Checking Battery Voltage and Charging on an Older Camper

[cedricuk]

Hi everyone,
 I’m interested in how people check the battery and charging system on an older T25 or similar camper.
 When electrical accessories start behaving oddly, it can be difficult to tell whether the problem is a weak battery, poor connections or the alternator not charging properly.
 What voltage readings would you normally expect with the engine off, while starting, and with the engine running? Are there any common things worth checking first on these older vans?
 Interested to hear what methods have worked for others.

[simonmarsh]

I use a multimeter and would expect around 12.5 volts without engine running and over 14 with but without any drain on the battery 

[cedricuk]

that makes sense. using a multimeter seems the easiest way to get a rough idea of how the battery and alternator are doing. good to know those voltage readings as a starting point.