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General information about camping and vehicle batteries

Our campers consist of:

  • Chassis: Vehicle frame + cockpit
  • Camping superstructure: Living area

Both areas are equipped with their own battery.

All camping-related devices such as the refrigerator, auxiliary heating, lighting (living area), USB (living area), and water pump are powered by the camping battery.

All vehicle-related appliances such as the radio, USB (cockpit), lights (cockpit), and the engine start (ignition) are powered by the vehicle battery.

Important!

If the camping battery is empty (this should be avoided at all costs!), the vehicle can still be started — provided the vehicle battery is charged.

Functions such as the refrigerator and lighting in the living area are then no longer usable without the engine running.

If the vehicle battery is empty (this should also be avoided!), the refrigerator, for example, can still be operated if the camping battery is charged.

However, it is then no longer possible to start the engine.

Notes on battery use

Always keep an eye on the charge status of both batteries.

If necessary, connect to an external power source or drive a few kilometers to charge both batteries.

How long does the camping battery last?

As a rule, you can be self-sufficient for about 1–2 days with a fully charged camper. However, the exact duration depends heavily on how you use the electricity in the camper:

  • Refrigerator use: A refrigerator that runs continuously consumes a lot of energy.
  • Lighting and USB devices: Frequent charging of mobile phones, tablets or cameras shortens the runtime.
  • Standing heating: In cold temperatures, the heating can draw a lot of power.
  • Driving behaviour: The battery is recharged while driving – if you drive a lot, it will recharge automatically.

How can I save electricity?

  • Only switch on the fridge when needed
  • Only charge devices when necessary
  • For longer periods of inactivity, consider whether a campsite with electricity connection is advisable

Important in the cockpit:

After switching off the engine, no devices such as the radio or ventilation should continue to be operated.

Ideally, electrical devices should also be charged in the living area — not in the cockpit — to conserve the vehicle battery.

Because let's be honest:

An empty camping battery and a refrigerator that doesn't work are annoying...

but a camper that won't start in the morning because the vehicle battery is empty is even more annoying! 😄

 

You can find specific solutions to problems in the relevant vehicle folder in the “Instructions & Troubleshooting section.

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