Leisure Battery/Vehicle battery winter maintenance

[Warthog1959]

Morning Campers (if you all had a quid)

A couple of questions due to my knowledge level becoming strained. I know that the alternator charges the vehicle and the leisure battery, but what I don't know is....

1. When the 240 socket on the van is plugged into the mains, does this also charge the vehicle battery?

2. I have 2 Solar Panels that I inherited with the van, when these are doing their job, do they also top up the vehicle battery?

3. Is it likely that I can rely on my solar panels over the winter?

4. How likely is it that I can overcharge my batteries. For my motor bike I use a charger that manages and monitors the input charge. Does these 2 systems do the same, i.e. mains and solar panels?

The pic is of my solar panel controller.

 

[hilldweller]

What van have you ?

 

[Warthog1959]

1994 Hymer 694, I think the solar panels and and extra leisure battery are a late addition.

 

[Wildman]

A couple of questions due to my knowledge level becoming strained. I know that the alternator charges the vehicle and the leisure battery, but what I don't know is....

1. When the 240 socket on the van is plugged into the mains, does this also charge the vehicle battery?
most vans have an either/or switch, some do both. If it does not there are devices to fit that will charge a second battery once the first has fully charged.

2. I have 2 Solar Panels that I inherited with the van, when these are doing their job, do they also top up the vehicle battery?
Only if above mentioned device is fitted.

3. Is it likely that I can rely on my solar panels over the winter?
I rely on mine and if the van is unused they keep the batteries fully charged, but I am further South I actually use the TV a few hours most days.

4. How likely is it that I can overcharge my batteries. For my motor bike I use a charger that manages and monitors the input charge. Does these 2 systems do the same, i.e. mains and solar panels?
Both solar and the built in charger have regulators as does any 4 stage battery charger and will not overcharge

 

[Warthog1959]

that's terrific help, Thanks VM

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