Caochman 12v BCA charger issue
So here we are again! the new BCA charger has been fitted under warranty and has lasted a whole 5 days before exhibiting the same signs of failure as the original unit in the caravan when new. 12V power drops in and out thus all the lights, and TV, heating etc fail on such a frequent basis that you have to isolate the charger / fridge circuits. I can't even to begin to describe how angry I am that the caravan has been back twice (96 mile round trip) for the same issue. Christmas eve is such a great time to discover that the power supply has failed again!!!!!
Sure enough, the fan keeps running on the charger and the system now has had enough and is cutting in and out. So, looks like we are packing up our awning etc and going home on Christmas day!!! this really looks like a design fault when the bunk that the charger is installed in contains the hot water boiler and some new trick pre-heater . Guessing that the bunk over heats and the consequences are not good for the charger. Never known such a fault in 30 years of caravanning. Losing faith in the ability of British caravan company designers to deliver robust solutions.
Perhaps it sounds emotive, but i consider 34K is a reasonable spend to ensure that our van is somewhere near reliable. Perhaps I am just naive.
Comments
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Hi Lornalou, battery is less than 18 months old. I know that does not guarantee anything, but it does seem to hold its charge. I am on site hook up. With no or very little 12V load on the battery or charging system today, its seems to be behaving. There must be a heavy mains demand on the site this morning with heating etc, so I am pretty sure that if the site mains was going to fluctuate, it would be now. Keeping our fingers crossed that we can limp through by keeping all 12v demand low.
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Surely with the problems that you are having on a regular basis then others with the same model of caravan as yours should be having the same problem. Have you looked on the Coachman FB page to see if others are/have been having the same problem? If not then it must a fault within your own van that's causing the problem.
Very sorry to hear of your troubles and hope that you survive over the holiday period.
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As said previously, the battery provides the 12v and assuming you are on hookup then if you have a decent battery then this should support the van for days regardless of any fluctuations in site voltage.
When you say the 12v fails what does it do, to drop out as you describe it needs to drop to about 8v, this would indicate a dead battery. If the battery was knackered then this could also possibly damage the charger. Check the battery terminals are on properly and feel for heat in the joints, the battery connection terminals are poor, first job I do on a new van is to change them.
The only high current demand issue on site usually only effects the fridge which for some some reason are very intolerant of mains fluctuation, but this a 240v issue.
Looks like a return to the dealer again, hope it holds up whilst you are away.
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Sorry I'm a bit late with this, but did you see my posts re: BCA units a while ago? Original failed after 3yrs and 3 months, despite the consumer protection act, Coachman and the dealer would not accept responsibility. Failed May 2018. Dealer said he would fit free of charge. Took me until Jan 2019 service to get a replacement sorted. Was charged £270. New unit failed early July 2019. Took it out (5 minutes work) took it back and demanded my money back. Received only £180 - the rest was for fitting it. Wait a minute, you said free of charge? No answer, no contact. I could have changed and tested the unit in less than 30 mins myself so why did it cost £180 per hour? Still no answer. Moral of this story is DO NOT go anywhere near Bicester Caravans unless you want to be lied to and fleeced.
I actually solved the problem myself by buying a different unit (for £85 + VAT) and fitting it on the exterior of the control box with a surround with plenty of air-flow around it. It is keeping my battery topped up as we speak. If anyone would like to know how it's done send an SAE to Bucks Wanderers, c/o New Inn Cottage, Gawcott, Buckingham, MK18 4HP
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The "charger" is designed to run the 12 volt system without the battery when using the EHU, it is regulated at 13.8 volts so no spikes in the voltage also smoothed so no mains hum on the TV and radio if they are used on 12volts and of course it will also charge the battery if its connected
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