To ensure that all 12V electronic devices work without external power, the camping battery voltage should never fall below 12V (50%).
The light in the Couple Cottage Offroad (Hymer Grand Canyon) only works when the camping battery is charged or when an external power supply is connected.
The on-board computer must be switched on for the light to work. You will find it above the rear-view mirror:
The light switches for the interior and the wet cell are located on the front side of the kitchen counter and above the sink:
The light strips in the bedroom and above the dining area can also be operated and dimmed directly via the button on the side:
The living area has a blue light to make it easier to move around when all the lights are off.
There are numerous power sockets and USB ports throughout the vehicle:
- There are 4 230V sockets in Couple Cottage Offroad: at the entrance next to the step switch, to the left of the fridge, above the fridge, above the inside table and one in the toilet.
- In the living area there are two 12V sockets: one above the table and one above the fridge. You will also find USB and 12V sockets in the cockpit area.
Please note the following:
- When stationary, do not charge any device in the driver's cab via USB. The starter battery will discharge and the engine may not start!
- 230V sockets: these work when the vehicle is connected to an external power source or when the inverter is activated (see below).
- USB ports and 12V sockets: work without an external power connection, with a charged camping battery (always keep it above 50% or 12V).
- With a full battery, you can be self-sufficient for 1-2 days without a power connection, depending on usage. Then you need to drive for a while to recharge the battery or connect your camper to an external power source.
- 🚗 Slow driving & short distances → hardly any battery charge
- 🛣️ Long drives on motorways → better charge, but takes several hours
- 🔋 The starter battery is charged first, then the camping battery.
- ⚠️ Driving alone is often not enough to fully charge the camping battery.
- 🔌 Recommendation: charge externally every 48 hours to avoid energy shortages (especially at night 💤).
- Don't forget to unplug the power cable before driving off! For some models, you need to press the blue lever next to the plug downwards.
Troubleshooting
If the light or the plugs have no power on the 230V sockets despite sufficient battery or external power source, please check in the left cupboard under the bed:
- Whether the RCD switches are pointing upwards:
- Whether the main battery switch is switched on. If it is green at the top, it is switched on:
Inverter
- If the vehicle is connected to an external power source, the RCD switches must also be activated.
- Thanks to the inverter, the vehicle can also supply your 230V sockets with power without an external power source. However, this must be switched on for this to work:
- Open the boot lid
- Remove the camping chairs from their mountings.
- Open the door where the extra toilet cassette is stored.
- This is where you will find the inverter. The marked switch must be set to “ON” for the 230V sockets to work: