Do I have to have the engine running on the car to use the auxillary socket or should I be able to use the power from the car without the engine running ?
No you don't need the engine running. If your caravan is post 1999 there will be a habitat relay inside which switches power to the fridge and battery when the engine is running. When the engine is switched off power then is switched to the 12v lighting and water pump etc. But remember not to use up all your car batteries charge or you won't be able to start the engine again.
What happens is that the power from the fridge circuit operates the habitation relay which then switches off the caravan interior lights etc via pin 4 (green)and this wire is then used for battery charging en route.
So if you try to boost the output on site by running the car engine the interior lights etc will not work and this applies if you make a swift stop en route for the loo etc and the driver does not turn off the engine then all internal electrics including the electric loo flush and water pump(if you have a tank) will not work
What happens is that the power from the fridge circuit operates the habitation relay which then switches off the caravan interior lights etc via pin 4 (green)and this wire is then used for battery charging en route.
So if you try to boost the output on site by running the car engine the interior lights etc will not work and this applies if you make a swift stop en route for the loo etc and the driver does not turn off the engine then all internal electrics including the electric loo flush and water pump(if you have a tank) will not work
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