Is it bad practice to run the engine whilst on EHU

[Jewellbags]

Just double checking but my dealer said that you should t really run the engine whilst on EHU ... thoughts folks ?

 

[TheCaller]

I suspect that with some vans, the problem isn't running the engine with EHU connected, but is with starting the engine.

If the mains charger is set to push a full charge to the van battery, rather than a trickle charge, then when the starter is engaged, the battery voltage will suddenly drop & effectively, the charger will now be trying to start the engine, resulting in a blown fuse. Equally, some systems may have both batteries linked at this point & that could lead to the hab battery supply fuse blowing.

Speculation only, I'm afraid. So many different electrical systems out there, from the very sophisticated to the unbelievably crude.

 

[Podney]

My 2006 Rapido handbook says don’t run the engine when on hook up........so I don’t!
No idea why though,do I need to know? Probably not.

 

[Pausim]

I suspect that with some vans, the problem isn't running the engine with EHU connected, but is with starting the engine.

If the mains charger is set to push a full charge to the van battery, rather than a trickle charge, then when the starter is engaged, the battery voltage will suddenly drop & effectively, the charger will now be trying to start the engine, resulting in a blown fuse. Equally, some systems may have both batteries linked at this point & that could lead to the hab battery supply fuse blowing.

Speculation only, I'm afraid. So many different electrical systems out there, from the very sophisticated to the unbelievably crude.

That sounds logical.

 

[tonyidle]

I do, because in winter, the engine might not like staying too long without a now and then start and run. I do it every 2 or 3 days at the moment as it's quite cold here, but it stays in front of my house, as I also run electric heater during the day and before you ask, no , not during the night, as I've had already rats in and I know they love comfy mohos! During the day I dry it up. I leave a little square of sponge on the table to see if the damp has been imortant during the night.

This is a separate issue altogether. Unless you run the engine until the cooling fans come on (so you know it is hot) then give it another 20 minutes or so then you are doing more harm than good. When you start an engine the burning fuel produces moisture that condenses on internal engine parts and inside the exhaust. An extended engine run will allow time for everything to warm up and moisture will be driven out; too short a run and you are contaminating engine and exhaust with water. As long as you have the means to keep your batteries fully charged the engine is better left alone.

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[tonyidle]

That sounds logical.

It is but chargers are generally current-limited so it shouldn't be an issue. I've done it with every van (and caravan) I've owned. Only because often the first thing I do, especially in cold weather, is start the engine. Then when I'm ready to move off I check hook-up, lockers locked, etc.

 

[yodeli]

This is a separate issue altogether. Unless you run the engine until the cooling fans come on (so you know it is hot) then give it another 20 minutes or so then you are doing more harm than good. When you start an engine the burning fuel produces moisture that condenses on internal engine parts and inside the exhaust. An extended engine run will allow time for everything to warm up and moisture will be driven out; too short a run and you are contaminating engine and exhaust with water. As long as you have the means to keep your batteries fully charged the engine is better left alone.

Thanks Tony. I know this, as I use my car for very short distances when I have 3 babies to carry (most of them being ill). Therefore my Skoda exaust needs changing every winter or 2 (Off tonight to have it fixed!) I can't run the car too long as the babies are in, and the supermarket isn't far enough. So I know about the holes and other stuff. I usually run Max's engine a long time, and have a few rounds on the stadium parking place, to make sure the tyres are fixed too. I usually stop the engine when hot enough and when the smoke has gone white or invible when I rev'. I agree on the fact it gives pollution a go up though.

Amicalement
Frankie

 

[Richard the medic]

All ambulances are plugged into the mains and left on hook up,the second you start the engine the plug is ejected out. Why can’t Motorhome manufacturers fit the same system? This would stop anyone from driving off while connected.

 

[two]

All ambulances are plugged into the mains and left on hook up,the second you start the engine the plug is ejected out. Why can’t Motorhome manufacturers fit the same system? This would stop anyone from driving off while connected.

I guess the price of an ambulance might tell you why!

 

[Googlebot]

All ambulances are plugged into the mains and left on hook up,the second you start the engine the plug is ejected out. Why can’t Motorhome manufacturers fit the same system? This would stop anyone from driving off while connected.

Well, most times it’s ejected out..... ?

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[nicholsong]

All ambulances are plugged into the mains and left on hook up,the second you start the engine the plug is ejected out. Why can’t Motorhome manufacturers fit the same system? This would stop anyone from driving off while connected.

Do ambulance drivers not have time to do a walk-around check? I did it on aircraft, where more lives were at stake. I still do it on the MH.

Geoff

 

[joka250]

All ambulances are plugged into the mains and left on hook up,the second you start the engine the plug is ejected out. Why can’t Motorhome manufacturers fit the same system? This would stop anyone from driving off while connected.

Because you'd leave a live lead on the ground.

 

[Popeye]

I run mine regularly when on EHU, never seems to cause a problem.

 

[Googlebot]

Because you'd leave a live lead on the ground.

No, they have auto disconnect boxes that cuts the power as they eject. Sites wouldn’t have them though, they aren’t cheap, so you are right.

We do indeed have time to check on a walk around, if you remember to check. If you don’t and the plug fails to eject, it gets expensive. :-(

 

[eddie]

I run mine regularly when on EHU, never seems to cause a problem.

It can't and won't

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[nicholsong]

Because you'd leave a live lead on the ground.

When I disconnect our EHU from the MH at home I always unplug it from the supply socket as well as we have curious kids and a dog around.

Geoff

 

[Richard n Ann]

Do ambulance drivers not have time to do a walk-around check? I did it on aircraft, where more lives were at stake. I still do it on the MH.

Geoff

I always walk round the van too, I also look at the pitch as we leave in case something was behind a wheel or something. Might not be my fault, something might have dropped off our crappy Elddis van, really glad they don't make planes, I think they'd be even worse than Boeing ?