To ensure that all 12V electronic devices work without external power, the camping battery voltage should never fall below 12V (50%).
Lighting
The lighting in the Family Freedom only works if the camping battery is sufficiently charged or if the camper is connected to an external power supply or the generator is running.
You can check the charge status of the battery via the onboard unit next to the entrance door:
Living area
- The ceiling light in the living area (1) and the light points on the floor (2) can be switched on using the switches next to the entrance door:
- The switches for the awning lighting, step lighting and trunk lighting are also located next to the entrance door:
- The lights under the wall cupboards in the living area and in the sleeping area can be switched on directly at the lamp:
Kitchen
- The switches for the kitchen light (1) and the light under the wall cupboard (2) are located under the wall cupboard above the sink:
Sleeping area
- The light switch for the sleeping area is located next to the bathroom door:
Bathroom
- The light switch for the bathroom light is located in the bathroom:
Electricity
There are numerous sockets and USB ports throughout the vehicle:
Living area
- There are 2 USB sockets on the wall between the rear seat and the cockpit and 1 USB/1 USB-C/1 wireless station on the table:
- Two further 120V sockets are located under the rear seat:
Kitchen
- There are two 120V sockets on the kitchen unit next to the entrance:
Sleeping area
- There are two 120V sockets and 2 USB sockets on the wall next to the bed:
Bathroom
- In the bathroom there are two 120V sockets on the side of the washbasin:
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: only work with an external power connection
- 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
No power in the living area
- Check whether the main battery switch is switched on:
- Check that the RCD and the other 120V fuses are OK. You will find them behind the black cover under the bed:
Before any fuse is pulled, following safety measures is required:
- Turn off the engine and remove the key from the contact.
- Unplug the car from any external power supply.
- Pull carefully on the fuse by pulling from the sides.
- A damaged fuse can be burnt or have the connector broken (see picture). If so, please replace it. You can find them at petrol stations and hardware stores.
When connected to an external power supply
Always check:
- Whether the cable is plugged in correctly at the campsite and the camper.
- Whether the light on the socket for the cable is lit.
- Whether the RCD and the other 120V fuses are in order. They should be pointing to the right. You will find them behind the black cover under the bed:
- If everything is OK, check if the cable or the socket at the other end (which is plugged in at the campsite) is faulty! Maybe a nice fellow camper will let you check with his cable and working socket? :)