Stopping driving off with the ECU connected

[Coolcats]

I’ve posted on a couple of threads the plastic tag I made that fitted in the ignition lock and physically prevented you starting the vehicle.
Might be worth PaulandChrissy doing a 3D printed version, with ‘Cable’ or ‘240v’ moulded in?


View attachment 1002747View attachment 1002748

Some may need a bigger sign

 

[Pausim]

Might find some other ideas on this thread.

Steering wheel cosy!

So - hands up those who’ve driven away in your MoHo only to hear a twang! Approx 20m from the hook up??? Is it just me? I’ve packed up for days adventure ahead, dog in, been for a wee, cleaned my teeth - glasses are found and on my face, yup - that’s everything, key turned, brmmm TWANG… bug###r...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[Dorset Diver]

Our van delivers a loud high pitched whistle if the engine is started with the EHU connected. Similarly if the step is out it makes a loud slightly lower pitched noise. I have often wondered why the manufacturers don't just wire the systems to prevent starting / moving if the step or cable is not stowed. Our first van auto stowed the step when the ignition was turned on.

 

[meanders]

I did some work in a few LFB fire stations a few years ago. The appliances (fire engines) sit on a hook up to keep all the electricals powered up ready to go. As the call went up I stood back out of the way as instructed. The crew was in cab within seconds ready to go but the appliance was still 'hooked up'....
As soon as the engine started, the plug was automatically ejected from the socket and off they went. It was a standard 'commando' type plug so the clever bit must have been in the truck.
Perhaps that's what you need...

Fine in a closed environment but on a field it could be ejected straight into a puddle yet it is still live.

 

[LaurenceM]

I’ve posted on a couple of threads the plastic tag I made that fitted in the ignition lock and physically prevented you starting the vehicle.
Might be worth PaulandChrissy doing a 3D printed version, with ‘Cable’ or ‘240v’ moulded in?


View attachment 1002747View attachment 1002748

I’ve got a spare blue plug adapter with a short lead to uk 3pin socket - hang that on the steering wheel when the ECU is plugged in ..

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[Jabstatt]

Always do a walk around before departure. It’s irresponsible not to check doors, hatches, roof lights, etc.

Easy!

Tony

 

[Pete D.]

It should be simple. My EBL has mains indicator and D+. A simple AND logic gate with those two inputs could switch on a warning light and/or sound a buzzer.

Are you speaking in code? I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[KNWH]

We also have a pre-departure checklist but aren't strict on it's adherence, naughty! I wouldn't be keen on a plastic part being inserted into the ignition barrel, I might knock it and snap off the head leaving plastic in the barrel.

I agree you don’t want plastic breaking off in the barrel, that’s why the design I use only sticks in a couple of mm and could easily be removed if it did snap off.

 

[stuartholmes]

Our van delivers a loud high pitched whistle if the engine is started with the EHU connected. Similarly if the step is out it makes a loud slightly lower pitched noise. I have often wondered why the manufacturers don't just wire the systems to prevent starting / moving if the step or cable is not stowed. Our first van auto stowed the step when the ignition was turned on.

I'd be interested to know if anyone has info about having whatever does this retro-fitted...

 

[ROCHESB]

The laminated 'prepare for take off' checklist.

ALL Roof Vents Closed
ALL Lockers Locked
EHU Cable in Locker
Central Heating OFF
Fridge Locked and set to Auto/Off
Bikes Loaded and Locked
Awning In
Gas ON or OFF
Cassette Empty
Waste Tank Level ?
Fresh Water Level ?
Waste Tank Tap Open/Closed
Electrical Water Tap On/Off
Bin Stowed/Biodegradable bin Empty
Satellite Dish Down
Immobiliser OFF
Sidestep In
Ramps/Chocks Away!

And on the other side of the card it has the checklist for when we put it into our storage place, as we nearly always drain down the tank etc unless we are using it with a week or two.

We have a laminated card with similar list, on the reverse is all the 'useful' dimensions & capacities for our vehicle. It lives tucked in the sun visor.

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[Autoroute]

I can see the EHU from the drivers seat using the wing mirror.
I've noticed the cable still attached before driving off a couple of times over the years. I have a wheel clamp as well which ... Ahem ... reminds me to remove it before departing.

 

[stuartholmes]

Mrs. Peavy recites the items on the list out loud (from memory) and I repeat them back to her for acknowledge like pilots do.
We do this to take some of the stress and seriousness out of the situation, but it doesn't always work

I wouldn't be able to do that without my brain filling up with images from ''Airplane'' (the movie!)

Which is of course not necessarily a bad thing

 

[stuartholmes]

I drape my hookup cable over the drivers wing mirror. When I remember!!

That's a bit like my plan - through the steering wheel. But sometimes the ohallenge is not remerbering it's having enough cable

 

[Brains]

We have a laminated card with similar list, on the reverse is all the 'useful' dimensions & capacities for our vehicle. It lives tucked in the sun visor.

I have two semi translucent stickers on the very edge of the windscreen.

