Newcomer requires advice Forums

den15

Hi Everyone

Yet another newcomer requiring advice.
We took delivery of our 2003 Autosleeper Nuevo just over a week ago, having owned boats for a number of years. Lots to learn, but doing OAK so far.
We have been familiarising ourselves with all aspects of this very nice MH, which is in lovely condition and has obviously been well cared for. However, during a lull in the wind and rain today, we decided to take her for a short run. Got everything prepared and the wife and dog on board, only to find that the vehicle battery was completely flat. Strangely, the battery condition meter inside the van indicated that both the vehicle battery and habitation battery were both fully charged. Anyway, I connected the vehicle to our hook-up, left it for a couple of hours and it started without effort. I am hoping that as the vehicle has been unused all of the winter, that the short run since pick-up ( 60 miles), was not enough to fully charge the battery. So before I purchase a replacement, can I have the views of the more experienced motorhomers please. Also, I have noticed when seeing other MHs parked on owner's drives, that they always seem to be hooked up. Is this what one should do, and if so, are both batteries being charged? The current battery has an inspection window and according to the vehicle handbook, implies that the battery needs charging. I am just concerned that the MH will start and get me to my destination, but will fail when I want to get home.
Thanks in advance.

Den and Stef

Mikemoss

I'm far from the brightest spark when it comes to electrics, so this may or may not be relevant.

We're among those who leave our motorhome hooked up on the drive at home, and this is for two reasons: on freezing cold nights we leave the blown air heating running on the low electric setting (with cupboard doors open) to keep some warm air circulating as a 'belt and braces' approach to preventing any of the water systems from freezing even though they've been drained.

The other reason is to keep both the vehicle and habitation batteries topped up, but not over-charged. On ours, there's an on/off switch on the charger itself, and another switch which lets you select which battery is going to get the charge. Might be worth checking to see if yours has this facility.

I'm sure someone else will be along soon with more technical advice about checking the battery and so on. Hope you have great fun with your new van - I expect that like us you'll find that motorhoming changes your life for the better!

Wizzo

It sounds to me like it's gone flat from standing so long. Charge it up for at least 24 hours and then leave it for a day or so before you try to start it again. This will indicate whether the battery is holding enough charge and should give you a pointer to what will happen whilst you are using it more regularly.

It may be worth someone checking it out for you with a voltmeter to see what the true level is. This could be the original battery of course so may well be getting a bit tired but not yet past its sell by date.

JohnW

den15

Hi Mike

Thanks for your prompt reply. I can see the sense in keeping the van warm and I will definitely follow your example. The battery indicator switch in our van looks like it can be moved from either battery or left in the middle position, which I assume charges both batteries simultaneously. The switch itself is also not clear. It shows HAB at the top position and VEHICLE below. The switch is a rocker type, mounted vertically, and I am not sure which position relates to which battery. i.e. with the switch pushed in at its bottom position, does that relate to Vehicle or Hab? Sorry to sound so thick, but I have to ask. No doubt some of the more experienced owners are having a chuckle.
Thanks once again.

Den

Pusser

Strathclyde

You need to find out why the battery was apparently indicating full charge, when it was flat. That's not at all right. Are you sure you didn't have a jammed starter, or dodgy ignition ?(The microchip ignition key check doesn't always trigger correctly, and absolutely nothing happens... but try several times, taking the key out each time, or use another key, and it will fire. Fiats are notorious for this...dunno what your base vehicle is, though).

If you can't trust the indicators, spend £7 or so for one of these little widgets you plug into the cigar lighter, and which give a (crude) indication of battery condition - assuming you can't actually put a meter on the battery to check voltage... which if below 12V, is in trouble.

It's also worth trotting along to one of the battery suppliers, who can check the battery in situ, and whether it has a dead cell, or is just past its best.

Your charger switch is NOT likely to charge both vehcicles in the mid position (more likely that is "off"). I'm also a little suspicious that after just a couple of hours on hookup, the engine started fine; van chargers are not particularly high power, and I'd expect it to take longer to get a completely flat battery up to the level needed to start the engine. You do need to find out whether the indicator is really tellin g you the truth!!

rowley

I don't keep my Twin on hook up. If I have not been out for 3 weeks then I will put her on hook up for the day to boost both batteries. On your switch, hab refers to the "caravan" leisure battery. Vehicle will be the engine battery.
If your battery was flat then I would be inclined to change it right away as it will never recover fully.

ned

Hi Den

Just a bit of information! We purchased a second hand Auto-sleeper and I have got to say that the company, Autosleepers, are very generous with technical backup and information even though we obviously didn't have the van in warrentee. Ring up the technical bods there and I am sure they will solve your problems when you get them.
It is in their interest to kep you 'on side' As if you like their product you might go back to them for your next van. The company was always very good at customer relations.

I am suprised that you didn't get their handbook when you purchased your van. It was always a very good and comprehensive piece of technical writing. If you don't have one ring them and I am sure that they will send you one. They did for us with our Amythest.

Cheers Ned

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