Double Electrics

[lolly_5087162]

At the moment we only have single electrics on the Disco - is it worth us having twin electrics fitted? I understand it's used for running the fridge whilst driving, is this the only use?

We have seen a DIY kit in Halfords for around £20.00, would anyone please be able to advise whether we can do it ourselves, or would we be better having it done at a garage?

Many thanks

Lolly x

 

[RogerL]

A properly wired 12S socket (on car and caravan) will run the fridge, charge the caravan battery and operate the caravan reversing lights while towing and will operate the caravan 12v circuits while parked (and on-site through a 12S extension).

If you have a good diy knowledge of car and caravan 12v electrics then it's not difficult but the wording of your post suggests that you'd be better getting the work done by a towbar fitter.

Garages are pretty useless at caravan electrics requirements.

 

[mcghee]

There is nothing particularly difficult about wiring a 12s circuit if, as Roger says you are reasonably competent and can read a wiring diagram. The most awkward part is getting your power cable from fuseblock or battery to the socket on the towbar. As always, if there any doubts in your mind you're better to leave it to someone who knows what they're doing.

 

[GStockton]

Lolly, Where abouts in the country are you? if you were anywhere near me Nottingham I would do it for you.

The cable run from the fusebox or battery is easy on a Discovery you just run the cable size 6-10mm inside the right hand side chassis member.Do not use the perminant feed inside the rear panel of the disco it is not large enough for the current draw of the fridge. Glenn

 

[cris_408518]

You need the extra set-up if you want optimum efficiency from the rig. ie, battery kept, charged and fridge and food cooled whilst travelling.

It easy to wire, it just needs a little careful thought and care.

 

[lolly_5087162]

Lolly, Where abouts in the country are you? if you were anywhere near me Nottingham I would do it for you.

The cable run from the fusebox or battery is easy on a Discovery you just run the cable size 6-10mm inside the right hand side chassis member.Do not use the perminant feed inside the rear panel of the disco it is not large enough for the current draw of the fridge. Glenn

We live at RAF Cottesmore, 30 miles and 1 hour from Notts - e-mail mod for my address and we can chat?

Lolly x

 

[GStockton]

Lolly E mail me if you like

glenn@123thedowns.fsnet.co.uk

 

[Catcher]

We have just changed our car and the new one only has single electrics. When we thought about it, we don't need twin electrics. We always go where there's electric hook-up so don't need to charge the battery (I wonder about the efficiency of charging the battery on the move anyway). With the fridge we'll make sure it's chilled to start with then use freezer packs while travelling. We don't have rev lights on the van. I've fastened the second electric cable to the chassis out of the way and I'm sure we won't miss it. It does, of course, depend on how you use your van.

 

[RogerL]

We have just changed our car and the new one only has single electrics. When we thought about it, we don't need twin electrics. We always go where there's electric hook-up so don't need to charge the battery (I wonder about the efficiency of charging the battery on the move anyway). With the fridge we'll make sure it's chilled to start with then use freezer packs while travelling. We don't have rev lights on the van. I've fastened the second electric cable to the chassis out of the way and I'm sure we won't miss it. It does, of course, depend on how you use your van.

If you "always" use sites with hook-ups you don't even need a battery on a modern caravan, the power supply will provide all your needs.