Possible to keep the hab electrics on while driving? (1 Viewer)

[RogerThat]

Tried a few searches, couldn't seem to find an answer to this one.

Anyone know of a way to keep the electrics on in the hab area while the engine is running? I don't even know if it's possible from a tech point of view (re system chargers, etc).

Our occasional rear-seated passengers are desperate for phone-charging capabilities on the move and a bit of light for reading (when their phone batteries are flat)

Sargent EC480 panel on a EC500 box, everything turns off the moment the van engine is started.

 

[DBK]

It's a peculiarity of some, although not all, UK made vans. It doesn't happen with our van. It certainly doesn't have to be like that but how you correct it I don't know.
Ideally there is a relay you can disable.

 

[Guigsy]

I think it's unwise. The voltage goes all over the place while cranking.

With our dumb panel that's a bunch of mechanical switches... we leave all our circuits on all the time and haven't had an issue (yet).

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

 

[jollyrodger]

A lot to be said about the older left hooker hymers everything works ,plus charging points I have put in

 

[RogerThat]

I think it's unwise. The voltage goes all over the place while cranking.

True enough, but said gadgets are only running from USB ports in the back of the van, which in turn are wired to the hab battery and should be unaffected by anything the engine does.

Says he, the font of all electrical knowledge

 

[Camping Gaza]

I installed a couple of extra 12v and usb charge sockets fused direct from my hab banks. Very simple to do or get someone to do it for you. Or modify what you have, just running extra cables to them

Live all the time, and will not mess up your vans electrical system.

Parasitic drain negligable or you can switch it if you need to

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

 

[Richard n Ann]

I installed a couple of extra 12v and usb charge sockets fused direct from my hab banks. Very simple to do or get someone to do it for you. Or modify what you have, just running extra cables to them

Live all the time, and will not mess up your vans electrical system.

Parasitic drain negligable or you can switch it if you need to

Me too ?

 

[tonka]

Not on an Autotrail or most other British made Van's. It's some sort of guideline that the UK manufacturers seem to follow. However contintal Van's don't do it and the jab power works while in motion.
Easiest thing is to run a separate fused feed off the habitation battery and fit in your own USB/ 12v power sockets for direct power.

 

[DaveandJen]

A quick fix could be one of these plugged into the dashboard cigarette lighter fitted to most vans not already fitted with a USB socket and a long USB lead.

Amazon product ASIN B012NO14M8

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

 

[pappajohn]

There will be a N/C relay somewhere, possibly near the control panel or, in my case with two Kontiki's, next to the charger.
Ignition on powers the relay opening the hab circuit supply wire.
Just disconnect the earth preventing the relay opening.
Pot luck/trial & error finding it thought

 

[eddie]

Years ago when the EMC Laws kicked in it was cheaper to turn stuff off than pay to test it

Buy European and you can spend a penny in a traffic jam, and flush, buy American, Australian or Japanese, you can have a wee, flush and wash your hands

The NCC now state it as a rule, because they know no different and weren’t born when the decision was made

 

[stevewagner]

Tried a few searches, couldn't seem to find an answer to this one.

Anyone know of a way to keep the electrics on in the hab area while the engine is running? I don't even know if it's possible from a tech point of view (re system chargers, etc).

Our occasional rear-seated passengers are desperate for phone-charging capabilities on the move and a bit of light for reading (when their phone batteries are flat)

Sargent EC480 panel on a EC500 box, everything turns off the moment the van engine is started.

I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.

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

 

[138go]

Buy a Laika We have the habitation power on all the time which also means we can have the heating and hot water on as well. Think this is a throw back to the days of caravans. NCC rules don't allow the habitation power to be on when the vehicle is on the move. It's all a very very British thing.

 

[pappajohn]

And NCC rules don't mean diddly squat in law..... They have no legal standing, only what converters should comply with to be members of their exclusive club.

 

[pappajohn]

I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.

That will be some kind of electronic relay on the circuit board so disconnecting wires from the mechanical relay is out.

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

 

[Arzedby]

My British Van has NCC approval and the habitation electrics remain on when travelling.

 

[peterc10]

Buy European and you can spend a penny in a traffic jam, and flush, buy American, Australian or Japanese, you can have a wee, flush and wash your hands

You can wash your hands in a European one too.

 

[RogerThat]

I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500

Is that something you can share?

If not, I’ll probably go for installing a 12v socket in the rear in to which they can plug a USB charger as suggested above.

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

 

[BobtheBass]

It should be easy if you have a really, really long hook up lead.......

 

[Clarky]

Just buy a German van.
All our electrics work, the Memsahib can flush the loo, wash her hands and we can keep the heating on while we drive.
However, if I want to use the loo I have to switch on cruise control.

Richard

 

[IanRJ]

I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.

Could you share that sheet please Steve?

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

 

[sallylillian]

Have my inverter on all the time whilst traveling, Germans have big debates about running their 230vac whilst under way to the best advantage.

 

[Revolvor]

Me too ?

Me too, + a 12v to 6v converter so our 12v fan runs slower (& quieter) at night.

 

[Lenny HB]

I think it's unwise. The voltage goes all over the place while cranking.

Doesn't have any effect on the hab batteries.

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

 

[eddie]

Have my inverter on all the time whilst traveling, Germans have big debates about running their 230vac whilst under way to the best advantage.

The advantage of that is when you use a slow cooker! Chuck everything in the pot, drive, arrive to a hot meal with no wait! Great in the Winter.

And no I don't care its dangerous

 

[robnchris]

I have an info sheet that tells you how to fit an override switch for a Sergeant EC500. It works on Autotrails - not sure about others.

Hi Steve, as requested can you please share the sheet with others on here sounds like it's much in demand. Cheers.

 

[robnchris]

The advantage of that is when you use a slow cooker! Chuck everything in the pot, drive, arrive to a hot meal with no wait! Great in the Winter.

And no I don't care its dangerous

Hi Eddie, which inverter would you recommend? the slow cooker whilst travelling sounds like a fantastic idea. Cheers Rob

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

 

[GPW]

The Globecar can have the hab electrics on when travelling but I tend to leave them off as I worry the vibrations of driving may open one of the taps.

 

[eddie]

Hi Eddie, which inverter would you recommend? the slow cooker whilst travelling sounds like a fantastic idea. Cheers Rob

We recommend Victron or Sterling inverters. On my van I have an inverter/charger which is on all the time, with all of the 13 amp sockets available via the inverter

This means in addition to using a slow cooker, all the usual stuff can be used, chargers, eBike chargers etc. We drove back from the NEC in February, and gave our Daughter in Law a lift. Lyn (my wife) drove, Rach sat up front with her, whilst I watched the rugby, on demand on the TV all mains equipment via the inverter

There is no real need to compromise despite what the luddites say

 

[eddie]

Hi Steve, as requested can you please share the sheet with others on here sounds like it's much in demand. Cheers.

It is a slightly different mod on different Sargent units, but to be fair to Sargent give them a call and tell them your model number and they will tell you what to do

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