Car mechanic here, 12.7 volts is 100% charged, 11.9 volts is 0% charged fyi, you will probably find one of your batteries is failing, you need to have your batteries tested firstly. If you have one of your batteries failing, because they are wired in series, it will drag the other battery down so I would recommend you replacing both at the same time if either battery needs to be replaced.
Check the voltage on each battery as you try to start the engine, I suspect the 11.8v battery will go down to say 8 or 9 volts, if so it may be knackered, they should be reading about the same and over 12.5v.
For future proofing the lorry. Run some battery cable tails up into the lorry close to the leisure battery. You can fit an Anderson plug and socket and jump start off your leisure battery. As said above. Suspect the lower voltage battery is faulty. Get them tested/replaced.
Some 7,5t's have a built in isolator switch located near the battery box, I would recommend fitting one. Power can be shut off when not in use and some have a locking option so will act as an anti theft device also
I think that test meter may have a 10 amp curret tester/amp meter (ammeter) setting which if you disconnect 1 battery terminall and place 1 lead to battery and other lead to vehicle lead which went onto battery you can check for a discharge load .
29:41 yup, replace the pair of batteries & any clips or leads that aren't absolutely perfect. (The leads are very expensive so you're more into a value judgement). Vaseline all connectors liberally, no metal should be left visible.
I have been watching a while now I now have a new found respect for you all I'm just at the tail end of of 2 weeks around Scotland as a family of 4 with a dog And how you guys manage to film and edit a video while home schooling now blows my mind Give us a typical day in the life of video please ❤
Hehe! We are always very busy ❤️ and I’d be lying if I said it was always easy. We did a day in the life style video here - th-cam.com/video/ooCgQyGDV6Y/w-d-xo.html
It is two 12V batteries in series to make 24V. The 11.92Volt battery looks like its starting to fail. It may be an idea to replace the batteries if they came with the truck as you don't know how old they are.
If you want to check the batteries and have a lid or caps that allows you to look inside, switch a large load on EG your starter or heater while looking inside your battery. If one of the cells bubble that is a faulty cell and hence a faulty battery. I hope you can see inside, occasionally you can feel the heat adjacent to that faulty cell.
Have you a DC to DC charger or a VSR fitted? IF/When you get it running - is to take off the + lead off while still running, and if it stops then its the alternator thats faulty - if it stalls then at least you have rulled out that - One of your followers says as you have it connected in Series - on battery could be really low and dragging the other one down... How old are the batteries?
Richard, run the engine for 30 mins to charge the batteries, then disconnect the pair of them. Measure the volts in the evening and then again in the morning, if they discharge disconnected then you know they’re US.
to put is politely, your batteries are shagged [well i am a mechanic] just put them on, then get on with your life... your alternator will appreciate a break, it's working overtime, don't tempt fate... you always remember the bad times more than the good, so eliminate the bad... PS turn the idle up + run for 30 mins each time after starting to keep those broke batts going
Hi. Both your batteries are showing different voltages. The one that is showing 11. Somthing is faulty. I would recmend to replace both at the same time if they are more than 2 years old. I'll advice to keep a 24-volt professional battery jumper pack for emergencies like this. Cheers. I love your videos. Happy travels 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
Please organise to fit a battery isolator that 11.8 battery is not good also test the batteries with the engine running. Check whether the alternator is actually working properly
Hi Rick and family You can get battery condition tester but they are not cheap £150ish. Do make sure all connections are clean, not just the battery but also the starter motor and engine earth in system as the starter motor does require a lot of power and corrosion will affect the starting performance of the engine, also I have had it on my HGV where it has got a battery isolator system. Sometimes this goes faulty and does not let enough power through to start the engine.
I have a similar unit as you -(Iveco EuroCargo) and had a similar problem - a lazy battery. I have seperate systems for house and Truck. On the house side I have 3 X 130ah leasure batteries + 6kva Genny with its own 130ah battery. I have a seperate battery charger for each system. If I leave the truck for a week or two, she is reluctant to start., so I run the Genny for 10 mins. That usually sorts it :) If it became a daily occurance, would change BOTH batteries.
Hi Richard, if you still have tack a graph still in your truck it is all ways on. Also, the batteries could be low and need topping up with distilled water as when my truck goes in for six weekly inspections they check the batteries for distilled water could be that I am hgv driver 👍🏼
yeah, our tachograph is always on (set to 'out of use'). Can you turn these off? We don't have the six weekly inspections as we don't need to, but I'll have the batteries checked. Probably need to be replaced. Thanks 👍
Are they charging enough when you drive? You know the voltage when you left the camp site….you maybe also check the voltage after the drive to the camp site, just to be sure the alternator is doing it’s job. But in the delay of the video’s you probably by now you have new batteries allready 😎😉😎
I know I'm a bit late with my comments as I only just returned from my holiday in Germany.and trying to catch up. The yellow fruit are plums and can be quite tasty. Where the British Flag at Schengen is concerned, I don't think there ever was one as the UK was once a member of the EU but never a member of the Schengen Zone.
