Dead battery

roamingfree replied on 16/04/2021 07:58

Posted on 16/04/2021 07:58

Just realised my battery is dead & was planning to use the van this weekend. Do I need a working battery if I'm connected fo EHU?? Checked the manual & its says the 12v system is designed to operate with a leisure battery in circuit & should not be turned on without one? Am totally confused & any help would be appreciated 😊😊

EmilysDad replied on 16/04/2021 20:43

Posted on 16/04/2021 20:43

And I disagree with the above posts re using electric hook up while the caravan battery is flat. The charger will charge the flat battery.

I'd contest the possibility of the potential 3 figure bill .... what was going to fail?

LLM replied on 17/04/2021 10:52

Posted on 17/04/2021 10:52

Pleased to see your extremely bad advice has been taken down John VB.

cyberyacht replied on 17/04/2021 11:47

Posted on 17/04/2021 11:47

It may depend on whether the battery is totally dead or just flat. If just flat then recovery "may" be possible although the onboard charger isn't going to do a thorough job of recharging. If it's completely dead with shorted out cells, then it could upset the van systems although it's never been explained why.

LLM replied on 17/04/2021 12:42

Posted on 17/04/2021 11:47 by cyberyacht

It may depend on whether the battery is totally dead or just flat. If just flat then recovery "may" be possible although the onboard charger isn't going to do a thorough job of recharging. If it's completely dead with shorted out cells, then it could upset the van systems although it's never been explained why.

Posted on 17/04/2021 12:42

A flat battery, i.e. one that has dropped below about 11.9v and been left standing will be dead.  Recharging with a good quality smart charger may appear to cause a recovery but it is unlikely to hold up under load.  I think the risk of damaging the car alternator, the van on board charger and having the battery burn out and damage to van is just not worth it.   

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