12 volt while driving

[TCG]

hi all
I don't now if i have posted this in the correct place, so please move if appropriate.

the 12 volt electrics turn themselves off when i start the engine, ideally i want to have a cool box for the beer in the garage, Is there an easy way of disabling this function to allow the 12 volt to be always fully functional

thanks in advance

 

[pappajohn]

Yes there is...sort of.
You need to locate then bypass the relay which controls this function.

Where is it ?.....absolutely anywhere but usually near the 12v fuses.

 

[Lenny HB]

You can just disconnect the wire that feeds the relay that contols it, I take you have a Sargent distribution unit and the relay will be on the PCB so easier to disconnect the wire before it gets to the relay. After doing so do check that the alternator is still charging the leisure batteries in case they use the same wire, if thats the case you may have to do a mod on the pcb.

 

[TCG]

Thanks Guy's. i will give Sargent a call, as their customer tec service is normally good and they should be able to tell me the location of relay

 

[nicholsong]

If you have the common 3-way fridge it is powered with 12v when the engine is running, so you could tap off that feed and run a cable to the cool box.

Geoff

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[TCG]

If you have the common 3-way fridge it is powered with 12v when the engine is running, so you could tap off that feed and run a cable to the cool box.

Geoff

excellent Idea... Thanks

 

[Reallyretired]

If you have the common 3-way fridge it is powered with 12v when the engine is running, so you could tap off that feed and run a cable to the cool box.

Geoff

Trouble with that is that the 12v feed to the fridge goes off with the ignition so would have to connect the coolbox elsewhere to keep it going.
A use a coldbox for beer as more than a couple in the fridge causes moaning from swmbo. My 12v doesnt go off when moving as not a British one.
In the winter sometimes have an electric blanket on when driving. Nice warm bed on arrival.

 

[Chas17]

I have installed a separate 12v lead direct from the leisure batteries

 

[TCG]

I have installed a separate 12v lead direct from the leisure batteries

hi
sent Pm to pick your brains

 

[TheBig1]

the issue that leaving the 12v on to supply a coolbox is that if you dont unplug after driving it will flatten your battery

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[busby]

Trouble with that is that the 12v feed to the fridge goes off with the ignition so would have to connect the coolbox elsewhere to keep it going.
A use a coldbox for beer as more than a couple in the fridge causes moaning from swmbo. My 12v doesnt go off when moving as not a British one.
In the winter sometimes have an electric blanket on when driving. Nice warm bed on arrival.

Sympathy with you,,my wifes the same,,she insists the 3 way fridge is only for food and white wine,,,Treated myself to a small Waiko compressor chest fridge,,brilliant.BUSBY,,

 

[Madcaravanner]

I have installed a separate 12v lead direct from the leisure batteries

Ditto

I used a simple fused link to the hab area to a C line socket

 

[DanielFord]

I have installed a separate 12v lead direct from the leisure batteries

This is what I would do to solve the problem!

 

[PeteH]

If you have the common 3-way fridge it is powered with 12v when the engine is running, so you could tap off that feed and run a cable to the cool box.

Geoff

Ditto, Beat me to it!. But check the fuse and cable rating is up to coping with both.

 

[peterc10]

This problem is very much a British built motorhome thing, as the NCC "rules" say that the 12V habitation circuits must be off when you are driving. Of course that may be sensible for caravans, not motorhomes, but the rules are the same for both. The 12V habitation circuits in European built motorhomes remain live whether the engine is off or on.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[motorhomer]

I have a similar problem with our Autosleeper, whose 12v circuit goes off when the engine runs. My van has tank heaters in the underslung water tanks (which are actually pretty useless unless you are on mains as they flatten the battery very quickly). But I would sometimes like them on while driving - eg in France last week when it was minus 6 at midday! I can see no way of doing this. This is a serious disadvantage in what is otherwise a warm and cosy van!