Hobby 750 Faulty Charging System

[fugglestick]

Hi all

My 2001 Hobby 750 has developed a problem with the split charging system. The charging system is located under the passenger seat [its lhd] and is supposed to charge the leisure battery and power the lights etc. When hooked up to the mains, it does neither. There is relay chatter from the PSU box, so I think its duff. I have metered out the transformer and that’s all ok, all fuses intact and it doesn’t blow any either. I can’t locate a replacement and to be honest Hobby and Brownhills where she came from are next to useless. Wondered if any of you have had the same problem, or know where a replacement can be got hold of or someone who can repair. For the moment I have fitted an intelligent battery charger parallel with the system [tuned off] so can charge the battery from the mains, but would prefer a proper working unit. Any help gratefully received. Thanks Fuggs

 

[biggirafe]

I can't help specifically other than to say I had a similar issue with the charger system on our van. To get the original fixed would have cost about £100 in parts then labour if I had it fitted at a garage. Like you I fitted a smart charger parallel to the original, I have now forgotten all about it and just use it as if it was original.

What make is your original power unit? If its 'Plug in systems' or a derivative then try O Learys, he's worth calling as not all his stuff is on the website
https://sslrelay.com/olearymotorhom...nid=154afc442bce96f/shopdata/index.shopscript

 

[fugglestick]

Thanks for coming back to me biggirafe and for that link. I cant find a name on the unit, it may well be Hobby's own I don't know. What I do know is Hobby don't seem interested in after sales at all. Its interesting you solved the problem the same way. I presume you have a Hobby also?

 

[biggirafe]

No I have a Swift Kontiki, Many motorhomes seem to share the suppliers for these things. If you upload a photo of the unit I'm sure someone will be able to tell you the make.

What I found was that none of the major companies wanted to 'fix' ours they all wanted to repalce the entire thing. Eventually I found a guy who would do it but the cost of the parts + his time made it unworthwhile. If it were a newer van I would be keener to keep it original but at 17 years old it is probably not going to add much value to have the original still in place.

 

[rickboy]

Charger/12v Supply Unit

No I have a Swift Kontiki, Many motorhomes seem to share the suppliers for these things. If you upload a photo of the unit I'm sure someone will be able to tell you the make.

What I found was that none of the major companies wanted to 'fix' ours they all wanted to repalce the entire thing. Eventually I found a guy who would do it but the cost of the parts + his time made it unworthwhile. If it were a newer van I would be keener to keep it original but at 17 years old it is probably not going to add much value to have the original still in place.

Check out Ebay ,there are usually some on there. Some of the cheaper new ones may not be fancy multi step chargers but your old unit propably wasnt.
If your are up to it you could try a relacement relay from RS (radio spares) but if your not sure of your AC / DC amps and ohms leave it alone or it may bite back!!
Best of luck

 

[Firefox]

Fit a modern automatic smart charger and just wire it off your 240v hook up consumer unit. It will probably be better than the original unit, especially in an older motorhome.

 

[maingate]

Check out Ebay ,there are usually some on there. Some of the cheaper new ones may not be fancy multi step chargers but your old unit propably wasnt.
If your are up to it you could try a relacement relay from RS (radio spares) but if your not sure of your AC / DC amps and ohms leave it alone or it may bite back!!
Best of luck

RS have a huge range of relays and they also have a technical helpline. If you remove the faulty part and give them the details they ask for, they should sort you out with something suitable.

 

[rickboy]

good plan

As long as your 12volt needs are less than the charger can put in(amps) that will work.The small electronic chargers dont like to be overloaded by too much draw on the battery while charging,give it some space to cool as well.If on mains hook up try to use mains voltage equipment.Most of all KIS - keep it simple ( and inexpensive,its only camping)