Fridge cut out recent trip, Leisure battery issue?

[Traveller1977]

Hi,

Recently went on a camping trip and after only 2 days the fridge appeared to switch off and the % was 40%.
I turned it back on and left (Not hearing it cut out or the light not remain on almost immediately) and when I came back in the evening it was off again, and at 30%.
I thought it was strange as usually it would last longer than 2 days (Usually 3 to get to 30% and 4 days to 20%) we had only been charging phones, no lights on.
Fridge set to 3.
I ran the engine for approx 1/2hr, % went back up to approx 80-90%, and the fridge seemed all okay again without the engine on.
After 24hrs the same thing happened, the fridge cut out but % was around 60%.
Someone commented it could be to do with the voltage (Not fully understanding of how this all works to be honest) and I remember it showing around 10.9v.
Then, I charged it again with engine on. Later that day it cut out, this time the voltage showed 11.4v.
The Cali has more or less over the past few months been mains charged (but during lockdown last year I didn't routinely do this)
Could this have been down to the heat of the day, a problem with the fridge or a problem with the battery?
I'd rather not spend £150-250 on a new leisure battery if it's not the problem. Any assistance appreciated. Thanks,

 

[Alan Andrews]

I believe that the fridge will only come on and stay on if the battery has sufficient charge....so yes is tied to the voltage residual in the leisure battery(s).

Have you tried this with EHU? Do you get the same fridge on/ goes off scenario?

Whilst you have set the fridge to 3 (we do the same) the ambient temperature is far higher, so the fridge is having to work a lot harder and the leisure battery(s) are going to run out sooner.

The battery need to go through a lengthy charging cycle, so a 1/2 engine run will do something but not sufficient to fully recharge the battery(s).

It is precisely for this reason that I invested in one of Roger Donoghue's dual charge solar kits. Fitted 18 months now, never had to use the EHU to recharge on the driveway, and never had any issues with the engine or leisure batteries.

 

[Traveller1977]

@Alan Andrews perfect thanks for the response. It didn't do it whilst driving, and I've had it on EHU for a couple of days. I will monitor it and see what happens but will prepare to purchase a new leisure AGM battery. I assume it would be the one under the cupboard and not under the passenger seat?
I've also been thinking about the SOlar Power kit so will investigate that one also.

Many thanks,

 

[WelshGas]

@Alan Andrews perfect thanks for the response. It didn't do it whilst driving, and I've had it on EHU for a couple of days. I will monitor it and see what happens but will prepare to purchase a new leisure AGM battery. I assume it would be the one under the cupboard and not under the passenger seat?
I've also been thinking about the SOlar Power kit so will investigate that one also.

Many thanks,

Both leisure batteries are wired in parallel to make 1 large 150amp 12v battery. If replacing, both should be replaced.
The Control Panel voltage is accurate but the % is very iffy. Go by the voltage. Fridge or Parking Heater will switch Off if voltage drops below 11.5v.
Check the 50 amp Cube Fuse on the red +tve connection on the rear battery. If that has blown you are only running on 1 leisure battery.

 

[Traveller1977]

@Alan Andrews thank you. So a couple more questions then -
Where is the 50amp Cube Fuse located? Actually on the +tve connection on the rear battery?
What should the Voltage show once they're replaced, when it was EHU it was 13.5v, now it's off EHU and just sitting it's 12.7v? Should I put the fridge on overnight perhaps and see what the Voltage drops down to to see if there's definitely an issue to be replaced?
thanks,

 

[WelshGas]

@Alan Andrews thank you. So a couple more questions then -
Where is the 50amp Cube Fuse located? Actually on the +tve connection on the rear battery?
What should the Voltage show once they're replaced, when it was EHU it was 13.5v, now it's off EHU and just sitting it's 12.7v? Should I put the fridge on overnight perhaps and see what the Voltage drops down to to see if there's definitely an issue to be replaced?
thanks,

30 to 60 mins after engine stop or EHU disconnect the Leisure battery voltage as shown on the Control Panel should be 12.7 to 12.9 v.
Cube fuse on rear battery.
It is the white block/cube in the picture.