Keep charger on while in use

[vyodacoda]

Hi All
is it possible to keep a battery charging while in use in the caravan. Many people talk about leaving the charger connected but it is not clear if that is only while not in use.
I have a 113ah Lucas Leisure Battery in a 1995 Coachman Genius 390/2 to which I am fitting a motor mover so I am anticipating a heavy demand on the battery.
My in van caravan charger appears not to be working so I need to get a decent battery charger that I can use both at home and while we are using the caravan.
Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Parksy]

Hi Vyodacoda
Have you checked the fuses for your caravan battery carger or tried to find out why it doesn't seem to be working?
Is the leisure battery capable of holding the charge?
If you do have to replce the charger a C-TEK 'smart charger' or a cheaper alternative smart charger would charge your leisure battery both at home and when you are using your caravan.

http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/

 

[vyodacoda]

Hi Parksy
Many thanks for your prompt reply
I have checked the external fuses but cannot remove the entire unit to check internally as it seems to be cable bound making it immovable at the top
The manual reckons that it should power the 12 volt system while connected to the mains but it doesn't
The battery is brand new so I want to start off right
I have been looking at ctek, I even emailed them several days ago but so far no reply
Which model would you recommend
Many thanks again

 

[Parksy]

I use a Ctek multi xs 3600 to top up the charge on my spare 110 a/h leisure battery but a better bet might be the xs 7000 for use in your caravan.
http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/
There is information given for the range of CTEK chargers on their website

 

[Parksy]

....The manual reckons that it should power the 12 volt system while connected to the mains but it doesn't
The battery is brand new so I want to start off right.....

Just a thought but is the 12v system and the battery charger definitely switched on when you connect to ehu? On our Abbey for the 12v systems to work both the charger and the 12v have to be switched on. After ensuring that your leisure battery is charged try using the 12v systems without connecting your caravan to an ehu.

 

[vyodacoda]

Hi Parksy Many Thanks Again
I Believe they are but may be wrong
There is a charger switch that lights up when I turn it on. It aslo has a condition bank of led's which only ever reaches the first red one
There is then a 3 position switch for the 12 volt system which goes from left to right
Car , Off , Battery
Many thanks again for your help. It is most appreciated.
Have not done any of this for the last 30 years or so!