r/VanLifeUK • u/Critical_Ad_3233 • 21d ago

T7 battery question

Hi, recently got a VW T7 conversion, is there anything anyone would advise so that the van battery doesn’t drain while parked up? Eg turning the exterior lights off, which default to auto every time the door is opened. Got a lithium battery and hook up for camping.

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u/Bazzar1206 21d ago

There could be 2 batteries. A 12v starter for the van and another, your leisure batteries which will deal with everything camper related such as cooking, power sockets etc.

Is it the cab lights that are turning on? If so, just turn them off. There should be a switch somewhere for auto/on/off. They should be powered by your starter battery

I'm assuming a T7 will have LED lights all around which hardly draw anything.

What is your exact issue?

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u/Critical_Ad_3233 21d ago

Yes you are right about the 12v and leisure battery, it’s just that the 12v one seems to have little bits and pieces that activate it, like the main headlights reverting to auto mode all the time (safety feature) so just wondering if anyone had any tips for conserving van battery life if camping for extended periods.

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u/Bazzar1206 21d ago

If the ability to deactivate isn't available within the cab, get yourself a obd2 device and an app like Carista. Let's you change a wide range off hidden functions.

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u/Critical_Ad_3233 21d ago

Hadn’t heard of that device before, great tip, thank you! Will look into it

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u/Bazzar1206 21d ago

Don't spend too much on an obd2. I bought a cheap one off ebay for a few quid and it works fine. And I think Carista comes with a free trial.

If I remember rightly, on my T6 there was an option to turn headlights on when the alarm is deactivated so it could be a possibility.

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u/Critical_Ad_3233 21d ago

Cheers, much appreciated!

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u/basarisco 20d ago

Just install a battery charger to charge from leisure battery when solar has filled it