Iv had a battery issue before. So all I did was back feed power from the leisure batteries. Works as long as your leisure batteries are 24v. Im only in a crafter. So running 12v. Im the guy who said hello in Carlisle castle carpark a little while ago....looks like the battery near the cab is the weak link !
Also check all your connections make sure they are tight and clean sometimes you have to take them off and rub them with some sandpaper so they make a good connection 👍
I did comment this on the original flat battery video in morocco - fit an emergency power cable with an isolator key from your leisure batterys to your main truck batteries.... can then make the isolator, start the truck, drive all day and enjoy.
the only think i can think of is that the battery cells are damage and not holding a full change .or it could be the alternator breaking down not changing the battery s fully
To test for a parasitic draw, disconnect the negative terminal, plug your red lead on the multimeter into amps socket, it will be the other one not used to check voltage. Then clamp the one of the leads to the negative terminal on the battery and one to the disconnected negative lead. This will show you the amount of current being drawn. Your best bet would be to close the doors to the cab and lock the doors, this will put all ECU’s into sleep mode and give you a more accurate reading. Be prepared to leave the leads connected for 5 minutes +, you can use clothes pegs to clamp the multimeter leads to the their respective connections.
Also connect the cables before removing the battery terminals as if you have an ecu staying live when you disconnect the battery it can reset the ecu. If you have cables from the multimeter already connected it will keep the system live.
...and give the systems a full 5 minutes to completely shut down before testing, it's only very expensive multimeters that can handle more than a very few Amps.
Change both batteries so both are good. Put an isolator on batteries for when you park up. Also, loop out the tacho circuit so it is isolated also. Tacho has its own battery backup. We had this problem with our show lorries that are sat on a site for several days, the same as you are. New batteries and isolator game changer. Keep upmthe great content. ❤
The underrun guard you're struggling to reach around should unclip quite easily & hinge upwards. The pin that holds it down will also hold it up (or level-ish to use as a table though it's not particularly strong).
Hiya, glad to see you fixed the issue. Always good to test a problem fixer and have it work brilliantly. Not sure what the drain my be, but maybe worth fitting an isolation switch at the battery end. This can be turned off when you park up so eliminates any chance of a power drain even on new batteries.
Definitely change the one nearest the front but ideally both if funds allow it as they are pricey. Also fit an easy to reach isolator so you can disconnect them whenever you stop over.
I stayed last night in a free large Park & Ride just SW of Luxembourg city. Bus every 30 mins to centre is also free and takes only 15-20mins. City is really nice Great video 🇱🇺💙❤️
2 things, a battery charger plugged into your habitational power and an isolation switch on the + from your drive batteries so you can switch off when parked up. Or it may be your alternator not charging properly
Hi Richard from the sofa it's impossible to diagnose a battery drain. However have you considered fitting an isolator to the truck ? I presume the living area is not using the starting battery anyway. 😊
My recommendation is used a DC isolator and a Bluetooth system so when you are using the batteries as you drive you can monitor what power goes in and what power does out. if you can use an isolator when you are part up it will be a good idea just remember the essentials in your cab that needs 12 volt constantly try and get them on a separate circuit but this is based on my opinion I've seen this a lot with batteries
One battery looks knackered. But definitely don’t just change the one, change 2. And for an additional backup I would think about getting a 24v jump pack, nothing too fancy and they are about £350. Just future proofs you and certainly cheaper than a call out. First thing though change the batteries
@@Touringwiththekids once you have your new batteries you can check for parasitic drains with your multimeter. Plenty of videos on TH-cam showing you how to do it .Then you will have piece of mind.
If you currently aren't ensured for roadside assistance, maybe it's time to do so? We have one where we're are covered in the EU plus the UK. it really brings more ease of mind.
Not a fix, but it would be nice to have a Portable Car Jump Starter. Some of them even have air compressors for inflating tires. Make sure you get one that matches your engine size. Also, I think you're making the right decision to replace the batteries. If they are lead acid batteries, make sure they have enough water in them and use distilled water to top it off. Happy camping!
@Day_Tripper39 This is exactly the advice my husband suggested. We also suggest using a Jackery Portable Power Station for inside the van also invest in a portable solar pad which you can use on sunny days to top up the PPS.
Truck tires do 8 to 10 bars, no way a cheap compressor is going to do that. matching a jump starter for a truck is like buying new batteries for the truck, way to heavy and costly, modern day batteries are closed and can not be filled.
Hi guys Love yer channel and congrats on reaching 15 years, can i just suggest something re Rosie, in extreme heat don’t ever put a wet towel on a dog, cool her down by putting the towel under her so she’s laying on it, she’ll cool down through her tummy, they also cool down through paw pads so even wet her paws, ❤🐾 safe travels
As others have said, the lowest battery is self discharging. Probably has a shorter cell. You need to replace both ideally, equal voltages in both. They charge as one 12 + 12 = 24v It will only take one battery to cause the issue and drags down the other putting more strain on the good one.
It's no good looking fo the UK's past presence in the Schengen zone, as we, like Ireland were never part of that. We always kept passport control and have our own area with Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man
Hi Richard, as someone previously mentioned it could well be one of the batts is shot, however I have a MAN overlander truck and remember some years ago having a similar problem which was eventually traced to a faulty master switch which most trucks are fitted with between the batts and engine it is possible to bypass this by fitting two batt cables onto one terminal. Hope this helps👍👍
Hi guys, coming from a lorry mechanic background and noticed the fact that you have DAF batteries on your Mercedes lorry. Looks like the previous owner has taken the good batteries and chucked some rubbish ones on to sell it. Definitely replace both of them as the batteries may even be the wrong cranking power for your lorry. This is common practice when de-fleeting vehicles - Rob the good stuff off them 😂
Hi Richard. Check all your connections. You’ve spent a lot of time around coasts and on boats. May just be a case of disconnecting connections and earths and giving them a wire brush . Good luck
We have an Atego horse lorry - same issue - hubbie now unhooks the terminals when parked - we think it’s our tachometer that draws power - hope you get it sorted
A charger is well worth having & they've got one but a battery has to be outside & clamped so it cannot tip & spill acid, the posts have to be covered so they can't be shorted out & it has to be maintained much more frequently than one that's in use. I _don't_ recommend it.
If you’d thought about it you could have spent a few days exploring Luxembourg by utilising their FREE public transport network, Buses, Trams and Trains are all free The Schengen Zone didn’t ever include the UK we still maintained a border in the English Channel so we were never a signatory of the agreement The battery situation is not good but I’m surprised you haven’t tried jumping the truck batteries directly from the leisure batteries, instant start up rather than a charging will get you out of situations surely, plus a battery change when you’ve got a chance on the truck sounds necessary
It would have been lovely to explore more of Luxembourg, especially the city. It’s difficult with Rosie though 🐾 she’s still young so not supposed to have long long walks. We’ll be back at some point im sure 👍
good afternoon everyone i love watching your videos on your TH-cam channel I hope that you are all well and enjoying your adventures in your motor home. I hope that you get the batteries sorted out soon please keep up your videos on your TH-cam channel please keep safe and warm
Put the meter on the batteries after lorry has started and see if your getting voltage from your alternator. Also maybe disconnect the batteries each time you park up as a short solution for now if it is a battery drain problem.
Problem is because you are using 2 batteries to make 24v you only need one cell in one of the batteries to screw you over! What you need to get is a battery guard! This will then trip before you lose too much so you should be able to start it! You can also get a battery with a built in jump starter or you get a 24v jump pack!!
Hi Richard, my guess is the battery that is at 11.8 has a dead cell or two, if you are able to open the battery to check the cells, do that and at the same time put your multi meter on the terminals and look for bubbling inside the battery
Thanks for the suggestion, we're gonna get them looked at and sorted. Currently charging them every 3 days or so with the charger so need to get them sorted 👍
On our library bus we have a battery isolator set up so the tacho and anything else isn't draining the batteries and even with this one of them died on us last week. Batteries are not as good as they used to be.
I'd tend to agree with your analysis, unless there is clear evidence to show that the batteries are relatively new. It is possible that something is causing a constant drain, though I do not believe the tachograph should draw enough to flatten the battery overnight if it's well charged. Running a battery test on the batteries would be the best way of verifying their health. However, if you break the connection between the two batteries and insert the meter between them, you should be able to detect any power flow when everything is otherwise turned off. Ah, you now have the answer from your own efforts old batteries.
Hi, its looking like the battery closest to the cab is the faulty one.. You can check it has water in 1st..and take them off... Short it out with a jump lead and see if a cell bubbles to confirm it...
