Hi, new here and my first post is asking for advice. I have an Elddis Crown Sceptre that was originally fitted with a Zig 7 charger system ( according to the available documentation when I bought it ), but it now has an MEC 1214, which has failed ( output is 11.7 volts and it ticks like a bomb ). So I need to replace it. I'm looking at the Sargent PF200 or the PX300. I always go on sites with 240V power so the charger / psu would only need to run the water pump and an occasional light on site. I would appreciate any opinions on these chargers and any recommendations for other budget chargers that can directly replace the MEC1214 .The second flying lead to the car has been cut off so no need for 12v power on the move, and I will be buying a new battery, probably varta LFD90.
Best regards Mick
indicates that it an ‘intelligent’ battery-charger not a ‘primarily for caravan usage’ fixed-voltage charger/PSU. If you are considering obtaing a Varta LFD90 battery, you might be better to opt for the PX300.
(Sargent has a reputation for good customer relations, so you could try asking their opinion.)
Posted: 11 August 2020 3:03 PM Subject: RE: Charger ?
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Posts: 5
Thanks Derek , I'll probably go with one of the Sargents. I called Lektronix last week and was told that they only deal business to business.
regards Mick
Posted: 11 August 2020 4:30 PM Subject: RE: Charger ?
Location: Vanless in Evesham.
A and N Caravan Services in North Wales are very knowledgeable and well known for giving sound practical help.
Their founder,Allan Evans, was a man of integrity whose single minded determinination, knowledge and enthusiasm in the pursuit of 12 volt excellence was legendary on this forum.
The website concentrates more on motorhome electrical issues than on caravans as the technical side of motorhomes tends to be more sophisticated and the way the vehicle is used more varied.
The MEC 1214 unit has a 13.8V 12A (150W) output. It’s a traditional ‘caravan’ PSU that could be used without a leisure-battery. (The Zig X7 was a similar device with a 12.5A output maximum.)
I believe the Sargent PF200 has not been discussed on these forums (as it’s more suitable for caravan usage) but the PX300 has been.
From what you’ve said in your original posting, your on-campsite 12V electrical requirements are very light, so a straightforward 13.8V charger/PSU like the PF200 should be adequate. But a PX300 would charge a Varta LFD90 battery a lot quicker and more efficiently and, if you are going to spend the thick end of £100 on a LFD90, it would make sense (to me) to match the charger to the battery even if doing so costs (say) £25 more.
Posted: 15 August 2020 7:58 PM Subject: RE: Charger ?
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Posts: 5
Advice taken and PX300 is now fitted. Need a new battery now, maybe Varta. Where's the best online supplier, not necessarily the cheapest.
regards Mick
The currently-quoted price (including VAT and carriage) and warranty duration (in years) of a Varta LFD90 battery from those suppliers is (respectively)
£97.50 - 4
£99.13 - 2
£104.99 - 2
I recently bought two Varta 12V batteries - a LFD90 and a H3 Silver Dynamic - from Batterymegastore, but that was as much as anything because they are based at Tewkesbury, about a half-hour’s drive from where I live, and I could collect the batteries myself rather than have them delivered by courier. Both batteries' date-of-manufacture was quite recent and both were reasonably well charged. (I made sure that both batteries were 100% charged before installing them in my motorhome.)
Advice on interpreting Varta battery date-codes is here
Although the interpretation advice is accurate, the date-code of current Varta batteries is now on the battery’s upper surface beneath the hinged carrying handle. The information is quite faint, but does allow the year/month of manufacture to be confirmed.
If you prefer not to buy on-line and there’s a Halfords branch near you, you might consider their HLB700 battery
Posted: 18 August 2020 9:27 AM Subject: RE: Charger ?
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Posts: 5
Bought the HLB700 from Halfords yesterday, it's local in case of any problems and I got 10% off with my Defence discount card. Weighs a ton and just squeezes in. Don't know whether to get a vent tube or not.
Regards Mick
Best to fit a vent-tube. Even if the battery is not within your caravan's habitation area, if it did start to 'gas' the tube should allow the acidic fumes to escape to the outside air under the caravan.
(It's perhaps stating the obvious, but if the HLB700 has a vent-tube outlet on each end, make sure that the outlet that does not have the vent-tube in it is plugged.)
