Club 80-90 Forums

Hope you good folks can help me with this odd one?

Vehicle is a 1984 Westy Joker High top 1.9 petrol

Brought myself a small dehumidifier for the van so for the last week or so I've been plugging into 240v when I get home with the van (I use it regularly during the day) to run the humidifier.

This morning I noticed a strong smell when I opened the door - a kind of chemical / hot smell is the best way I can describe it.

I thought it might be the fridge 240v heating element as I was running the fridge on hook up.

However got back today and plugged in but left the fridge on battery setting.

Just been down to the van to get something and I could smell it from outside the van - really strong smell.

Opening the door I find it quite toxic inside - really pungent chemical smell.

I also notice that the battery level is low (orange light on the fridge dash) given its been on charge for the last 6-7 hours.

I therefore assume that my BBB charger is on the blink - It's quite warm but not sure I'd describe it as hot. Certainly not to touch.

Can anyone confirm this might be the case or has anyone come across anything similar?

If it is the BBB - what's a good modern day replacement ?

Thanks in advance



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I assume you're plugging your hookup into the mains and then plugging your dehumidifier into that. If so then you might want to check your batteries, particularly your leisure battery. When you're on hookup you'll be charging both batteries through the BBB. If either of them is duff it might be off-gassing as a prelude to failing completely. Try disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery and see if the smell comes back.

Yes I am plugging the hookup into the mains and then plugging a transformer plug for the dehumidifier into the 240 socket in the van - I'll check the batts - thanks for the tip - the drivers one is fairly new (12months old) and the lesiure seems to be holding up ok during the day. Running an inverter for the laptop etc - I have solar panels on the roof which trickle charge both


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UPDATE: Just been out to check on the smell after unhooking from the mains about an hour ago I and I have a really warm leisure batt plus what looks like some clear liquid around the pos terminal


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Sounds like you need to remove that battery and get a replacement. Once you've removed it then you could maybe try the mains hookup again and see if the smell has gone.

Is it ok to be left in the van tonight?


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I've taken it off charge


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It should be okay to disconnect the negative terminal and leave the duff battery in the van for now, but it would be sensible not to leave it too long before removing it in case it wants to carry on leaking.

OK - thanks - I'll get a new one ordered - van stinks now Can't even blame the dog


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