Changing the batteries is the right call. I would also get the alternator checked over plus it may be that you need a stronger alternative due to your conversation. It will be good to get this done now, as the batteries will be stressed a load more in the winter. Talking if winter, it may be worth looking out for a set of four wheels so see if you can get some cheap. Then you can look at winter tyres which are mandatory in some European countries. They also help in heavy rain. I would look now, as I found it expensive if I wait until winter and you seem to drive in some wild places.
Summer tyres are not mandatory so it's probably best to buy high-mileage winter tyres at any time of year. They're good for bad weather or fields anyway.
@@alanhat5252 Winter tyres wear out really quickly if used above about 8° on dry roads, so it's best to have Summer Tyres or All Weather in the summer unless it is for low use.
You’re likely to have 2x 12v batteries connected in series to achieve the 24v. The first battery voltage is ok, the second battery you tested is the issue. You’ve either got a faulty battery or you need to check connections between the 2 or the ground strap to the chassis. Now I’m only7 minutes into the video so you may realise this before the end of the video.
possible broken wire or wire earthing out somewhere.. dodgy relay not shutting off. could always fit a battery isolator till you can work out the cause
I'd say you've got some dead cells in 1 of the Batteries, it's easy to overlook, but you should be checking those battery levels weekly and topping up where necessary, costs penny's. From a commercial point of view, the biggest drain on batteries would be a tail lift, if the vehicle once had a tail lift, you will need to make sure any sources to it are completely disabled. Modern vehicles have a cut off, and the tail lift will stop working until you restart the engine if the Battery power gets too low. Well worth getting a Hgv electrician to have a look at back in the UK
#ad Try YFOOD by using this link bit.ly/touringwiththekids_yfood grab a 10% discount using code : TOURING-TH-cam
Hi tried using the link but it says not working. Enjoy watching your adventures!
@@maryhowden9295 sorry Mary - Should work now 😁 bit.ly/touringwiththekids_yfood
Car mechanic here, 12.7 volts is 100% charged, 11.9 volts is 0% charged fyi, you will probably find one of your batteries is failing, you need to have your batteries tested firstly. If you have one of your batteries failing, because they are wired in series, it will drag the other battery down so I would recommend you replacing both at the same time if either battery needs to be replaced.
Spot on 👍
I would agree,if there wired in series they should be the same voltage
A jump off a 12V battery will get ye movin until ye can get to a place to make a decision. Yes I know it,s not ideal.
agree - likely failing batteries - get them both changed.
Thanks
You are awesome, thank you ❤️
Check the voltage on each battery as you try to start the engine, I suspect the 11.8v battery will go down to say 8 or 9 volts, if so it may be knackered, they should be reading about the same and over 12.5v.
Fit a cut of switch for your lorry batteries good for security and batteries never go flat
For future proofing the lorry. Run some battery cable tails up into the lorry close to the leisure battery. You can fit an Anderson plug and socket and jump start off your leisure battery. As said above. Suspect the lower voltage battery is faulty. Get them tested/replaced.
Great video as always and Congratulations on 15 years together
Thank you 👍
Hi. Deffinately 1 of your batteries is faulty. Please change both.
Those yellow fruits were plums,you can pick and let them in a bowl and they will ripen,i grow them. Great adventures,great life learning experiences.
Some 7,5t's have a built in isolator switch located near the battery box, I would recommend fitting one. Power can be shut off when not in use and some have a locking option so will act as an anti theft device also
24:30 the tachograph is on, so is any built-in alarm, part of the radio & probably the engine's computer.
and that will easily last for a week or two. big batteries do long power!
Tacho is almost off if not driving...
I think that test meter may have a 10 amp curret tester/amp meter (ammeter) setting which if you disconnect 1 battery terminall and place 1 lead to battery and other lead to vehicle lead which went onto battery you can check for a discharge load .
that's been covered in other comments
isolater switch . check if you have starter batteries.
29:41 yup, replace the pair of batteries & any clips or leads that aren't absolutely perfect.
(The leads are very expensive so you're more into a value judgement).
Vaseline all connectors liberally, no metal should be left visible.
Looks like both batteries need replacing,
Do you not have breakdown cover that might be able to help. 👍
Your so calm in difficult times well done. Love your adventures your all looking so well keep doing what your doing x
Aw Thankyou guys! Hope you are all keeping well xx
I have been watching a while now
I now have a new found respect for you all
I'm just at the tail end of of 2 weeks around Scotland as a family of 4 with a dog
And how you guys manage to film and edit a video while home schooling now blows my mind
Give us a typical day in the life of video please ❤
Hehe! We are always very busy ❤️ and I’d be lying if I said it was always easy. We did a day in the life style video here -
th-cam.com/video/ooCgQyGDV6Y/w-d-xo.html
It’s the taco and the others electronics in the truck mine does it put a cut of in that stops it your batteries are probably knackered
It is two 12V batteries in series to make 24V.
