Campervan "newbie" angst....advice please?

JGA20
JGA20 Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited August 2020 in Motorhomes #1

Hello everyone, 

Just taken the plunge and bought our first campervan - a very long held wish - at the age of 64/65. Thought we should do so before age and infirmities got the better of us. We've bought a 1995 VW Trophy Autosleeper in really lovely condition, only 50K miles on it and history too. We love it to bits! Just had a full habitation- and mechanical check ( well worth it for peace of mind) and we can't wait for our first trip away for a night or two. First problem we've encountered is a flat vehicle battery after running the 12v supply for the pump to clean and purge the domestic water system, which we've done. However....now the water pump runs continuously with no water coming out of the taps and it won't switch off unless we turn it off on the switch. Stuck non-return valve on the pump maybe? I tried purging it of air in the pipes to the taps, as per the manual. No joy.  Guess we really should have plugged it into the 240v supply at home to keep the leisure battery topped up? Any tips please on managing the 12v and 240v power supplies to the camper - where, what and when? We have an elderly handbook but some practical experiences and advice would be most welcome to avoid a repeat.  I feel we have so much to learn yet and it's quite scary....thank you!   

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited August 2020 #2

    Hi, JGA.

    Sounds like you'll need to charge your batteries one way or another - either by plugging in at home or by using a charger.

    I'm not familiar with the control system on your Trophy but have you considered joining the AutoSleeper Owners Forum? There are some very knowledgeable people on there.

    https://www.autosleeper-ownersforum.com

    Enjoy your travels.

     

  • Rayrowe35
    Rayrowe35 Forum Participant Posts: 112
    edited August 2020 #3

    There are two main systems of control for water pumps on caravans. One uses a microswitch on each tap and can easily be identified by a control wire going into each tap. The other system is a pressure system in which when the tap is turned off the pressure rises until the pressure reaches a set level, at which point the pump switches off. If you have the first system a microswitch has probably stuck. It is more likely with your van that you have the second system. In this case a pressure valve is built into the back of the plug where the pump plugs in. You can access this in a bed locker or cabinet. On the rear you will find a screw adjuster. This increases the pressure by turning clockwise and decreases it anti-clockwise. Turn anti-clockwise slowly and the pump should turn off. Sometimes as a modification  a separate pressure valve is located close to the pump. One other comment: this system is influenced by the charge of the battery. This is much simpler than it sounds. Good luck as a caravanier. 
    Regards,

    Ray

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