12 volt

Hi Clint

We need more info, model numbers and pictures always help.

Have you got a multimeter to do some tests ?

Regards

Derek from ABR

Hi Clint
Our Jayco's lights are 12 volt only and yes our battery is charging when plugged into 240v
Cheers Ray

Clint,
Just as Derek asks, we need pictures to tell you anything, as it may be set up in any number of ways, do you have a multimeter to do any 12v tests ?

Maîneÿ . . .

Is there a battery fitted??

We own a Jayco Sterling Caravan and according to the instruction book you must switch on 12 volt switch in overhead cupboard at all times and that way you have lighting when on 240 volts or when on the battery from under the bed, also remember to switch off 12volt switch when storing caravan.

Hi Clint & Chell,
We need to know if your van is an early model or one of the later models so that we can determine whether it is set up for mainly 12 volt operation, as is the case in more modern vans which have shore power support, or whether the van has one circuit for 240 volt lights and another for 12 volt lights as was the case in all the older vans in which case they have 1 x 240 volt light and 1 x 12 volt light per light fitting. Two distinct circuits as far as lighting goes.

When connected to shore power (240 volts) you need your lights working off the transformer, which is what you had when the lights went out due to blackout. We assume. But in such case you would normally throw a switch to go from battery power (house power) to the transformer. Shore power.

The fact that you have a battery under the bed would say it is set up for mainly 12 volt operation but we cannot be sure. If the van is post year 2000 manufacture then it would be set up for mainly 12 volt operation, we assume, but cannot be sure without more precise info.

Hope this clarifies the issue for you. ( or have I muddied the water even further)
Bruce.

In the Jayco Sterling one of the cupboards (usually above the bed) contains a switch labelled “Battery Switch” if this is turned off the lights won’t work when running on the battery alone.

Also in this cupboard is a switch labelled “Battery monitor” depress this and it will light up a series of LEDs showing the batteries state of charge. Monitor this on a regular basis and keep the battery volts up to “Good “status for maximum life. Also do this regularly when the van is not in use

On the Jayco Sterling (the latter models anyway) The 12 volt lights run when connected to 240 volt because they aren't running off the battery but off an independant 12 volt supply not connected to the battery switch.

Leave the battery switch off when the van is not in use as this stop parasitic drag on your battery.

Regards Dennis.