The 11.92Volt battery looks like its starting to fail.
It may be an idea to replace the batteries if they came with the truck as you don't know how old they are.
"starting"? *_Has_* failed!
If you want to check the batteries and have a lid or caps that allows you to look inside, switch a large load on EG your starter or heater while looking inside your battery. If one of the cells bubble that is a faulty cell and hence a faulty battery. I hope you can see inside, occasionally you can feel the heat adjacent to that faulty cell.
Have you a DC to DC charger or a VSR fitted? IF/When you get it running - is to take off the + lead off while still running, and if it stops then its the alternator thats faulty - if it stalls then at least you have rulled out that - One of your followers says as you have it connected in Series - on battery could be really low and dragging the other one down... How old are the batteries?
Loved the Schengen olympics.
😂😂 all good fun!
Richard, run the engine for 30 mins to charge the batteries, then disconnect the pair of them. Measure the volts in the evening and then again in the morning, if they discharge disconnected then you know they’re US.
Why not install two solar trickle chargers I got mine from halfords keeps them topped up 😊
to put is politely, your batteries are shagged [well i am a mechanic]
just put them on, then get on with your life...
your alternator will appreciate a break, it's working overtime, don't tempt fate...
you always remember the bad times more than the good, so eliminate the bad...
PS turn the idle up + run for 30 mins each time after starting to keep those broke batts going
Hi. Both your batteries are showing different voltages. The one that is showing 11. Somthing is faulty. I would recmend to replace both at the same time if they are more than 2 years old. I'll advice to keep a 24-volt professional battery jumper pack for emergencies like this. Cheers. I love your videos. Happy travels 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤
You wouldn’t find anything about the UK at Schengen because we were never part of it ever.
Please organise to fit a battery isolator that 11.8 battery is not good also test the batteries with the engine running. Check whether the alternator is actually working properly
Hi Rick and family
You can get battery condition tester but they are not cheap £150ish. Do make sure all connections are clean, not just the battery but also the starter motor and engine earth in system as the starter motor does require a lot of power and corrosion will affect the starting performance of the engine, also I have had it on my HGV where it has got a battery isolator system. Sometimes this goes faulty and does not let enough power through to start the engine.
One battery knackered, the other probably not far behind. Time to bust out on two new batteries
I have a similar unit as you -(Iveco EuroCargo) and had a similar problem - a lazy battery. I have seperate systems for house and Truck. On the house side I have 3 X 130ah leasure batteries + 6kva Genny with its own 130ah battery. I have a seperate battery charger for each system. If I leave the truck for a week or two, she is reluctant to start., so I run the Genny for 10 mins. That usually sorts it :) If it became a daily occurance, would change BOTH batteries.
Hi Richard, if you still have tack a graph still in your truck it is all ways on. Also, the batteries could be low and need topping up with distilled water as when my truck goes in for six weekly inspections they check the batteries for distilled water could be that I am hgv driver 👍🏼
yeah, our tachograph is always on (set to 'out of use'). Can you turn these off? We don't have the six weekly inspections as we don't need to, but I'll have the batteries checked. Probably need to be replaced. Thanks 👍
Hi Richard you have check with Mercedes hgv side 👍🏼
Any good garage will do a discharge battery for you, that is the ultimate test to define a faulty battery.
Are they charging enough when you drive? You know the voltage when you left the camp site….you maybe also check the voltage after the drive to the camp site, just to be sure the alternator is doing it’s job. But in the delay of the video’s you probably by now you have new batteries allready 😎😉😎
I know I'm a bit late with my comments as I only just returned from my holiday in Germany.and trying to catch up.
The yellow fruit are plums and can be quite tasty.
Where the British Flag at Schengen is concerned, I don't think there ever was one as the UK was once a member of the EU but never a member of the Schengen Zone.
Iv had a battery issue before. So all I did was back feed power from the leisure batteries. Works as long as your leisure batteries are 24v.
Im only in a crafter. So running 12v. Im the guy who said hello in Carlisle castle carpark a little while ago....looks like the battery near the cab is the weak link !
Also check all your connections make sure they are tight and clean sometimes you have to take them off and rub them with some sandpaper so they make a good connection 👍
boiling water takes the kak off but Vaseline them the instant they're dry.
