880 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #6

    Is the ATC, if one has it, not controlled through the tow vehicle ignition, which one would expect to be "off".

    There was a time when one powered one's caravan by plugging in, not to an EHU with 240 (ish) volts A.C., but to an extension lead that connected to the tow vehicle electrical socket and gave 12 volds D.C. - and if one was not careful, a flat battery in the morning.

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
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    edited July 2018 #7

    Not controlled through the ignition on my outfit.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited July 2018 #8

    that's what the permanent live is for at the vehicle socket. I never plug the van electrics in with the ignition on or engine running and the ATC activates straight away. then I start the car for the charging and fridge to work.

  • KjellNN
    KjellNN Club Member Posts: 8,671 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2018 #9

    The car battery position will allow you to use from the car battery for emergencies, only when ignotion is off.

    These 2 switches are often a source of great confusion for new caravanners, with many thinking they need to select car battery when towing.   Fortunately,  most newer vans will now select van battery automatically.

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
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    edited July 2018 #10

    Personally I always unplug. I also never plug in or unplug from car with engine running.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited July 2018 #11

    Not that I always do it, but I tend to plug in with the engine running as the engine was already running when I reversed up to my caravan ...

  • Sandgroper
    Sandgroper Forum Participant Posts: 210
    edited July 2018 #12

    Like many I disconnect the van when on the ferry. The ATC activates when you connect anyway and must drain the battery to a degree. There is also the possibility that the ignition relay could stick and drain the battery. 

    For the sake of a five second twist of the plug its not worth the chance!

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited July 2018 #13

    I always unplug the electrics - and if you are overnighting without hook up the gas fridge won't light if the car and caravan are joined. 

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