Electrical Fault or faulty appliance

[Moveo Antics]

Hi all, I have 2 questions. My husband and I have been motorhoming for around 15 years with no problems. But our latest motorhome (we've owned for 4 years) has issues with the Webasto (Diesel fired) water heater. We just can't get it to fire up. We've asked around for anyone who knows how to repair them.... still waiting... (I've never had a shower in the thing yet!!)
The other question is this... Because we can't get heating to work we bought a small electric space heater. This works lovely, but when we turn it off and unplug it, a few minutes later the power trips. Could it be that the heater is just too powerful for the hook up electric? Or is something more sinister going on? If its too powerful, why does the electric trip after we turn the heater off?
Thank you

 

[Stealaway]

Webasto do need servicing every few years as thye soot up with the diesel fuel. They also need a very good battery to start them, having the engine running at start up could help.

We usually only have the electric fan heater on low - 1 KW - 5/6 amps. On 2 kw it would be pulling 10/12 amps maybe too much for the trips

 

[autorouter]

First question to ask is, what exactly is it that trips? In the mains box there should be two different types of trip. One has a test button, and is called an RCD. The other doesn't have a test button, and is called an MCB. They trip for different faults.

 

[Moveo Antics]

Found out, it's the trip switch without the button. MCB.

 

[Richard n Ann]

Found out, it's the trip switch without the button. MCB.

Tripping on over current then. But if it trips after you've unplugged the heater, it's not that.

Is the van heater trying to come on after when it cools off a bit?

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[autorouter]

Found out, it's the trip switch without the button. MCB.

What is the trip setting of the MCB that trips? It will be written on it. Likely to be C10, C6 or C16. Or maybe B10, B6 or B16.

What does the MCB switch off when it trips? Is there more than one MCB? Many MHs have two or more. If more than one, what is still working, so we know what the problem isn't?

 

[Moveo Antics]

Next time we are in it. Friday, I'll have a look and let you know. Thank you

 

[DBK]

Does any error message appear on the Webasto panel also check you have fuel in the tank. And as suggested run the engine and ensure the battery voltage is at least 12.5 volts, ideally over 13.

There should be 3 fuses involved, typically one 10 and two 15s I think from memory but if one has blown there probably must be a fault somewhere although some early models had a 5 amp fuse instead of the 10 and this could blow on its own.

Webasto heaters are used in a lot of boats so you may find a service agent where there are boats - near a large marina for example. Google should locate one - where are you based?

 

[Moveo Antics]

We are back in the motorhome and checking all fuses. We are from East Lancashire. This is with everything working... So far so good.