One (from McRent, put on by the Dealer) is the height, width and length.
The other (purchased on a Stena ship) is the main speeds displays in KM converted to MPH

You can get translucent tape for a dymo machine, (if you have one).
So you could make your own
(Sounds like a good idea for a big rally, selling windscreen dymo height labels at £1 a go!)

 

[Richard n Ann]

Fine in a closed environment but on a field it could be ejected straight into a puddle yet it is still live.

Or the full grey water bucket you've forgotten too

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[mohawkman]

What i can never understand is, for about £3 in parts, its easily possible to have an alarm go off if you turn the ignition on while the EHU is connected, but manufacturers who build vans for 10's of thousands of pounds cant be bothered to do it.

My 2016 Autotrail Mohawk has just that from new. As soon as you turn the ignition on a buzzer sounds before you start engine if the EHU is still plugged in.

 

[Chezan]

What i can never understand is, for about £3 in parts, its easily possible to have an alarm go off if you turn the ignition on while the EHU is connected, but manufacturers who build vans for 10's of thousands of pounds cant be bothered to do it.

Our 2015 Auto trail came with one, when I turn the ignition on the alarm goes of if I am still plugged in

 

[Jerrywh]

I just walk round the van before setting off, never forgotten anything. It really is that simple

Aah, you youngsters, I was like that once

 

[Pedrogee]

Like many others we have ‘pre-flights’ in our minds when we leave. However we have left the EHU cable attached one. We don’t hook up very often and when we went to the service point we left the cable hooked up. We won’t do that again.
I am thinking of a ‘breaker’ lead. A short length of cable with a socket that can easily pull out if put under tension.
If this is put on the van end, the long cable can be left behind if not put away.

You would have to avoid CMC sites as the Wardens would pick you up on having a connector in your cable why not is beyond me as you have a connector at either end of the cable anyway!

 

[Bazc79]

As a HGV driver, I have a legal requirement to do walk round checks at the start and end of my shift. This has to be documented either in an app on the phone, or on a check sheet.

Because of this, I've gotten into the habit of doing the same in the van, starting at the drivers seat then round the vehicle back to the drivers seat. It's a full 360 check.

Then 200yds down the road the cutlery drawer flies open. ITS ALWAYS THE DAMN CUTLERY DRAWER

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[Jabstatt]

Im not sure a plug and socket on wet grass in pouring rain would be a good idea.

They are not well sealed at cable entry and not a close fit or sealed, plug to socket.

Tony

 

[Pausim]

You would have to avoid CMC sites as the Wardens would pick you up on having a connector in your cable why not is beyond me as you have a connector at either end of the cable anyway!

I believe the reason is the IP44 rating of the connectors. This means they are ok for splashes of water but not for immersion in water. On the post and on the van they get rained on but on the ground they could end up in a puddle. Not a concern I share, I have joined them on occasions without a problem.

 

[Wee Bold Davy]

The laminated 'prepare for take off' checklist.

ALL Roof Vents Closed
ALL Lockers Locked
EHU Cable in Locker
Central Heating OFF
Fridge Locked and set to Auto/Off
Bikes Loaded and Locked
Awning In
Gas ON or OFF
Cassette Empty
Waste Tank Level ?
Fresh Water Level ?
Waste Tank Tap Open/Closed
Electrical Water Tap On/Off
Bin Stowed/Biodegradable bin Empty
Satellite Dish Down
Immobiliser OFF
Sidestep In
Ramps/Chocks Away!

And on the other side of the card it has the checklist for when we put it into our storage place, as we nearly always drain down the tank etc unless we are using it with a week or two.

Add to that..... Dog in van

 

[Blaydon]

You would have to avoid CMC sites as the Wardens would pick you up on having a connector in your cable why not is beyond me as you have a connector at either end of the cable anyway!

CMC and have long since parted ways. Mostly because of cost and me having a mind of my own and a willingness to express it

 

[simsy56]

A simple walk around does the job for me. Done it on artics, aircraft, cars and motorhomes.

Craig

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[Reallyretired]

Like many I walk around before moving. Never ehu lead but usually things like dogs water bowl.
Swmbo does the inside. First roundabout usually indicates the fridge has been forgotten. There are also wire shelves with a latch on them which have been forgotten.

 

[seasideBill]

I just walk round the van before setting off, never forgotten anything. It really is that simple

If an event infuriates and/or frightens you, all the usual checks can go out of the window in your stressed state and efforts to leave. - I’ve done it once, luckily the connection just pulled out, no damage done.

 

[nicholsong]

I walk around too, aircraft habit, but I have another way of ensuring no EHU lead left I NEVER PLUG IT IN, even on the odd site visit, no need.

 

[SarahBattyll]

I loved reading all the variety of ways different ones remember check lists etc before setting off - I smiled wryly at the ‘it’s as easy as that’ and ‘never had an issue’ - how lovely
At the end of the day - we all do what works (roughly) or ‘perfectly’ for us - how boring the world would be if we were all lil robots who never made mistakes - there’d be no funny stories to tell and that would be sad

 

[ToGoldlyBo]

It's all very well doing a walk around chek, but some of us have the special skill of being able to look at something and not see it!!

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