Adding extra 240v in

[noggin16460]

Due to collect our new Van 17/4 problem is the 240 v in is on the side of the van that is against a wall, now, can't use motor mover whist mains plug is connected , because the motor mover main switch is in way now ?

A) can fit another 240v mains in socket/plug on the opposite side of van under bed box for when at home,

Or

B) Can I refit the motor mover main switch so I can access it from under bed box

Thanks

 

[Mr Plodd]

I fitted an additional EHU input because I didn't like the original being close to the hab door (potential trip hazard)
I fitted a rotary changeover switch to select which side was in use as I certainly didn't want the not in use one being live. Looking back that was an unnecessary complication.

 

[Jcloughie]

Due to collect our new Van 17/4 problem is the 240 v in is on the side of the van that is against a wall, now, can't use motor mover whist mains plug is connected , because the motor mover main switch is in way now ?

A) can fit another 240v mains in socket/plug on the opposite side of van under bed box for when at home,

Or

B) Can I refit the motor mover main switch so I can access it from under bed box

Thanks

Either would work. Whichever is easier and/or cheaper.

John

 

[Beardy]

can't use motor mover whist mains plug is connected , because the motor mover main switch is in way now ?

I think that is done by design to prevent you from using the mover when EHU is plugged in.

Either of your suggested options would work.

Option A, another mains socket. The issue here may be physically running the cable. I wouldn't want it under the caravan without some form of mechanical protection - it could easily be damaged by being hit by a stone or grounding out. If the cable could be run inside the caravan it's the option I'd go for.

Option B. It would probably be easier to fit a second motor mover switch and wire them in parallel. (It would remove the need to reseal the battery compartment after removing the switch).

In both cases you would need to be careful not to use the motormover with the EHU connected. The obvious issue doing this would be stretching the EHU cable, but I suspect that it could also overload your 12v power supply

Edit. Thinking about option A in relation to Mr Plods post, the 240v bit fixed to the caravan is the plug (the pins are exposed). Fitting a second on the other side of the caravan without some means of switching between them would mean that 240v conductors (the live and neutral pins) would be exposed on the one that didn't have the EHU connected to it. Not an ideal situation and almost certainly breaches regulations somewhere.

 

[borderbilly]

or knock the wall down

 

[trevormonty]

I use 12V 100A relay to supply MM. Have switch on control panel to activate relay when need MM turned ON. Relay is inline with MM master switch which is left ON almost permanently.

Did this way as master switch was inside and meant stepping into unhitched caravan. Relay switch was reachable from doorway.

 

[Jcloughie]

I use 12V 100A relay to supply MM. Have switch on control panel to activate relay when need MM turned ON. Relay is inline with MM master switch which is left ON almost permanently.

Did this way as master switch was inside and meant stepping into unhitched caravan. Relay switch was reachable from doorway.

I did the same, but used a waterproof motorbike key switch on the ‘A’ frame to activate. The key was on with my car keys which prevented me from driving off and leaving the mover switched on.

John

 

[ProfJohnL]

Edit. Thinking about option A in relation to Mr Plods post, the 240v bit fixed to the caravan is the plug (the pins are exposed). Fitting a second on the other side of the caravan without some means of switching between them would mean that 240v conductors (the live and neutral pins) would be exposed on the one that didn't have the EHU connected to it. Not an ideal situation and almost certainly breaches regulations somewhere.

Absolutely correct! It was a wise move to have a change over switch.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Due to collect our new Van 17/4 problem is the 240 v in is on the side of the van that is against a wall, now, can't use motor mover whist mains plug is connected , because the motor mover main switch is in way now ?

A) can fit another 240v mains in socket/plug on the opposite side of van under bed box for when at home,

Or

B) Can I refit the motor mover main switch so I can access it from under bed box

Thanks

I'm having difficulty in envisioning the problem you have with the interference of the motor mover mains switch and access to the EHU connection point. A picture of the area of the caravan would help to clarify the situation.

But to answer your specific questions, A second EHU input is possible but as MrPlod commented the two connectors must be isolated so both cannot be electrically connected at the same time to prevent the pins in the unused side being live and touchable. Have you considered having the caravan EHU socket moved to either front by the A frame or to the rear either of which should ensure its accessible.

It is also possible to move the 12Vdc isolator switch for the MM, but the advice is to keep the 12V wiring as short as is reasonably possible to minimise power losses. As others have suggested the use of a remotely controlled relay (100A min) also works, either controlled by a simple switch that can be placed conveniently or (and I think this a is a great suggestion) use key switch and keep the key on the cars key fob.

 

[Beardy]

I'm having difficulty in envisioning the problem you have with the interference of the motor mover mains switch and access to the EHU connection point. A picture of the area of the caravan would help to clarify the situation.

Mine (and I'm guessing the OPs) is very similar to the photo. I can't have the EHU plugged in and the mover key inserted at the same time as they physically interfere with each other.

 

[Dustydog]

Due to collect our new Van 17/4

Brand new?
I wouldn’t carry out any modifications without getting the Dealer and manufacturers agreement first.
If something went wrong with anything electrical any future warranty claims may be rejected if they hadn’t agreed first.

 

[ProfJohnL]

If we can assume Beardy's picture in #10 is the same, then I can see the problem.

The least invasive solution is to move the mover switch so it can be accessed from inside the caravan. You will lose the "safety" arrangement of of not being able to use the EHU when you want to use the mover, but that is a secondary consideration, and not really a problem.

As you must have a battery installed when you use the mover, if did attempt to use the mover when the EHU and the caravan internal battery charger was working, the current needs of the mover would be carried by the battery, and it should not damage the charger. The biggest concern is the EHU cable snagging and being pulled.

 

[noggin16460]

Mine (and I'm guessing the OPs) is very similar to the photo. I can't have the EHU plugged in and the mover key inserted at the same time as they physically interfere with each other.
View attachment 8666

That is just like mine except the MM switch is on the left rather under the mains in, I think I shall move the mm switch to inside the bed box I an insulated box. Thanks for all the help and advice