New van.

[xsparks]

I've got a relation in Stoke who's been texting me about his new to him van. It's the first time he's used it and he's having problems. It's an Auto trail Dakota. I've explained how to get his electrics working on mains but he now has a flat vehicle battery. I didn't Know whether someone would be able to advise me how to switch over so that the vehicle battery can be charged.

 

[Nanniemate]

Did he leave a light on heater or similar. Hope someone can help have you told them to join .they will get help easier than 3 ways

 

[xsparks]

I have told him about the forum but I think he really needs to be shown how everything works. I don't know how good the handover information was but if you have never had a van before there is a lot to take in.

 

[1967bowesj]

Isn’t there a switch on the control panel to select vehicle battery then the charger puts power to that battery.
Thats if he switches the charger on at the sargeant panel.

 

[tonka]

I've got a relation in Stoke who's been texting me about his new to him van. It's the first time he's used it and he's having problems. It's an Auto trail Dakota. I've explained how to get his electrics working on mains but he now has a flat vehicle battery. I didn't Know whether someone would be able to advise me how to switch over so that the vehicle battery can be charged.

If he wants a ride down the M6 I can go through it once I'm back from my cheap coach holiday at the weekend.

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[xsparks]

Thanks Steve I'll pass on the info mate. He'll have to get it started first.

 

[Cush]

What year is it. On his control panel he may have selected to run the 12 volt off it ? If the little led Is illuminated beside the icon for the cab battery that could be what’s happened

 

[xsparks]

It's a 2011. To give you an idea of his knowledge when he contacted me he had no power on sockets. He was convinced all the breakers were OK because the all pointed down on the green marker. He video called me and I was able to tell him they all needed to be up towards the red mark. That cured that problem. I hadn't appreciated how little understanding some people have of how things should work. So this is a guy that really is at the bottom of a big leaning curve.

 

[Wabs]

We all start somewhere,,but a little homework is always a good thing

 

[xsparks]

The trouble starts with being in the middle of a field and not understanding the controls. If he could of had a couple of nights on his drive he would have been better prepared. Unfortunately like a lot of owners I don't think he has a drive.

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[Cush]

If he has a flat cab battery and is in the middle of a field then he’ll need a jump I think.

 

[Nanniemate]

Thanks Steve I'll pass on the info mate. He'll have to get it started first.

Sorry should not have laughed

What about a video call no need to travel

 

[xsparks]

Well that was a figure of speach. I think he's on a campsite but I'm not sure where, definitely 180 miles from me.

 

[pelican]

It's a 2011. To give you an idea of his knowledge when he contacted me he had no power on sockets. He was convinced all the breakers were OK because the all pointed down on the green marker. He video called me and I was able to tell him they all needed to be up towards the red mark. That cured that problem. I hadn't appreciated how little understanding some people have of how things should work. So this is a guy that really is at the bottom of a big leaning curve.

Maybe you need to have a short break with him.sorry just read your latest post
Or could he return to the dealer for further
tuition.
J

 

[NigelNovice]

Has he hooked up to the onsite electrics? then he needs to find the main Sargent box, mine in the overhead locker behind drivers seat and make sure its charger is switched on by the rocker switch - it should light up, it should then start charging batteries, if also goes to the control panel and selects vehicle battery if he has solar it should then charge it and not the HAB battery

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[Nanniemate]

Got to admit I like his style 'he'll let's do it ' oops I hope someone can get to him trouble is some sites are so quiet there maybe no-one there to ask or is it a bloke thing like asking directions

 

[xsparks]

Well while he's not going anywhere he'll have time to read the user manual,if he's got any sense. It appears that the only thing he knows at the moment is how to drive it from a to b.

 

[xsparks]

He's found how to switch to charge vehicle battery, but after a short time it switches back apparently.

 

[Gellyneck]

He's found how to switch to charge vehicle battery, but after a short time it switches back apparently.

If it's a Sargent EC500 (normally in an inside locker directly above the battery compartment)\ EC480 (normally above the habitation door) and is set to, something like, Smart Charge it switches battery charging on mains so it charges both leisure and vehicle. I think leisure is the "default" so charges that first and then switches to vehicle automatically. Think is also switches between batteries every four hours of so if both charged.

If it is those units have a look in Resources as Dane Diabalo and Steve tonka uploaded Sargent user manuals to there. Perhaps download them and send them onto them.

 

[cessac]

Well while he's not going anywhere he'll have time to read the user manual,if he's got any sense. It appears that the only thing he knows at the moment is how to drive it from a to b.

OOOOH ER MISSUS

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[xsparks]

No malice in that comment. Just fact.