Motorhome electrics

[Chris63]

Good afternoon funsters,
I sometimes wonder if it is all wotyhwhile. This morning whilst enjoying the sunshine I managed to flatten the vehicle battery whilst using the water pump in the bathroom. The control panel signed that the vehicle battery was 12.7 v then after using the water pump for approximately 30 seconds it dropped to 10.1. I needed to get a jump start to get going. Why ?? any suggestions will be appreciated, I'm now looking for a decent auto electrician.
Totthedog

 

[peterc10]

Good afternoon funsters,
I sometimes wonder if it is all wotyhwhile. This morning whilst enjoying the sunshine I managed to flatten the vehicle battery whilst using the water pump in the bathroom. The control panel signed that the vehicle battery was 12.7 v then after using the water pump for approximately 30 seconds it dropped to 10.1. I needed to get a jump start to get going. Why ?? any suggestions will be appreciated, I'm now looking for a decent auto electrician.
Totthedog

The most likely cause is that your battery is knackered. How old is it and what type is it? How are you charging it? Do you have a solar panel(s)? Lead acid batteries should not be regularly discharged below 50% otherwise it will severely shorten the battery's life.

 

[MisterB]

why is the vehicle battery used to power the water pump? thats the question i would be asking myself. usually the habitation side of the vehicle has its own battery! do you have two batteries?

 

[Chris63]

The battery is good , checked recently, the van has a split charger
Is it possible that some how the power is being diverted by the splitter not “splitting “
Thanks
Chris

 

[Speve]

I think there is a switch on your sergeant control box to change from habitation to vehicle battery have you got it on vehicle instead of habitation

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[Chris63]

Thanks Steve I have that and I’m paranoid about checking that is habitation when out

 

[TheBig1]

A battery may appear charged if the solar panel is connected, as you are seeing the charging voltage not the voltage at rest. Also as a battery ages, it appears fully charged but the capacity reduces dramatically from what it was when new. They only have a limited number of charge cycles as well, which is reduced if you have allow the battery to drop below 50% a few times

 

[Chris63]

A battery may appear charged if the solar panel is connected, as you are seeing the charging voltage not the voltage at rest. Also as a battery ages, it appears fully charged but the capacity reduces dramatically from what it was when new. They only have a limited number of charge cycles as well, which is reduced if you have allow the battery to drop below 50% a few times

Hi The Big One
Is this the vehicle or leisure batteries that you are talking about
Chris

 

[TheBig1]

Both if they are lead acid

 

[autorouter]

Thanks Steve I have that and I’m paranoid about checking that is habitation when out

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying. I don't have the option of switching between leisure battery and starter battery. But I was under the impression that if you have the option, it should always be set to leisure battery, except in 'emergency'. For example if you find the leisure battery is flat, and you need a bit of power to get through the night. Then next day find a way to charge everything back up again - solar, mains charger or driving charging from the engine. Habitation circuits should rarely if ever run from the starter battery.

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[Chris63]

Hi Autorouter,
You are correct in your assumptions
My control panel gives me the option of switching between the power source. The problem is that the water pump is being powered by the vehicle battery not the leisure battery. My van also has a splitter which can divert the charge from the solar panel to the battery which needs charge most . The dilemma is why is the vehicle battery involved , it should only be used to start the van
Chris

 

[Pausim]

Hi Autorouter,
You are correct in your assumptions
My control panel gives me the option of switching between the power source. The problem is that the water pump is being powered by the vehicle battery not the leisure battery. My van also has a splitter which can divert the charge from the solar panel to the battery which needs charge most . The dilemma is why is the vehicle battery involved , it should only be used to start the van
Chris

Some motorhomes turn off the leisure circuits when the engine is running. This seems to be a hangover from caravan design and is often unwelcome on motorhomes. Perhaps a previous owner got fed up with this and swapped some circuits to the wrong battery, if so it needs putting right.

 

[channi]

Good afternoon funsters,
I sometimes wonder if it is all wotyhwhile. This morning whilst enjoying the sunshine I managed to flatten the vehicle battery whilst using the water pump in the bathroom. The control panel signed that the vehicle battery was 12.7 v then after using the water pump for approximately 30 seconds it dropped to 10.1. I needed to get a jump start to get going. Why ?? any suggestions will be appreciated, I'm now looking for a decent auto electrician.
Totthedog

Hi guys just wondered if anyone on here can give me some knowledge regarding some trouble in having with my electrics thanks

 

[autorouter]

Hi guys just wondered if anyone on here can give me some knowledge regarding some trouble in having with my electrics thanks

I'm sure some funsters would like to help if possible, what is the problem with your electrics?