Latest Caravans and Euro 6 Car Engines

kingfisher999 replied on 12/05/2021 16:50

Posted on 12/05/2021 16:50

I recently stumbled across a post (dated 2017) that described problems caravaners were encountering following the introduction of the (then) newly introduced Euro 6 engines. Because of the regeneration system of the engines (to improve fuel efficiency), the car battery is kept partially discharged so the battery can take extra charge during breaking. This results in the battery voltage being "low" during cruising and therefore discharging the caravan battery to the same state as the car battery. I understand this has resulted in drivers arriving at their destination (particularly after long motorway runs) with a "flat" caravan battery that will not drive the motor mover and a defrosted fridge (which doesn't like whats going on). Additionally, there have been reports the ATC does not like this situation either and shows error codes.

 

Can anyone shed any light on this? Have the manufacturers of more recent caravans introduced design changes to their electrics to over come these problems (particularly Buccaneer)?

 

richardandros replied on 24/07/2024 12:26

Posted on 24/07/2024 12:26

I've been towing with a VW Touareg Euro 6 stop/start engine since 2015 and also never had any problems.  I always disable the stop/start when towing anyway.

Snowy1 replied on 24/07/2024 12:50

Posted on 24/07/2024 12:50

I believe those that say they haven’t had any problems as there are so many who say they haven’t, it’s just the laws of physics that applies to these Euro 6 systems and the way they work just doesn’t add up? Interesting subject to say the least. These systems are so complex in the way they work that even the outside air temperature sensor is programmed into the system, the reason being that in sub zero temperatures, the system will not allow the towcars battery to discharge down to the 80% minimum level, reason being the vehicle failing to start in the cold the following morning. In other words, the colder the climate the less the car’s battery is allowed to discharge leaving room for a regenerative charge, in continuous sub zero the regenerative may even be totally disabled? 

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