Also when it’s plugged into mains I can’t get anything to work i.e. lights, pump or water heater. Do these run only off 12v?
Response
I assume you have the basics covered, by that I mean you have a good battery fitted and connected, and you have mains electric connected to your van.
It sounds like the charger isn’t working but from what you say the fridge should still work.
Try connecting the caravan to the mains and put the switch on for the charger/fridge but don't turn the charger on. Put the fridge on and select the 240 volt setting on it – does it work?
If it does, turn the charger output on, if it blows, your charger is at fault and will need replacing. Or you don't have a battery connected.
Yes most of the other items are 12 volt, which if your charger does not work and your battery is flat (or missing) they won't work. You should have some 240 volt lights in the main seating area of the van.
Reply
Thanks, I shall try that tomorrow, turn the fridge/charger switch on but leave the charger off.
Yes, I have the battery all connected up, but it is flat. I will charge it tomorrow with a car battery charger then check pump/heater etc.
Response
All sorts of funny things can happen if the battery is flat, even with the charger, as it will try to charge the battery at full output, and that could be the cause of your issues, especially if it is connected.
Reply
I have removed the charger completely, flicked the switch on for the fridge and plugged it in and yes its working fine.
I used a car charger plugged into the mains then attached it to the wires where the on board charger should be, and hey presto it’s all working fine now on 12v - pump, heater and all lights. It’s obviously a broken charger that’s tripping out... time to get searching for a new one!
Thanks for all your help.
Response
Great, at least you know what you need to do now, thanks for letting me know.
Incidentally, it might be cheaper to use a stand-alone charger, like what you did to test everything, as the fixed chargers for caravans are expensive.