Also sounds like you have a bad cell in that one battery!! Take them into a lorry garage to get them checked
Topdon do a 24v jump pack very good and very compact
I did comment this on the original flat battery video in morocco - fit an emergency power cable with an isolator key from your leisure batterys to your main truck batteries.... can then make the isolator, start the truck, drive all day and enjoy.
the only think i can think of is that the battery cells are damage and not holding a full change .or it could be the alternator breaking down not changing the battery s fully
To test for a parasitic draw, disconnect the negative terminal, plug your red lead on the multimeter into amps socket, it will be the other one not used to check voltage. Then clamp the one of the leads to the negative terminal on the battery and one to the disconnected negative lead. This will show you the amount of current being drawn. Your best bet would be to close the doors to the cab and lock the doors, this will put all ECU’s into sleep mode and give you a more accurate reading. Be prepared to leave the leads connected for 5 minutes +, you can use clothes pegs to clamp the multimeter leads to the their respective connections.
Also connect the cables before removing the battery terminals as if you have an ecu staying live when you disconnect the battery it can reset the ecu. If you have cables from the multimeter already connected it will keep the system live.
Both times one battery has been 11 volts, could a cell in that battery damaged dragging the other down?
You're on the right path use your multi meter to check if your wagon is shutting down properly
@@markbyford4562knowing which cell is dead doesn't stop it being dead, the fix is still a new pair of batteries.
...and give the systems a full 5 minutes to completely shut down before testing, it's only very expensive multimeters that can handle more than a very few Amps.
Change both batteries so both are good. Put an isolator on batteries for when you park up. Also, loop out the tacho circuit so it is isolated also. Tacho has its own battery backup. We had this problem with our show lorries that are sat on a site for several days, the same as you are. New batteries and isolator game changer. Keep upmthe great content. ❤
Richard sorry to hear your issues, why not fit a battery isolator? so when you park up for the night you can isolate the trucks battery's.
The underrun guard you're struggling to reach around should unclip quite easily & hinge upwards. The pin that holds it down will also hold it up (or level-ish to use as a table though it's not particularly strong).
Hiya, glad to see you fixed the issue. Always good to test a problem fixer and have it work brilliantly. Not sure what the drain my be, but maybe worth fitting an isolation switch at the battery end. This can be turned off when you park up so eliminates any chance of a power drain even on new batteries.
get a battery isolator fitted and a 24v jump pack after getting it looked at by a auto electrician👍
Probably best to get 2 equally good/new batteries aligned 👌💙❤
Definitely change the one nearest the front but ideally both if funds allow it as they are pricey. Also fit an easy to reach isolator so you can disconnect them whenever you stop over.
I stayed last night in a free large Park & Ride just SW of Luxembourg city. Bus every 30 mins to centre is also free and takes only 15-20mins. City is really nice
Great video 🇱🇺💙❤️
That sounds like a spot!!! Wish we had known x
2 things, a battery charger plugged into your habitational power and an isolation switch on the + from your drive batteries so you can switch off when parked up. Or it may be your alternator not charging properly
Hi Richard from the sofa it's impossible to diagnose a battery drain. However have you considered fitting an isolator to the truck ? I presume the living area is not using the starting battery anyway. 😊
My recommendation is used a DC isolator and a Bluetooth system so when you are using the batteries as you drive you can monitor what power goes in and what power does out. if you can use an isolator when you are part up it will be a good idea just remember the essentials in your cab that needs 12 volt constantly try and get them on a separate circuit but this is based on my opinion I've seen this a lot with batteries
One battery looks knackered. But definitely don’t just change the one, change 2. And for an additional backup I would think about getting a 24v jump pack, nothing too fancy and they are about £350. Just future proofs you and certainly cheaper than a call out. First thing though change the batteries
I would look at putting an isolation on battery's so when parked up for long times turn them off
Check the terminals are tight on the battery ie that you can't twist them.they can work lose with vibration.
We cleaned the terminals up with a wire brush and tightened them. Batteries are knackered and need replacing 👍
@@Touringwiththekids once you have your new batteries you can check for parasitic drains with your multimeter. Plenty of videos on TH-cam showing you how to do it .Then you will have piece of mind.
If you currently aren't ensured for roadside assistance, maybe it's time to do so? We have one where we're are covered in the EU plus the UK. it really brings more ease of mind.
We have European breakdown cover 👍
Not a fix, but it would be nice to have a Portable Car Jump Starter. Some of them even have air compressors for inflating tires. Make sure you get one that matches your engine size. Also, I think you're making the right decision to replace the batteries. If they are lead acid batteries, make sure they have enough water in them and use distilled water to top it off. Happy camping!
@Day_Tripper39 This is exactly the advice my husband suggested. We also suggest using a Jackery Portable Power Station for inside the van also invest in a portable solar pad which you can use on sunny days to top up the PPS.
