Van issues

[Herbenny]

We bought a van battery about 18 months ago and it’s completely had it.
Although we haven’t been able to get away much this year and the van has sat around for a long time I wouldn’t of expected a new battery to completely give up just yet.
Any advice please on what could be draining the battery… we do have an alarm on the van but I do need this as van is parked up on the main road outside my house.


Thank you

 

[Robmac]

Any solar on the van Jaq?

 

[Herbenny]

We bought a van battery about 18 months ago and it’s completely had it.
Although we haven’t been able to get away much this year and the van has sat around for a long time I wouldn’t of expected a new battery to completely give up just yet.
Any advice please on what could be draining the battery… we do have an alarm on the van but I do need this as van is parked up on the main road outside my house.


Thank you

Any solar on the van Jaq?

Yes Rob we got a 160 panel on there - we had to replace the leisure battery through the week because that wasn’t holding its charge either.

 

[Robmac]

My solar charges the leisure battery then the vehicle battery so we haven't got an issue.

Might be worth taking it back as they often have a guarantee of 3 years or more.

 

[Robmac]

...in answer to your question though, yes alarms do drain batteries if the van isn't started for a while.

 

[argoose]

Run a fused wire with 10amp fuse from + terminal of hab battery to + terminal cab battery. Remove fuse before starting the van.
Or a bit more expensive, fit a trickle charger.
Like this

 

[Boris7]

Sounds to me like you need a battery master Here I don’t think your solar is charging the vehicle battery just the leisure battery.

If your on MHF (or know someone who is) they do a version of this cheaper and get a discount at vanbitz.

 

[Boris7]

Think this will also do it, by cheaper

 

[Herbenny]

I found my receipt for the van battery I purchased in 2020 so will call them today.
Thanks

 

[trevskoda]

Run a fused wire with 10amp fuse from + terminal of hab battery to + terminal cab battery. Remove fuse before starting the van.
Or a bit more expensive, fit a trickle charger.
Like this

Why not a heavy cable and switch with a 200ah relay, handy for a emergency start as all batts linked.

 

[SquirrellCook]

Before spending any more money or trying cowboy tricks, have someone who is competent look at it.
Your solar panel should be capable of holding both your batteries up.
The best way to hold up a starter battery from the leisure side, is to use something like a Victron Orion. It will require the correct charging profile set in it. Once it goes into "Float" mode it will consume very little energy.

 

[Herbenny]

I found my receipt for the van battery I purchased in 2020 so will call them today.

 

[trevskoda]

Before spending any more money or trying cowboy tricks, have someone who is competent look at it.
Your solar panel should be capable of holding both your batteries up.
The best way to hold up a starter battery from the leisure side, is to use something like a Victron Orion. It will require the correct charging profile set in it. Once it goes into "Float" mode it will consume very little energy.