Poor batteries causing big expense?

[aandncaravan]

We are getting more Charger/Power unit failures than this time last year, by a big margin.

Almost all have batteries well past their best and the reason for the damage.

Please can we suggest that you look to replace the batteries, before they get past it. Don't wait until they die, the bills could be major ones, like thousands.

 

The email below that we received yesterday is not untypical. You will see from our response what our assessment from a distance makes of the mess.

 

Note that the customer has recently bought this van (not a dealer purchase), yet it has serious and expensive issues that were seemingly missed at purchase time. He thinks the batteries are original.

 

If the Alternator has failed on this Motorhome it's replacement at £600 incl VAT and Labour at a Dealer.

New batteries £160.

New EBL 99 unit from a Dealer is £660 + fitting.

 

Up to £1,300 depending on which route is taken.

 

 

If you are thinking of buying a Motorhome, the electronics are probably one of the biggest single 'warranty' expenses, check everything works, especially charging from mains and the Alternator.

Check the habitation batteries, if they don't look brand new and the owner can't produce receipts assume they need replacement. If they can't demonstrate the mains charger and all other 230v electrics are working then think very carefully before you buy.

 

This is the email we got yesterday followed by our reply :

 

"Hi, I have just purchased a 2008 Hymer motorhome with a Schaudt Elektroblock EBL 99G. When I am on the mains the battery is not charging. There is 240v going into the EBL, but no charge to the battery. I have checked the fuses on the front of the EBL. The mains LED on the control panel does not light but all the 240v sockets work. I should also mention that the van has a solar panel with Morningstar Remote Meter fitted. There is a 14v charge to the battery when it is daylight. The alternator is charging the battery OK. I don't know if it is significant but the starter battery seems to be draining when the power is off. The fridge is in fault when on battery, even with engine running".

 

 

After gathering more info, we wrote back (edited) :

"Hello, I am guessing this is a Transit from the photos of the batteries?

The Habitation battery is an early style Exide G80, as you say both likely to be original.

 

Look for the Solar regulator which should be installed next to the EBL/habitation battery for maximum efficiency, so look for it there. However, most Installers put it in a cupboard up near the roof where the cables enter, usually costing you around 15% - 25% in lost Solar charging power.

 

The 'burning' on the EBL is in the area where the mains charger PCB sits and typical of damage when it gets overloaded by a rubbish battery?

 

So my diagnosis from afar :

 

1. The mains charger has burnt out from overload. We can repair this at £130, you don't need to buy new.

 

2. The habitation battery is past it.

 

3. The Starter battery at 9 years old is also likely to be well past it and the reason it is self draining.

 

4. The usual reason the Fridge isn't working is the Starter/habitation batteries have probably overloaded the wiring/Alternator?

 

With such poor batteries are you sure they have not already killed the Alternator as well? Are you certain the Starter battery does rise to 14.4v with the engine running but the Solar disconnected?".

 

 

 

The above is probably the third email since Christmas from a customer following a recent purchase with expensive issues.

 

I know we go on a lot about batteries, but the 12v battery is the Heart of the Motorhome, without it there is no pump for the cold Water, no lights, no heating, Hot Water, etc.

Neglect it, and just like with our Heart, it can take it's toll on many things around it.

 

 

 

This has just come in at 11:17 :

"Hi I have a Hymer644 year 2000 LHD. The batteries do not appear to be charging when on 240v also the yellow 240v indicater lamp on the control panel does not light when connected to mains supply. Hope you can help and would you post any parts required to France as we are there at the moment. Many thanks"