Have I got a battery/charging problem

[ScouseIan]

I've had my caravan for 2 years and so far have not had a power problem. I've just been away for a week and when I got my caravan out of storage the battery was flat. I obviously expect this as it is the first time its been used this year although it was serviced 2 weeks ago.

I drove 250 miles to my site and I was surprised to find that the battery was still flat. I discovered this because pump would not work. I had the mains electric plugged in, but still no power. Turned out that as part of the service the mains/test switch was down. I don't normally switch this. Anyway after switching 'on' I had full power. I assume the 240v system converts immediately to 12v.

Problem solved and I enjoyed a week away.

Packed up yesterday and drove home. When I got home and went into the van, the 12v power was showing 0 amps/volts (whatever) and obviously no lights in van working. The road lights were working so it was connected up on the way home.

How long should the battery last? I have never removed it from the van since the van was new 2 years ago.

Anybody got any ideas?

Regards

Ian

 

[Jaydug]

If your battery has been left all winter it's likely that it will have become dead flat and left in that condition for long, won't even take a charge. Which it should have done, having been towed 250 miles. The auto charging from the car should start as soon as the engine starts. Remove the battery and take it for a test. Batteries are better removed from the van overwinter and given an occasional charge.

 

[ScouseIan]

so its probably kaput then John?

 

[lohr500]

Most likely yes Ian.

There are some "smart" chargers on the market now that claim to be able to bring even completely discharged batteries back to life, but I have no experience of their ability to do this.

I seem to recall reading something about permanent internal plate damage occurring when a battery is left completely discharged but I cannot remember the details.

These chargers also have the benefit of being able to leave them attached for extended periods without overcharging.

You could invest in one and give it a try. Even if it doesn't work you could use it next winter at home if you remove the battery from the van before putting the van into storage.

 

[Jaydug]

I've got a smart charger and I can tell you - there has to be something in the battery before it will even start charging. Completely flat is a no-no.

 

[SirRogerFFS]

It would seem here the battery is at fault and the charger on your van has done the work for you.

Take the battery off and charge it from home, I always use a normal charger 11amp output last battery has done me 8 years without any problems.

A good point to remember here is that an alternator will not charge a battery from dead flat

Try this first without the exense of a new battery.

Hope this helps

Sir Roger

 

[robert_374565247]

be sure your battery is defunked before purchasing a new one. Take the advice and charge the battery out of the van. Get yourself a multimeter if you do not already have one and read the voltage on the battery after charging should be between 12,5 and 13 volts. If you had the van serviced the engineer would have most certainly checked the battery condition and told you of a problem. Your caravan road lights and battery charging are two different circuits that do not rely on each other so because your road lights are working does not mean your van battery is receiving a charge.

first step charge the battery out of the van

 

[charlie_374349329]

I had exactly the same problem and after checking the terminals, found that the negative lead was loose so no amount of charging would do any good. Tightened it up and Hey Presto !....all was well.

Good Luck...

 

[ScouseIan]

Thanks for all your thoughts. Really appreciated.

Off to spain golfing tomorrow (ash cloud permitting) so will check in a week or two.

Ian

 

[ScouseIan]

I told you I was a complete novice.

Turns out it was simply a fuse. I took it out and it was obvious it was gone. Replaced and battery has now charged up.

I wonder what made it go though. I suspect it happened when in getting serviced. Maybe they 'test' the battery and that was what caused it to blow.

Anyhow, all done now.

 

[TD42]

It's still advisable to buy a multi stage charger (ALDI/LIDL ones are good enough) & charge your van battery 4 times a year,this helps keep it in good condition.The caravan charger will only charge to aprox 80%