Problem with vehicle battery in haitation area

[Benruddle]

The details.
2005 Bessacar on Fiat Ducati.

The Problem.
The step stopped working, would not go out.
Came back to it after a couple of days and it worked......once.
What I've worked out is that the fridge will also not work on 12volt while driving.
When I check the voltage on the Sargent ac85 the lesure is all good.
The vehicle battery will do nothing or rise to show a full battery very slowly. Then if you turn anything on it just drops right off.

Do to recap
There is a problem with the vehicle supply to the hab area.
It affects the step and fridge.
When tested at controller the needle rises very slowly if at all.

Any pointers welcome.

 

[Lenny HB]

May be a problem with the D+ supply from the alternator, there will probably be a relay box that distributes the signal to take the load of the alternator, it could be inside the Sargent box.

 

[Benruddle]

Thanks for the reply. Would that affect things that should work even without the alternator? I.e step?
Also by sargent box do you mean one in the engine bay?

Tring hard to not look like a newbie!!

Cheers.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thanks for the reply. Would that affect things that should work even without the alternator? I.e step?
Also by sargent box do you mean one in the engine bay?

Tring hard to not look like a newbie!!

Cheers.

If your step auto retracts when you turn on the engine the answer is probably yes.

 

[autorouter]

Motorhomes usually have a 12V distribution/fusebox, mounted in a locker, under a seat, in a cupboard etc. Not usually in the engine bay. This box contains fuses for the habitation area, and also relays which switch things on/off automatically, for example when the engine starts or when mains electricity is available.

There is usually a display/control panel, connected to the distribution/fusebox by a data cable. These boxes are made by various manufacturers, including Sargent, CBE, Schaudt, Scheiber. What make/model is your distribution box and panel?

There will be a fairly thick wire with a big fuse, maybe 30A, from the starter battery to the distribution/fusebox. The fuse will be near the starter battery. If this fuse has blown, or has bad contact/corroded, then power from the starter battery/alternator to the fridge, and possibly the step, will be weak or absent. Also maybe the leisure battery won't charge while the engine is running, as you'd expect it to.