Truck tires do 8 to 10 bars, no way a cheap compressor is going to do that. matching a jump starter for a truck is like buying new batteries for the truck, way to heavy and costly, modern day batteries are closed and can not be filled.
Hi guys
Love yer channel and congrats on reaching 15 years,
can i just suggest something re Rosie,
in extreme heat don’t ever put a wet towel on a dog,
cool her down by putting the towel under her so she’s laying on it, she’ll cool down through her tummy, they also cool down through paw pads so even wet her paws, ❤🐾 safe travels
Thankyou so much 😚 15 years has gone quick!
Used to live in the schegen region, so brought back some wonderful memories, love your vlogs, happy and safe travels.
Awesome! Thank you!
As others have said, the lowest battery is self discharging. Probably has a shorter cell.
You need to replace both ideally, equal voltages in both.
They charge as one 12 + 12 = 24v
It will only take one battery to cause the issue and drags down the other putting more strain on the good one.
While in Germany side window's in truck ? 🏴 check alternator
It's no good looking fo the UK's past presence in the Schengen zone, as we, like Ireland were never part of that.
We always kept passport control and have our own area with Ireland, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man
Uk and Ireland are the common travel area
UK has never been a part of the Schengen zone, hence no flag.
Do you guys travel with the dog on an Animal Health Cerificate? You might want to get a pet passport from Belgium if not …. Saves a lot of money!!
Hi Richard, as someone previously mentioned it could well be one of the batts is shot, however I have a MAN overlander truck and remember some years ago having a similar problem which was eventually traced to a faulty master switch which most trucks are fitted with between the batts and engine it is possible to bypass this by fitting two batt cables onto one terminal. Hope this helps👍👍
Maybe a lose wire on the alternator 🎉 hope my spelling right
lose -> loose, otherwise all correct
Unplug the tachograph as its not required
Agree with comments regarding a duff battery. How cold is it dropping at night as a cold battery can cause it to discharge quicker.
this was a couple of days ago just across the Channel from southern England - no it wasn't cold
Hi guys, coming from a lorry mechanic background and noticed the fact that you have DAF batteries on your Mercedes lorry. Looks like the previous owner has taken the good batteries and chucked some rubbish ones on to sell it. Definitely replace both of them as the batteries may even be the wrong cranking power for your lorry. This is common practice when de-fleeting vehicles - Rob the good stuff off them 😂
it's the German attacking the Dutch 🙂
Hi Richard. Check all your connections. You’ve spent a lot of time around coasts and on boats. May just be a case of disconnecting connections and earths and giving them a wire brush . Good luck
I agree but boiling water followed (after drying) with Vaseline works better.
We have an Atego horse lorry - same issue - hubbie now unhooks the terminals when parked - we think it’s our tachometer that draws power - hope you get it sorted
yes tachos draw power, so do alarms, radios & the engine's computer.
on my car one interior light on overnight killed the battery.
Unfortunately you are going to have to change both batteries as one will drag the other one down good luck
Suggest you carry a spare battery and battery charger. Worth it to get you out of a fix.
A charger is well worth having & they've got one but a battery has to be outside & clamped so it cannot tip & spill acid, the posts have to be covered so they can't be shorted out & it has to be maintained much more frequently than one that's in use. I _don't_ recommend it.
It maybe low cracking amp on one or both of the battery need place thsts can do drop test on both batteries
11.8V is flat
If you’d thought about it you could have spent a few days exploring Luxembourg by utilising their FREE public transport network, Buses, Trams and Trains are all free
The Schengen Zone didn’t ever include the UK we still maintained a border in the English Channel so we were never a signatory of the agreement
The battery situation is not good but I’m surprised you haven’t tried jumping the truck batteries directly from the leisure batteries, instant start up rather than a charging will get you out of situations surely, plus a battery change when you’ve got a chance on the truck sounds necessary
It would have been lovely to explore more of Luxembourg, especially the city. It’s difficult with Rosie though 🐾 she’s still young so not supposed to have long long walks. We’ll be back at some point im sure 👍
good afternoon everyone i love watching your videos on your TH-cam channel I hope that you are all well and enjoying your adventures in your motor home. I hope that you get the batteries sorted out soon please keep up your videos on your TH-cam channel please keep safe and warm
Thank you! You too!
Put the meter on the batteries after lorry has started and see if your getting voltage from your alternator. Also maybe disconnect the batteries each time you park up as a short solution for now if it is a battery drain problem.
The charger we have does have an alternator test on it so I'll give that a go 👍
Problem is because you are using 2 batteries to make 24v you only need one cell in one of the batteries to screw you over! What you need to get is a battery guard! This will then trip before you lose too much so you should be able to start it! You can also get a battery with a built in jump starter or you get a 24v jump pack!!
