Leave connected or not?

[Sedo]

Hi, some friends who have changed their motor home for a TD4 and a Unicorn Almeria, have asked if they should unplug their caravan from their car on the over night trip by ferry to Holland.
What they're worried about is the possibilty of the car battery getting drained.
On reflex I said it should be fine, but on thinking about it with an energised ATC system I now aren't fully sure.
When I used to wire my own cars up with split relays etc. it was easy but things have moved on.
So any advice from members would be most welcome and gratefully accepted.

Best regards
Sedo

 

[emmerson]

As I run an old outfit without modern technology, this is something I've never thought about, but also I've not heard of anyone disconnecting for the ferry. I don't think it will be necessary, but why not try leaving it connected overnight at home to find out?
I'm envious of your friend going to Holland; we've just had to cut short our tour over there. It's a lovely caravanning country.
(except for Amsterdam, which was filthy dirty!)

 

[X5Neil]

As I am led to believe I think the van only draws current when the engine/ignition is on as that's how the 13 pin connector is configured.
But I might be wrong as I'm new to this.
Neil.

 

[xtrailman]

If the sea is rough the ATC could possibly activate?
Drawing upto 15amps.

http://www.al-ko.co.uk/pages/atc-electrics.html

Note the ATC is supplied from the permanent supply.

 

[Dustydog]

That got me thinking too .

The 12S socket on mine supplies the ATC system whether or not the engine is running. It is wired into a permanent live feed. This is recommended by Al-Ko.
According to Al-Ko when the ATC is activated it will immediately draw 15amps.. However no where in their literature can I find the current draw when stationary.
I suspect it is very little, probably no more than a radio. Maybe Damien knows.
I have left the 12S plugged into the car for 1.5 hours on a sail to Harris with no adverse effects.
For the future I think I may just pull the 12S and reattach before moving off , don't want the fridge warming up.

 

[chrisbee1]

I have left my 13 pin connected overnight at AL-ko's suggestion to clear the log memory. They assured me the battery drain is negligible. No problems starting the car next morning. I would have thought the sea would have to be pretty rough for the ATC to activate on the ferry.

 

[plotter]

Sorry to go off topic but sorry to hear you had to cut short your trip Emmo I trust the reason is not too serious.

 

[emmerson]

Hi Tony, the full story is in General, topic, "Right, we're off..."

 

[otherclive]

I always disconnect on the longer ferry crossings....... Just incase there is some fault that could initiate battery drain. It takes less than a minute and I leave a note on the driver seat too.

 

[Sedo]

Thanks everyone for the usual helpful replies and taking the time to answer.
Also Emerson, I read your post am sorry to read of your misfortune with the trip and hope your wife's on the mend and feeling better soon.

Again many thanks and best regards.
Sedo