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How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby TEAEFF » Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:26 pm

Hello lovely people,
Could anyone help me with a perennial problem that I have.
I'll keep it in short sentences it makes easier reading.
I own a Volkswagen california (a very small camper van for the uninitiated).
I have lived here for five years in a fourth floor flat.
The auxiliary batteries need charging once a month from a normal electricity supply.
The plug connecter is on the side of the van.
I can't get the camper van in the lift (only joking).
I tried a generator but police said no no no.
The batteries after five years of non charging are now in a deep sleep.
If I replace the batteries does anyone have a permanent charging solution for me?
I would be so grateful if you have.
Terence
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Re: VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA CHARGING

Postby marcliff » Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:12 pm

Have you thought of a solar battery charger? I don't know what voltage your auxiliary batteries are but our neighbour keeps his car battery on a trickle charger with a very small solar panel.
You can get them in different sizes depending on the voltage required.
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby TEAEFF » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:14 am

Hello Marcliff,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my post. Unfortunately the California has it's own built in charger and connecting cables it has to be connected to a domestic outlet, also alas it is parked underground no sunshine. Thanks for trying to help.
teaeff
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby grichn » Mon Apr 27, 2015 12:28 pm

Hi

It's simple. Take the battery out of the car, take it to your flat, plug it into a battery charger. Job done.

Richard
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby TEAEFF » Mon Apr 27, 2015 1:49 pm

Hi Richard,
If only it was that simple, there are three auxiliary batteries sealed under the seats excluding the motor battery (which is accessible)
they are all linked to the same circuit and can only be accessed by VW mechanics with special keys. This is the model totally constructed inside and
out by VW in their factory. But thank you for your well meaning help.
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby marcliff » Mon Apr 27, 2015 2:27 pm

In which case it looks like you need the worlds longest extension lead.
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby Jordy » Tue Apr 28, 2015 9:46 am

Just a thought.
Once a month could the van be driven from it's parking spot to a 'friendly' neighbour or bar who would allow you to plug into their supply (maybe for a small fee)
with an extension cable? As you said, you have been here 5 years...surely someone you know could help out? Hope you get it solved. ;)

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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby TEAEFF » Tue Apr 28, 2015 1:17 pm

Hello Jordy,

Yes the van could easily be driven any distance and with my long extension cable it could easily be accomplished. The problem is, all of my friendly neighbours live in flats.
By posting my dilemma here I was hoping someone would offer me for a fee, a service, perhaps a garage, or privately, someone who is residential, as it would be a permanent requirement. However no luck so far, but jordy I do thank you for your interest.

teaeff
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby grichn » Tue Apr 28, 2015 1:25 pm

Hello

After 5 years the auxiliary batteries are only fit for the recycle park-they are sulphated and just dead weight.

Even VW did not ''seal'' batteries in such a way that they cannot be removed.................

Grasp the nettle and get the car to a garage who will change/adapt the car for easy-to-remove and charge batteries.

It has just occurred to me that the vehicle has not moved in 5 years. Are you using it as guest accommodation?

The easy answer is to sell this antique hotel and get a proper car that you can drive occasionally..........

Richard - Give me strength...............
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Re: How to charge my Volkswagen California camper van?

Postby dingbat » Tue Apr 28, 2015 5:17 pm

I have had a motorhome for 13 years that I had to park in the street as it was too tall to get into our underground garage. I only lived on the second floor but used to plug in the electric hookup cable into a socket on the balcony. This reached the pavement with plenty to spare. I used a blue rope that I taped along side the hookup cable to take the weight of the cable. This stopped the cable stretching under the weight of the cable. I tied the rope to the balustrade. An electric hookup cable could roughly reach the 4th floor i would imagine. I have used this cable for around 10 years without any problems. I had to charge my batteries once a week as I has several extra security devices which would soon run the batteries down.
Hope this is of some use to you.
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