New Van

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:01
ThreadID: 61577 Views:2770 Replies:4 FollowUps:2
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Going away this weekend (not far - just down to Wonthaggi) - to try out the new van - but we do have a query - if we leave the van attached and plugged into the car - will we be able to use interior lights etc? this may sound stupid but having come from a camper trailer and having 12v light etc if we weren't in caravan park with power was no problem - but we could put the lead of the light through the door of the camper - can't do this with van - fly screens etc etc?
Not than we are going without power this weekend - but just for future reference.
ta
jules
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Reply By: Dunaruna - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:16

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:16
What brand/model are we talking about?

Most new vans these days have 12v systems already installed, some run through a 240v/12v converter, some are 12v independent (a battery in the van). If you have neither of these then the car is the only option.

If there is a connection it will be at pin 2 (unless your van has reverse lights) or an anderson plug.

The van saleman should have supplied you with all this information pertaining to your particular rig.
AnswerID: 324796

Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:17

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:17
Hi Jules

*Has your van got 12 & 240 volt power?

*Has your van got a 12 volt Battery System & Auto Charger?

*Has your van got a Anderson Plug.

*If you intend to draw power of your vehicle, might flatten the
battery over night, if you havent got a Dual Battery set up.


Cheers
Daza
AnswerID: 324797

Follow Up By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:25

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 17:25
Try to describe what you have in the Van, re: Power Connections,
maybe we can help with more info.
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FollowupID: 591938

Reply By: Big Al. Gold Coast - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 18:25

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 18:25
If you have a 12v system in the van with a 12v battery you may have to remove the trailer plug for the 12v supply to cut in.

Our system consists of a 12v supply to 3way fridge and 12v supply to battery in van. Also has a 240/12v transformer that charges the van battery.

The 12v lights and water pump will only work when the trailer plug is not connected to the vehicle.
AnswerID: 324810

Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 20:33

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 20:33
I have not seen a van that does not have 12 V lights in it (saying that I am sure that there are a few.) The older ones had 12 V globes fitted into the ceiling lights and there were separate switches for the 12 & 240 V lights. The 12 V lights take their power from the trailer plug (pin 2) so that power is supplied from the tug.

The newer vans often have 12 V lights supplied from a power supply powered from the mains (particularly Jayco.) These power supplies have a 12V input supplied from the trailer plug (pin 2) to take power from the tug for the lights.

The question is - have you had your tug wired to supply this power for the lights and the fridge? Have you asked the bloke that wired your tow bar to install the hot wire for a van - if you did not then I bet he did not provide it (this helps to keep the price down.) If you did get this hot wire supplied then just plug the van into the tug and see if the 12 V lights work. If not then get someone with electrical knowledge to sort out the problem.

PeterD
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AnswerID: 324841

Follow Up By: Member - AJB (VIC) - Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 21:13

Thursday, Sep 11, 2008 at 21:13
And that "hot wire" should come direct off the second battery, if you have one fitted, so you dont flatten your starting battery. However just running the lights probably will not flatten it overnight, provided you dont party all night, but if you run the 3 way fridge off it, start pushing in the morning.
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FollowupID: 591979

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