Unknown Draw from Leisure Battery

theapples

theapples

Joined
Sep 6, 2016
Posts
106
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129
Location
Bristol
Funster No
44,987
MH
Low-profile Coachbuilt
Exp
Since 2010
Went out to the van this morning and heard a faint alarm and step wouldn't go down. Turned out the Victron battery monitor was alarming due to battery voltage being 11.2v !!!.
Used the van on had the van on charge last week, used it Friday for a day trip. Did not bother putting it back on EHU since I wanted to tidy it then turn it around.
I put it back on EHU and then checked it tonight fully charged but when I took it off EHU I found there was a draw varying between 2.5 and 2.7 Amp or 34 w.
Could not find anything turned on. If I turned the 12v supply off on the control panel draw went to 0a.

Has anyone got any ideas what could be drawing this and flattening the batteries?

Yes I realise I need to replace the two leisure batteries, I was expecting to change them soon since they are 8 years old. However I need to sort out this strange draw before I fit new batteries.

Thanks
Phil
 
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check water pump is not running!
The elusive battery drain on my van was the aftermarket reversing camera!
Additional drain was the 12volt supply switch!
 
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Porch light or other not visible. We have a small light in the bathroom that is difficult to see immediately if left on.

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Thanks for all your suggestions I finally traced the problem to the waste water heater. It was fitted as part of a “winterisation “ package many years ago and never used. I think the grandchildren had knocked the switch on and the indicator bulb wasn’t working.
Now to look for two replacement batteries. The Varta LFD 90’s (8yrs old) are no longer available so time to look for some replacements.

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Try Tayna batteries. Excellent range, good customer service & help from humans if needed. Plus next day delivery. I’ve used them a few times. I’m sure they could find you a suitable alternive to your Varta’s.
 
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If you have a drain on one of the circuits on the van the best way to find it is use one of the below tools. I've had a few owning a Land Rover it's an everyday thing. Pull each fuse individually and insert the tool, this will indicate a drain on the readout if that circuit is drawing any amps.
Alternatively, disconnect the -Negative side of the battery and place a 12v bulb wired and connect between the terminal and battery. If you have a lit bulb you have an earth drain. Pull each fuse and see when it disappears and that will indicate the poor circuit with the issue.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16760045...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

Cheers
 
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Multimeter.
12v fuses often have a little opening at the top of each leg so can leave them in place and touch the little probes.

I was 53 years old when I learned this :ROFLMAO:

Came in very useful finding the drain on the wife's car - turned out to be the Bluetooth box that Fiat often fit in cars (because they wouldn't pay Bluetooth licencing fees and made their own crap system).

Screenshot_20250731-091815.webp
 
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theapples said:
Thanks for all your suggestions I finally traced the problem to the waste water heater. It was fitted as part of a “winterisation “ package many years ago and never used. I think the grandchildren had knocked the switch on and the indicator bulb wasn’t working.
Now to look for two replacement batteries. The Varta LFD 90’s (8yrs old) are no longer available so time to look for some replacements.
Click to expand...
And put a cover over the waste water heater switch 🤔?
 
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