Hi Gang, we have just purchased a 2012 Evolution Allure caravan and I am still trying to work out how to have power when off grid. We have two solar panels, two batteries, a Solarforce 3o AMP Solar controller, a Power Inverter, a CTEK MXS 25 charger etc... When I turn the 240V mains off, I have no power at all. What am I missing?
Possum3 said
06:28 PM Feb 25, 2023
Welcome to GN's Gilo, Not familiar with you van type - most vans have an isolation switch (usually near door). the capacity of the batteries and the inverter are details you have omitted.
It is usual that lights, etc all run as 12volt units from battery - the charger and solar controller keeps the batteries powered. Microwave and other 240 volt gear must run off 240 volt switch or inverter.
Gilo said
08:09 PM Feb 28, 2023
Hey Possum, I have sent a photo of the Inverter for you to have a look.
I'm not home at the moment and will check the batteries tomorrow. Cheers GG
Tony Bev said
01:43 PM Mar 1, 2023
Hi Gilo
I am also not familiar with your type of caravan
But
Most caravan/RV's have a switch somewhere between the batteries and 12 volt system
This is to ensure that if you park up (for a lengthy time), and accidently leave a light on, the batteries will not drain
The switch in my RV, looks like a normal light switch, and is situated near the 240 volt incoming power box, and was not marked
Gilo said
09:50 AM Mar 21, 2023
Hi guys, I have two new batteries now and hesitate to connect them before I am certain that the CTEK charger is working correctly. My question is, how do I check that the CTEK is working correctly?
Whenarewethere said
10:04 PM Mar 22, 2023
I have never looked at ctek chargers. Maybe they have Bluetooth models like Victron. Then you have complete control on your phone.
Failing that, everyone should have a multimeter anyway, much easier to solve problems, especially if remote. Better still a DC clamp meter, they make checking amps a piece of cake.
Disclaimer: I have Victron 10amp & 30amp Bluetooth chargers & a Kyoritsu clamp meter, plus a few other multimeters.
Gilo said
09:21 AM Mar 23, 2023
Thanks heaps for that. I guess I have to connect the new batteries and see what happens.
It is usual that lights, etc all run as 12volt units from battery - the charger and solar controller keeps the batteries powered. Microwave and other 240 volt gear must run off 240 volt switch or inverter.
Hey Possum, I have sent a photo of the Inverter for you to have a look.
I'm not home at the moment and will check the batteries tomorrow. Cheers GG
I am also not familiar with your type of caravan
But
Most caravan/RV's have a switch somewhere between the batteries and 12 volt system
This is to ensure that if you park up (for a lengthy time), and accidently leave a light on, the batteries will not drain
The switch in my RV, looks like a normal light switch, and is situated near the 240 volt incoming power box, and was not marked
I have never looked at ctek chargers. Maybe they have Bluetooth models like Victron. Then you have complete control on your phone.
Failing that, everyone should have a multimeter anyway, much easier to solve problems, especially if remote. Better still a DC clamp meter, they make checking amps a piece of cake.
Disclaimer: I have Victron 10amp & 30amp Bluetooth chargers & a Kyoritsu clamp meter, plus a few other multimeters.
Thanks heaps for that. I guess I have to connect the new batteries and see what happens.
Cheers
GG