B2B Advice

andystaffs replied on 10/08/2021 17:00

Posted on 10/08/2021 17:00

Brand new to campervanning . Have a Vivaro conversion which has a battery to battery charging system .

I'm a bit confused as I thought ,even with this set up ,that I could charge the leisure battery from a hook up at home . I now gather charging  the leisure battery is only done when the vehicle is being driven . This seems a bit short sighted to me but is this common ?

So my hook up cable is just to avoid using the battery when on sites that have hook ups ? .

It would be great if there was a rule of thumb for how long you have to drive to charge the battery but it doesnt look this easy to calculate .

I'm preparing myself for the occasion when I stay of grid for  a few nights,  and a short return home doesn't charge the battery enough . It looks like I can't simply hook it up at home for a few days to get the battery up to speed . I would have to lengthen my 'short'  journey home and go around the block for a few hours to get the battery up to full charge . Verry odd

Advice please

cyberyacht replied on 10/08/2021 17:34

Posted on 10/08/2021 17:34

You'll have to provide a bit more info. B2B is usually installed in conjunction with a Lithium battery set-up.

Tinwheeler replied on 10/08/2021 18:40

Posted on 10/08/2021 18:40

It might help if you say what your conversion, model and year of manufacture is.

In every conventional set up I’ve come across, both batteries charge on hookup but some need manual switching from one to the other.

DavidKlyne replied on 10/08/2021 19:34

Posted on 10/08/2021 19:34

I I think we need a bit more detail of the conversion in question, It very much depends on the set up. In most circumstances whilst the engine is running it will charge both cab and leisure batteries. From then on it becomes more complicated. The electrical system in the van, when on 230v mains should charge the leisure battery and provide 12v supply within the van via a transformer built into the system, but cab battery charging via this system is far from universal. From what you say you don't have this sort of system. If that is the case perhaps you need to consider a solar panel if you wish to spend time off grid?

David

harry1000 replied on 31/08/2021 19:21

Posted on 31/08/2021 19:21

Simple to check, if you have a meter. Put it across the leisure battery when you park up, note the voltage. Connect to the EHU and again check the voltage and if it is higher than the first reading, then it is charging - it should read around 13.8v, or higher when on charge.

near Malvern Hills Club Campsite Member photo by Andrew Cole

Book a late escape

There's still availability at many popular UK Club campsites - find your perfect pitch today for a last minute trip!

Book now
Woman sitting in camping chair by Wastwater in the Lake District with her two dogs and picnic blanket

Follow us on Facebook

Follow the Caravan and Motorhome Club via our official Facebook page for latest news, holiday ideas, events, activities and special offers.

Photo of Wast Water, Lake District by Sue Peace
Visit Facebook