Avondale Argente 642 MCB3

[Ian_5040577]

Hi,

I bought our Argente new in March 2005, had no major problems until now. Just got back from a wet week in North Wales and the problem is with MCB3 in the main distribution board, this is a 6 amp trip and supplies the water heater 850W, fridge 135W and the battery charger wattage will vary upon load. What is happening is, on an evening when getting ready to go out I take a shower in the van so this means the water heater is drawing current and with the nights getting darker I have lights on in the van, so the water heater and fidge are drawing approx 4 amps this leaves 2 amps for the battery charger and this is causing MCB3 to trip. My battery is brand new and indicating fully charged but with the van lights on I think the charger is taking more than 2 amps. I could go through the hassle of lifting the seats and switching the charger off every night and run the lights straight from the battery and switch it back on the following morning but I shouldnt have to do that.

Anyone got similar or having the same problem.

Ian.

 

[Mark_5040952]

Hi Ian,

This is a known fault. Take your van back to your dealer and they will replace the whole panel under warranty.

I have had the same problem in my Osprey.

The panel has a design fault but Avondale do not know which vans the bad units are installed in until they are reported.

Hope this helps,

Cheers

Mark

 

[Mark_5040952]

Just looked back in the archives and found my original posting,

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/newforums/fm_messages.asp?FO=1&FM=73967

 

[Ian_5040577]

Avondale are aware of this problem and are posting a new unit for me to exchange.

Ian