Fetch Camper Vans

1 lurker | 95 watchers

cathrobinson Feb 2021 8:38pm, 7 Feb 2021 9,048 posts	0 cathrobinson I went up to the storage site today, jump-started the Moho and sat in it with the engine running for about 40 minutes. The cab battery was 11.7v when I got there, and only 12.7v when I left. It really needs a good run... hoping for restrictions to ease in March and I'll head out for a weekend - I don't want to take the chance of even getting it out for a run at the moment as it is hardly essential travel...
Angus Clydesdale Feb 2021 8:50pm, 7 Feb 2021 21,854 posts	0 Angus Clydesdale Have you thought about a solar-powered trickle-charger, Cath? I know, I know. But there are a few spare watts kicking around the atmos, even in the depths of Winter.
cathrobinson Feb 2021 9:20pm, 7 Feb 2021 9,050 posts	0 cathrobinson We have a solar panel that keeps the leisure battery topped up - until this year I thought it did both, but I'm now learning it doesn't charge the cab battery. I do wonder if it is worth getting it adapted so it charges both...
Northern Exile Feb 2021 10:14pm, 7 Feb 2021 7,359 posts	0 Northern Exile Was that 12.7v reading the engine-off static voltage of the leisure battery Cath? 12.7v discharge with no alternator input is OK.
Northern Exile Feb 2021 10:21pm, 7 Feb 2021 7,360 posts	0 Northern Exile Just by way of example and because we've been talking about it recently, I charged my van up just over a week ago and had previously taken it for a bit of a run. This afternoon the discharge was at 12.3v and about 200ma @ 70% capacity, this is cold and without the engine having started. Given the cold temp and the age of the leisure batteries, I don't think a 30% drop is too bad. As long as they charge at over 14v things are generally healthy, or at least that's how I understand things.
cathrobinson Feb 2021 10:44pm, 7 Feb 2021 9,052 posts	0 cathrobinson Yes, 12.7v when the engine was off. It said 14.0v when the engine was running. So, if I understand what you said correctly, battery condition could still be fine...?
Gobi Feb 2021 10:52pm, 7 Feb 2021 73,097 posts	0 Gobi NE/Cath - that is my understanding of batteries as welll
Angus Clydesdale Feb 2021 10:53pm, 7 Feb 2021 21,856 posts	0 Angus Clydesdale Sounds to me like that's OK Cath. As the exile said.
Gobi Feb 2021 2:37pm, 8 Feb 2021 73,109 posts	0 Gobi So the banded steels are on properly Mrs has already said she prefers the old wheels
Gobi Feb 2021 2:53pm, 8 Feb 2021 73,110 posts	0 Gobi