Possible to keep the hab electrics on while driving?

RogerThat

RogerThat

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Tried a few searches, couldn't seem to find an answer to this one.

Anyone know of a way to keep the electrics on in the hab area while the engine is running? I don't even know if it's possible from a tech point of view (re system chargers, etc).

Our occasional rear-seated passengers are desperate for phone-charging capabilities on the move and a bit of light for reading (when their phone batteries are flat) :rolleyes:

Sargent EC480 panel on a EC500 box, everything turns off the moment the van engine is started.
 
It's a peculiarity of some, although not all, UK made vans. It doesn't happen with our van. It certainly doesn't have to be like that but how you correct it I don't know.
Ideally there is a relay you can disable. :)
 
I think it's unwise. The voltage goes all over the place while cranking.

With our dumb panel that's a bunch of mechanical switches... we leave all our circuits on all the time and haven't had an issue (yet).
 
Guigsy said:
I think it's unwise. The voltage goes all over the place while cranking.
Click to expand...

True enough, but said gadgets are only running from USB ports in the back of the van, which in turn are wired to the hab battery and should be unaffected by anything the engine does.

Says he, the font of all electrical knowledge :blusher:

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I installed a couple of extra 12v and usb charge sockets fused direct from my hab banks. Very simple to do or get someone to do it for you. Or modify what you have, just running extra cables to them

Live all the time, and will not mess up your vans electrical system.

Parasitic drain negligable or you can switch it if you need to
 
Camping Gaza said:
I installed a couple of extra 12v and usb charge sockets fused direct from my hab banks. Very simple to do or get someone to do it for you. Or modify what you have, just running extra cables to them

Live all the time, and will not mess up your vans electrical system.

Parasitic drain negligable or you can switch it if you need to
Click to expand...
Me too ?
 
Not on an Autotrail or most other British made Van's. It's some sort of guideline that the UK manufacturers seem to follow. However contintal Van's don't do it and the jab power works while in motion.
Easiest thing is to run a separate fused feed off the habitation battery and fit in your own USB/ 12v power sockets for direct power.
 
There will be a N/C relay somewhere, possibly near the control panel or, in my case with two Kontiki's, next to the charger.
Ignition on powers the relay opening the hab circuit supply wire.
Just disconnect the earth preventing the relay opening.
Pot luck/trial & error finding it thought

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Years ago when the EMC Laws kicked in it was cheaper to turn stuff off than pay to test it

Buy European and you can spend a penny in a traffic jam, and flush, buy American, Australian or Japanese, you can have a wee, flush and wash your hands

The NCC now state it as a rule, because they know no different and weren’t born when the decision was made
 
RogerThat said:
Tried a few searches, couldn't seem to find an answer to this one.

Anyone know of a way to keep the electrics on in the hab area while the engine is running? I don't even know if it's possible from a tech point of view (re system chargers, etc).

Our occasional rear-seated passengers are desperate for phone-charging capabilities on the move and a bit of light for reading (when their phone batteries are flat) :rolleyes:

Sargent EC480 panel on a EC500 box, everything turns off the moment the van engine is started.
Click to expand...
I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.
 
Buy a Laika :) We have the habitation power on all the time which also means we can have the heating and hot water on as well. Think this is a throw back to the days of caravans. NCC rules don't allow the habitation power to be on when the vehicle is on the move. It's all a very very British thing.
 
stevewagner said:
I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.
Click to expand...
That will be some kind of electronic relay on the circuit board so disconnecting wires from the mechanical relay is out.

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stevewagner said:
I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500
Click to expand...

Is that something you can share?

If not, I’ll probably go for installing a 12v socket in the rear in to which they can plug a USB charger as suggested above.
 
It should be easy if you have a really, really long hook up lead.......
 
Just buy a German van.
All our electrics work, the Memsahib can flush the loo, wash her hands and we can keep the heating on while we drive.
However, if I want to use the loo I have to switch on cruise control. :Eeek: :D:D:D

Richard

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Have my inverter on all the time whilst traveling, Germans have big debates about running their 230vac whilst under way to the best advantage.
 
sallylillian said:
Have my inverter on all the time whilst traveling, Germans have big debates about running their 230vac whilst under way to the best advantage.
Click to expand...
The advantage of that is when you use a slow cooker! Chuck everything in the pot, drive, arrive to a hot meal with no wait! Great in the Winter.

And no I don't care its dangerous (y)

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stevewagner said:
I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.
Click to expand...

Hi Steve, as requested can you please share the sheet with others on here sounds like it's much in demand. Cheers.
 
eddievanbitz said:
The advantage of that is when you use a slow cooker! Chuck everything in the pot, drive, arrive to a hot meal with no wait! Great in the Winter.

And no I don't care its dangerous (y)
Click to expand...

Hi Eddie, which inverter would you recommend? the slow cooker whilst travelling sounds like a fantastic idea. Cheers Rob
 
The Globecar can have the hab electrics on when travelling but I tend to leave them off as I worry the vibrations of driving may open one of the taps.
 
robnchris said:
Hi Eddie, which inverter would you recommend? the slow cooker whilst travelling sounds like a fantastic idea. Cheers Rob
Click to expand...
We recommend Victron or Sterling inverters. On my van I have an inverter/charger which is on all the time, with all of the 13 amp sockets available via the inverter

This means in addition to using a slow cooker, all the usual stuff can be used, chargers, eBike chargers etc. We drove back from the NEC in February, and gave our Daughter in Law a lift. Lyn (my wife) drove, Rach sat up front with her, whilst I watched the rugby, on demand on the TV all mains equipment via the inverter

There is no real need to compromise despite what the luddites say ;)
 
robnchris said:
Hi Steve, as requested can you please share the sheet with others on here sounds like it's much in demand. Cheers.
Click to expand...
It is a slightly different mod on different Sargent units, but to be fair to Sargent give them a call and tell them your model number and they will tell you what to do

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