New to Van Camping!

[docgeorge]

My wife and I just bought a used 2017 Carado Axion on Promaster chassis. Ready to try it out! Supposedly, everything works.

 

[bullfrog !]

You need to make sure everything works or immediately of try to get your money back which you can do in some states! Good Luck!!!

 

[docgeorge]

First time using the Carado Axion van. Last night I hooked shore power up to house receptacle 110 (had 15amp adapter) in order for fridge to cool, but got nothing. Batteries had depleted to 7.65, so lights were very dim. Do I have to hook shore power up to 30 amp receptacle for van to get shore power? All breakers are still on, but I'm not getting power from the house. Please advise. First time using a camper van.

 

[bullfrog !]

Do you have a manual. There maybe a mechanical switch you need to set to “shore power” in some older units or you may have an electrical component not functioning in a newer unit. If the house breaker is not tripped (and it shouldn’t be if only converter and Refrigerator are running) it should be working. This is too large a purchase to not have it checked out by professionals or at least someone that has an idea of how these RVs are supposed to work. Get it done quickly as in some states you may be able to get it resolved if you act quickly. Other wise plan on spending a lot of time and money! It sounds like your power source is not connected to the unit or there is no power at the source. If you have a 15 amp and a 30 amp plug on the van most likely you have to have power to the 30 amp plug. Get someone to show you before you damage something. Pictures help when asking questions here, the more we know the more we can help!

 

[INTJohn]

. Batteries had depleted to 7.65, so lights were very dim.

7.65?! Is this voltage? If that is a lead acid battery it is shot. Even if you get it recharged back up to 12.8v it will never be the same after it’s been discharged that low as the charge potential has suffered irreversible damage.

INTJohn

 

[maki2]

Maybe you should call a mobile RV service and have them do a run through education one on one with you on using the RVs various functions. They can also do a check to make sure all the appliances including the house battery and the converter panel with a built in charger and the plumbing system are functioning properly. If you do not know how to winterize you can also get that instruction.

That kind of inspection side by side with someone you hire to inspect the RV is usually done by inexperienced new owners before you make a purchase. But apparently you did not do so. So now is the time to do it before you take it out on a road trip.