Quick Westy camping electrics question

[budda666]

First time away this weekend in Eddie + a hook up cable. Am I right in thinking that the 'factory' Westy set-up means that whilst radio / lights etc... will be running off battery power, the hook-up should keep the main and leisure batteries charged? We're not going to be moving the van over the weekend and don't want to suddenly find he won't start on Monday morning!

[Mr Soft]

I believe that some og the rear interior lights run off the leisure battery & the stereo runs off the van battery (unless modified to run off the leisure). If your leisure battery is charged & in good condition, then a weekend without moving should be fine. Originally the Westy would have been fitted with a charging unit under the back seat the Buzzing Black Box (BBB) is responsible for charging both batteries when on hook up. A lot of vans have had the BBB removed over the years & never replaced, like mine. I've had weekends away with no hook up, so ran the fridge on Gas, then all that needs powering is the water pump for the tap & interior lights. Hope this helps.

Bob

[budda666]

That's great, thanks. Am assuming radio and lights are running off main van battery for the moment, will do some more research on the BBB and see if ours is still there and just see what happens this weekend...

[Mr Soft]

No probs!!

[AdrianC]

I believe that some og the rear interior lights run off the leisure battery & the stereo runs off the van battery (unless modified to run off the leisure).

No, unless they've been modified, all the lights and stereo are off the starter battery. Basically, Westfalia just piggy-backed off the cab interior lights (original VW loom) for the rear lights. It's just one fuse for the lot (plus clock).

Don't forget you can keep an eye on the charge of the leisure battery via the cooker control panel, but - unless the mod's been done - all that comes off the leisure is the "Westy added" stuff - fridge cooling fan, Eber, tap.

Easy 'nuff to identify the BBB - lift the rear seat base, and look in the LH corner. If there's a huge black box with vents in it, that's the BBB.

[Mr Soft]

There you go, you something new every day!! Thanks!

I have blown the fuse for the cab lights, stereo & clock before, but iirc the over cooker lights worked, but not the over sliding door light. It's been a while thou', could be wrong.

Bob