Hi Richard, my guess is the battery that is at 11.8 has a dead cell or two, if you are able to open the battery to check the cells, do that and at the same time put your multi meter on the terminals and look for bubbling inside the battery
Thanks for the suggestion, we're gonna get them looked at and sorted. Currently charging them every 3 days or so with the charger so need to get them sorted 👍
A garage can find what’s draining the battery. With their computor
I have an Atego, various bits will draw such as tacho etc but the bottom line is you need to replace both batteries.
New batteries it is! Also, as you have an Atego, do you have any suggestions where I can get side cab windows? Still can't seem to find them, thanks 👍
@@Touringwiththekids if you want the ones that fit in the space perfectly then it’s 100% main dealer only.
On our library bus we have a battery isolator set up so the tacho and anything else isn't draining the batteries and even with this one of them died on us last week. Batteries are not as good as they used to be.
You can still get good batteries but they cost more & you have to shop around (I recommend *Tayna* online shop).
@@alanhat5252 My new batteries are expensive and let's hope they last i'm hearing so many people complaining of battery problems.
Invest in a engine start booster. At least take some of the worry away, keep trucking my telly frends❤❤
I think getting the batteries replaced is the only realistic option instead of trying to revive dying batteries.
I'd tend to agree with your analysis, unless there is clear evidence to show that the batteries are relatively new. It is possible that something is causing a constant drain, though I do not believe the tachograph should draw enough to flatten the battery overnight if it's well charged. Running a battery test on the batteries would be the best way of verifying their health. However, if you break the connection between the two batteries and insert the meter between them, you should be able to detect any power flow when everything is otherwise turned off. Ah, you now have the answer from your own efforts old batteries.
Them yellow berries you picked up look like wild plum which is generally yellow
Fit battery isolator , possible tach. draining ,check body earth for corrosion
Add a Anderson lead from your leisure batteries to be able to get a 12 volt supply to truck battery only 1 battery is low
Check the connections on the alternator and starter motor. When the engine is running, check, what voltage is coming in to them.
Hi, its looking like the battery closest to the cab is the faulty one.. You can check it has water in 1st..and take them off... Short it out with a jump lead and see if a cell bubbles to confirm it...
it's been many years since I've seen the crucible & moulds you need for when you blow the posts off like that!
Fancy getting rid of the trolley knowing you can't carry the batteries 😢 but hopefully you get sorted as soon as possible, awesome vlog guys 🌹🔥🥂
I expect the batteries finished the trolley!
Changing the batteries is the right call.
I would also get the alternator checked over plus it may be that you need a stronger alternative due to your conversation.
It will be good to get this done now, as the batteries will be stressed a load more in the winter.
Talking if winter, it may be worth looking out for a set of four wheels so see if you can get some cheap.
Then you can look at winter tyres which are mandatory in some European countries.
They also help in heavy rain.
I would look now, as I found it expensive if I wait until winter and you seem to drive in some wild places.
7 wheels not 4
Summer tyres are not mandatory so it's probably best to buy high-mileage winter tyres at any time of year. They're good for bad weather or fields anyway.
@@alanhat5252
Winter tyres wear out really quickly if used above about 8° on dry roads, so it's best to have Summer Tyres or All Weather in the summer unless it is for low use.
25:11 11.8V, for a lead-acid battery, is essentially flat. 12.3V is not enough to start a Diesel.
love ur vlogs so much. ❤
thank you ❤️
You’re likely to have 2x 12v batteries connected in series to achieve the 24v. The first battery voltage is ok, the second battery you tested is the issue. You’ve either got a faulty battery or you need to check connections between the 2 or the ground strap to the chassis. Now I’m only7 minutes into the video so you may realise this before the end of the video.
Richard you have to drive the truck for it to charge up ..
Then no night time driving )
Great video…. btw the UK was never part of the Schengen area.
possible broken wire or wire earthing out somewhere.. dodgy relay not shutting off. could always fit a battery isolator till you can work out the cause
replace them in a pair i drive trucks for a living & have had to change them out on lots of trucks in my time
I'd say you've got some dead cells in 1 of the Batteries, it's easy to overlook, but you should be checking those battery levels weekly and topping up where necessary, costs penny's. From a commercial point of view, the biggest drain on batteries would be a tail lift, if the vehicle once had a tail lift, you will need to make sure any sources to it are completely disabled. Modern vehicles have a cut off, and the tail lift will stop working until you restart the engine if the Battery power gets too low. Well worth getting a Hgv electrician to have a look at back in the UK
Maybe it would be an idea to buy a jump start pack