van electrics

[Pauline_374453117]

We seem to have differing advice, when towing do you switch the electrics to van or car?

We tow an Abbey vogue 470 with a 3 position switch,

( car/off/van)

 

[S_374382905]

Towing - switch to 'car'

On site= Switch to van

Not in use at all (storage etc) = switch to off

 

[Jennifer2]

It varies from van to van. You need to consult your handbook.

On our 1998 Sterling Emerald it was always "van". "car" was only in an emergency, say if you needed to power the electrics from the car battery if the van battery was flat. And this only when stopped. Centre position was "off".

Vans younger than 1997 generally have a habitation relay that cuts all power to the van when towing, so "off" is only really required when the van is not in use.

12v power to the fridge is always separate, you cannot choose where it comes from.

You can download a handbook from Swift if you do not have one.

 

[trucker]

Pauline, we had a 2006 Abbey vogue and the hadbook stated whilst travelling use the van position, It is quite confusing but if you hook up and turn the car engin on you can check the fridge for the light. it doesnt come on if it is in the car position

Kevin

 

[WatsonJohnG]

It varies from van to van. You need to consult your handbook.

On our 1998 Sterling Emerald it was always "van". "car" was only in an emergency, say if you needed to power the electrics from the car battery if the van battery was flat. And this only when stopped. Centre position was "off".

Vans younger than 1997 generally have a habitation relay that cuts all power to the van when towing, so "off" is only really required when the van is not in use.

12v power to the fridge is always separate, you cannot choose where it comes from.

You can download a handbook from Swift if you do not have one.

Well put Jennifer

 

[WatsonJohnG]

That could be something to do with modern fridges needing a 12V supply from the van battery to operate the electronic controls as well as the 12V supply from the car to operate the fridge on 12V on tow

The feed from the van to the fridge electronics is not affected by the habitation relay