New members - 2009 SE

[Eddie&Angie Southport]

We previously had a T25 Leisuredrive Hightop for 14 years while the kids grew up and we needed the extra storage. So we are new to Californias and poptops but not to campervan life.

First night away last night and recommend doing this without hookup particularly on an older model to work out any issues. A massive thanks to this brilliant forum as we couldn’t figure out why the heater worked when tested at home during the week but not last night and after reading through forum posts realised we’d been hooked up at home so the original 13 year old leisure batteries that are still in it probably just can’t cope on their own any more.

Can’t wait for our next trip in a couple of weeks - felt like real luxury compared to our old van, the design of the California range for storage, moveable seats etc is so good.

 

[WelshGas]

We previously had a T25 Leisuredrive Hightop for 14 years while the kids grew up and we needed the extra storage. So we are new to Californias and poptops but not to campervan life.

First night away last night and recommend doing this without hookup particularly on an older model to work out any issues. A massive thanks to this brilliant forum as we couldn’t figure out why the heater worked when tested at home during the week but not last night and after reading through forum posts realised we’d been hooked up at home so the original 13 year old leisure batteries that are still in it probably just can’t cope on their own any more.

Can’t wait for our next trip in a couple of weeks - felt like real luxury compared to our old van, the design of the California range for storage, moveable seats etc is so good.

Welcome.
The Parking Heater will not work if you have a 1/4 tank or less of Diesel.
Also neither the Fridge or Parking Heater will not work if the voltage on the Control Panel drops to or below 11.5 volts at any time.
Lastly your vehicle, 2009 vintage, besides having very old Leisure Batteries might be suffering from the Earth Shunt problem, rectified in later models. If the lights over the kitchen flicker when starting the Heater then that is the likely problem.
If you are handy with spanners and can change a plug an easy DIY fix.
If it is well worn Leisure batteries then easily replaced, but both need replacing using OEM Varta LA80 or equivilent.
See Resources section ref Earth Shunt.

 

[Eddie&Angie Southport]

Welcome.
The Parking Heater will not work if you have a 1/4 tank or less of Diesel.
Also neither the Fridge or Parking Heater will not work if the voltage on the Control Panel drops to or below 11.5 volts at any time.
Lastly your vehicle, 2009 vintage, besides having very old Leisure Batteries might be suffering from the Earth Shunt problem, rectified in later models. If the lights over the kitchen flicker when starting the Heater then that is the likely problem.
If you are handy with spanners and can change a plug an easy DIY fix.
If it is well worn Leisure batteries then easily replaced, but both need replacing using OEM Varta LA80 or equivilent.
See Resources section ref Earth Shunt.

Hi, thank you so much for this, really helpful.

We had well over half a tank in. The control panel was showing 80% while we were camping and trying the heater, but it has dropped to 12.3v and 70% today after driving back yesterday and being parked overnight with nothing on, so batteries definitely need replacing, the previous owner did say they hadn't ever been changed so we knew we would need to.. The Tayna price for those doesn't seem too bad but will keep an eye out for deals next few weeks as will be on hookup next few trips. The heater was starting, blowing cold air then stopping but the lights were definitely flickering at first. The fridge was working on the batteries but had to push it up to level 5 (level 3 had been fine on hook-up) Will replace the batteries first and if still happening will sort the earth shunt issue. Thanks for directing us to the resource page but a bit too daunting taking the fridge out. If new batteries don't fix it we'll see if anyone can sort it near us (Southport).

Many thanks again - we've been just in a tent last 18 months in all seasons so even no heater it's still a lot cosier.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi, thank you so much for this, really helpful.

We had well over half a tank in. The control panel was showing 80% while we were camping and trying the heater, but it has dropped to 12.3v and 70% today after driving back yesterday and being parked overnight with nothing on, so batteries definitely need replacing, the previous owner did say they hadn't ever been changed so we knew we would need to.. The Tayna price for those doesn't seem too bad but will keep an eye out for deals next few weeks as will be on hookup next few trips. The heater was starting, blowing cold air then stopping but the lights were definitely flickering at first. The fridge was working on the batteries but had to push it up to level 5 (level 3 had been fine on hook-up) Will replace the batteries first and if still happening will sort the earth shunt issue. Thanks for directing us to the resource page but a bit too daunting taking the fridge out. If new batteries don't fix it we'll see if anyone can sort it near us (Southport).

Many thanks again - we've been just in a tent last 18 months in all seasons so even no heater it's still a lot cosier.

If you are capable of changing the Leisure Batteries then you are probably more than capable of doing the Earth Shunt. In fact someone has just done it without even removing the fridge.

 

[Eddie&Angie Southport]

Ahh maybe capable but lacking confidence - that is good to know though, thanks

 

[Lambeth Cali]

We previously had a T25 Leisuredrive Hightop for 14 years while the kids grew up and we needed the extra storage. So we are new to Californias and poptops but not to campervan life.

First night away last night and recommend doing this without hookup particularly on an older model to work out any issues. A massive thanks to this brilliant forum as we couldn’t figure out why the heater worked when tested at home during the week but not last night and after reading through forum posts realised we’d been hooked up at home so the original 13 year old leisure batteries that are still in it probably just can’t cope on their own any more.

Can’t wait for our next trip in a couple of weeks - felt like real luxury compared to our old van, the design of the California range for storage, moveable seats etc is so good.

Excellent vintage a 2009 SE!