Butty Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I wonder if anyone can help I have a elddis autoquest 200, my battery does not charge whilst driving and if I take it off to recharge it does not seem to run the lights etc whoever had it before me fitted a reversing camera to the battery so if its not charged the reversing camera does not work Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spospe Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 First thing to do is check that your battery will both take and hold a charge, to do this ............... Check the electrolyte level and top-up with distilled water as necessary. Fully charge the battery using a battery charger. Carry out a test discharge using a known load (ordinary filament lamps are good for this). If the test capacity is less than 70% of the stated capacity, then change the battery. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butty Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 It is a brand new maintenace free battery, would it be better to run the reversing camera on the engine battery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docted Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Yes! Unless you want to look in on other campers when parked up for the night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spospe Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 Butty Unless your battery is of the gel-type, even if it is brand new, check the electrolyte level. I have seen many 'new' batteries that have been supplied with the level incorrect. A reversing camera should normally be connected to the vehicle's 12 volt supply, as it is only used when reversing, when the engine is running. God knows why it was connected to the leisure battery. Normally cameras are only activated when in reverse gear, but if yours is wired incorrectly, it could be draining the leisure battery all the time. Investigate and connect to the vehicle battery via a reversing switch (and check the electrolyte level). Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butty Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 ok I will change the reversing camera to the motorhomes engine battery and check out the battery thanks for the help new to motorhome had caravans before, but really enjoying the freedom of the motorhome never been to so many places as this year thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brambles Posted December 6, 2008 Share Posted December 6, 2008 I suspect you have a new battery to replace a duff one probaby caused by teh reversing camera discharging to a level wher it sulphaes and is now completely wrecked. This may as a result blown a fuse when it tries to charge, so 1st check fuses. Do not run the camera from the engine battery unless it is via a relay which is controlled by the igniton or revesing light circuit. Most people I believe wire the camera up to the the reversing light circuit direct at rear of vehicle, this saves taking a cable for power all the way forward to the cab. However some drivers want to also use as a rear view camera when driving forard, so best to power from ignition circuit so there is no drain on the batteries when stopped. Bad idea to connect to Engine battery if it will be permanently on. You will discharge your engine battery and it is bad enough with alarm circuits and other electronics drawing power when laid up. Hope this all makes sense. Jon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butty Posted December 6, 2008 Author Share Posted December 6, 2008 yes it makes sense thanks for that, the battery is being charged now and I will test it out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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