Understanding the Batteries

[Rubydoo]

Hi everyone,
Would anyone be able to explain in simple language how the batteries work in the Cali Ocean T7 diesel version? I've tried to understand some of the posts about the batteries but the language is too technical for me.
We had our first trip in the camper a couple of weeks ago. We used electric hookup and one of the batteries went to 100% but we got a message saying that the other one was low. I don't understand the connection between the two batteries and what we need to do to ensure we are managing them correctly.
Can anyone explain this to me in simple terms?
Thanks a mill

 

[Paul1]

Me and a lot of others.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi everyone,
Would anyone be able to explain in simple language how the batteries work in the Cali Ocean T7 diesel version? I've tried to understand some of the posts about the batteries but the language is too technical for me.
We had our first trip in the camper a couple of weeks ago. We used electric hookup and one of the batteries went to 100% but we got a message saying that the other one was low. I don't understand the connection between the two batteries and what we need to do to ensure we are managing them correctly.
Can anyone explain this to me in simple terms?
Thanks a mill

There are 2 electrical systems in the California.

Leisure, composed of two 40 amp lithium batteries that are wired in parallel and so function as one 80 amp battery.
These batteries are charged by the engine alternator when the engine is running, or by an on-board battery charger when the vehicle is plugged into an external mains supply, EHU.
The Leisure Batteries provide power for the Diesel Parking Heater, Fridge, all the lights behind the front seats, 12 v sockets, 300watt inverter, water pump and the electro-hydraulic roof.

Engine, there is one AGM engine battery to start the engine and also to power ALL the vehicle electrics. This is charged by the engine alternator when the engine is running.
This battery powers the external vehicle lights, front cabin heating fans, lights by the rear view mirror, the electrical soft close on the sliding doors and tailgate and the Infotainment system.
Once you remove the ignition key it takes 30 minutes for all the vehicle electronics to go to stand-by mode. Every time you open the drivers door you restart all the vehicle electronics and prime the fuel pump.
When camping you should :-
Not repeatedly use the drivers door.
Not use the Infotainment system - it is not a simple radio but a powerful computer.
Not use the lights by the drivers mirror.

I believe T7 May trickle charge the engine battery on hookup, in common with the T5.1/6and T6.1 Californias, but this may not be sufficient if you were using the systems mentioned above.

 

[Rubydoo]

There are 2 electrical systems in the California.

Leisure, composed of two 40 amp lithium batteries that are wired in parallel and so function as one 80 amp battery.
These batteries are charged by the engine alternator when the engine is running, or by an on-board battery charger when the vehicle is plugged into an external mains supply, EHU.
The Leisure Batteries provide power for the Diesel Parking Heater, Fridge, all the lights behind the front seats, 12 v sockets, 300watt inverter and the electro-hydraulic roof.

Engine, there is one AGM engine battery to start the engine and also to power ALL the vehicle electrics. This is charged by the engine alternator when the engine is running.
This battery powers the external vehicle lights, front cabin heating fans, lights by the rear view mirror, the electrical soft close on the sliding doors and tailgate and the Infotainment system.
Once you remove the ignition key it takes 30 minutes for all the vehicle electronics to go to stand-by mode. Every time you open the drivers door you restart all the vehicle electronics and prime the fuel pump.
When camping you should :-
Not repeatedly use the drivers door.
Not use the Infotainment system - it is not a simple radio but a powerful computer.
Not use the lights by the drivers mirror.

I believe T7 May trickle charge the engine battery on hookup, in common with the T5.1/6and T6.1 Californias, but this may not be sufficient if you were using the systems mentioned above.

Thanks a mill WelshGas - very helpful!
One further question - if the Engine battery is showing as low is this something to be concerned about? Is it similar to the battery in a car being low?
Thanks

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks a mill WelshGas - very helpful!
One further question - if the Engine battery is showing as low is this something to be concerned about? Is it similar to the battery in a car being low?
Thanks

Exactly the same. It may struggle to start.

You may or may not have noticed but many modern vehicles with Infotainment systems that also control some vehicle functions may allow you not play the radio or stream while the engine is Off, but normally only for a limited time and then they shut down to avoid draining the engine battery. Keep overriding the shut down and you'll get a screen message saying NO or Start engine because the engine battery is getting depleted.

You should not use the Infotainment system when camping for any prolonged periods of time. It takes a lot of power.