Bailey Approach Compact 520 - will it charge the vehicle battery

[paroli]

Hi.
The manual for our 2014 Bailey Approach Compact 520 states (on page 43) that I can set the control panel to charge the Vehicle battery when 230V mains is connected.

A couple of people however have said to me that the wiring is not there to do this (and I would need something like Battery Master to do so).

Can anyone advise me whether the manual is correct or not?

Thanks
Patrick

 

[Ingwe]

Why not put a voltmeter across the vehicle battery, whilst the van is on hook up and see the differences in voltage when you turn the control control panel to the setting on and off again?

 

[paroli]

Hi
I will have to go out and find a voltmeter
I currently do not have one
P

 

[Ingwe]

Amazon product ASIN B01ISAMUA6

 

[Ingwe]

We've got a Bailey 620 Approach (2012). This was a post I posted some time ago on the same subject as you.

"We have checked the power switch as you helpfully suggested. But, whereas we can opt to charge either the leisure or vehicle battery on hookup, you can't have both.

The Bailey manual states as follows:
Your motorhome is fitted with a 12 volt charger as standard. This converts the 230 volt AC supply to 12 volt DC. This enables the 12 volt equipment in the motorhome to function and charges the motorhome leisure battery. The charger is capable of charging leisure batteries and will not overcharge."

I know this doesn't apply to some other makes but it does to ours unfortunately.

Edit: the power switch does not allow for a choice as to what battery is charged. What it allows is for choice as to which primary source of power you use to run equipment in the motorhome. Either the leisure battery or the vehicle battery. Clearly if you choose the latter, you will be at risk in not being able to start your vehicle."

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[Top Hat]

All depends if it has a split charge relay fitted, what panel does your van have, and is there a toggle switch that you can choose between vehicle or leisure, if it has, when on Hook up choose vehicle and with a multi meter check if the vehical battery is charging. Then switch over to leisure and see if that is charging.

Charlie

 

[paroli]

Thanks for your help all. I need to get a meter to check.

I suspect - as per advice above that there is an either-or here. I can charge EITHER the leisure OR the vehicle - but not both simultaneously.
Off to the shops!

N.B. I can see that there is an option to USE either the leisure or vehicle battery - but I think we need to tread carefully here unless we want to get stuck somewhere!

Patrick

 

[hilldweller]

What controller do Bailey use, I'd guess Sargent.

 

[paroli]

Hi. The control panel is BCA
Thanks

 

[hilldweller]

Hi. The control panel is BCA
Thanks

Sorry, new one on me, can't help.

Simple meter:

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[ChristineandJohn]

Patrick there may be someone on the Bailey Motorhome Owners Group on Facebook, who could help you.

 

[chrisinplymouth]

Another for the Bailey Owners page on Facebook

 

[SomeoneElse]

@patrick99 As I'm now at home with EHU I can confirm my understanding of the 12V electrics in my Baily 625 of 2013 vintage that I expect is identical to yours.
Firstly the "charger" is really only an unregulated PSU (Power Supply Unit) and as the quote by @Ingwe "This converts the 230 volt AC supply to 12 volt DC. This enables the 12 volt equipment in the motorhome to function..." This PSU has a no load output of 13.8V and is connected to the leisure battery to form a float charger. Note the output voltage drops the larger load you put on it.
When you select the vehicle battery on the control panel then power for the habitation lights, pump, cooker ignition, flush etc is taken from the vehicle battery while the charger continues to be connected to the leisure battery.
Therefore Bailey's charger does NOT under any circumstance charge the vehicle battery. I have installed a Sterling Battery Maintainer to ensure my vehicle battery in kept fully charged. https://sterling-power.com/products/battery-to-battery-charger-maintainer. This electronic unit takes power from a fully charged leisure battery to charge the vehicle battery.

 

[paroli]

Thanks all. I am now back home again so can do some further investigation. I suspect SomeoneElse that my layout is the same as yours! The van is due to have a solar panel and BatteryMaster installed so I think this should solve any vehicle battery needs (assuming some sun at some time). Thanks

 

[Ingwe]

Certainly the battery master ( bought from this forum) sorted out my vehicle battery issues whilst on hookup or just using the solar panel. No more flat vehicle battery.

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