Horsebox help - starting problem

Thanks for the link Mcnaughty, Im trying not to let this get to me but Im struggling now! Its terrible whats happened, I suspect nothing has been done and its just stood there and all the weve done this, tried that is just trying to get me of their backs. Im in a no win situation now as I cant just pick it up :( Im pretty sure the batteries are that age, they have the date written on them in marker pen by the last owner from when they changed them. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh.............. and breathe :)
 
Dave - you seem to know what you are talking about - can I ask a couple of questions please??

Firstly - can you jump start a lorry (2 x 12v batteries) off a car? Do you need special heavy duty leads. I have been told yes and no on this one but some people have assured me that they regularly do this!
Secondly - does it damage a lorry to jump start it's batteries ie the alternator, starter motor or the batteries
Thirdly (sorry yes I did say a couple of questions!) - how long does it take to charge up a battery by driving the lorry around?
Fourth! - is it better to charge the batteries by taking them off and charging via mains or just driving around?

Cheers Dave.
 
Louby - I feel your pain! I had a very similar problem with a guy who was supposed to be fitting out my lorry living - it just never got finished and I finally got fed up with the 'but I'm really busy' rubbish. If they cant do the job they shouldnt have taken it on. It is now possible by the sound of it that they may have damaged your batteries by letting them drain for a long period. I had a similar problem with a garage that I took my Discovery to. They just plain did not want to do the work and said that I had to call in an electrical expert to sort it as it could be the whole wiring loom at fault and that they did not DO electrics. I took it to a garage down the road who laughed and said that more than half a car is electrical and they were idiots. It was the alternator in the end that the first garage had fitted 6 months before! Funny that they didnt want anything to do with it eh! I assume it is an old lorry - quite frankly the older the better as they have less to go wrong and are easier to fix. No computers!! I really dont know what to say, other than tell them to sort it out or you will have the lorry removed to a garage that will and you will not be paying for the oil leak to offset against the additional cost of getting the lorry moved.
 
To be honest your best option would be to buy some new batteries and get them fitted or get a mobile battery fitter to do it. If it starts then away you go and if not you know it is something else in which case if they can't diagnose it get an electro-auto electrician in.
 
I just feel like why should I have to buy new batteries when its their fault its ended up like this. Its an expense we could do without especially if it turns out to not be the batteries. We have decided to call up shortly and if they havent charged them, then take them off and do it ourselves. If that doesnt cure it ask them for a couple of good batteries to try first before buying new ones. Im sure a garage of its size should have a couple knocking around. This could only happen to me :(
 
Hi mcnaughty. My back ground is the marine industry yachts and sailing barges so horse box set up is similar. By 2x12v batteries I take it you mean a 24volt system? if so the first answer is no. If the truck has a 12 volt system and the other battery is a utility battery then the answer is yes but the car would have to be a bigun jeep or shogun. If you regularly need to jump start your truck get it fixed. Jump starting trucks is not something you want to do casually, the energy involved is in the sphere of arc welding so yes big leads and yes a short will damage alternator or any protection devises. The favoured method of jump starting is, switch off both vehicle ignitions, connect jump leads (observe polarity), start jumping vehicle, have a natter or a fag admire scenery about 10 mins, increase engine revs on jumping vehicle to quarter throttle or there abouts make sure heater, radio, lights etc are switched off ditto dead vehicle, attempt start do not crank continuously for more than 10 seconds have a few goes rather than 1 long one success? switch off jumping vehicle, disconnect positive lead from both vehicles then the negative. All common sense.
Depends on the driving and the condition of the battery could take a couple of hours or all day. Always better to disconnect the battery and charge from the mains with a powerful charger that can monitor the charging current. Big problem with older vehicles that are used infrequently is earth leaks through dodgy light clusters or general corrosion around electrical connections. Me, I would have an isolator fitted to completely disconnect the batteries from the truck, would prolong the life of the battery and make it hard to steal, have to leave the fridge door ajar tho. lol
 
So, theyve charged the batteries and its still dead :( They are aware I am not too pleased and Ive told them I am not prepared to pay for an auto electrician at this point as the wagon didnt have a starting issue when I left it with them and that the fact its stood for almost 6 weeks without the isolator on isnt my fault. I said I felt very stupid trying to tell this mechanic what to do and it would be like me asking him what was wrong with my horse! I asked if they had 2 good batteries they could try before we did anything else as I didnt think it was fair I had to pay for 2 new batteries when the ones I had were good before it went to them. The receptionist said she totally understood and said she would get the mechanic to ring me, surprise surprise he hasnt.

Sorry to be a pain but just wanted to confirm that totally dead batteries could still be the issue as they wont hold a charge despite being trickle charged as I feel a right idiot trying to tell this bloke his job :(
 
We've had batteries that needed replaced after standing for long period of time without use especially in cold weather. . I'd order yourself a new one and drive the lorry to another mechanic to fix the oil problem. Even in the summer ours needs started every 10 days or so.

Fiona
 
Thanks Fiona, it usually starts every time which is why I suspect its the batteries but they have said all sorts, starter, wiring etc, everything but the batteries. I'd just hate to spend £200 on 2 batteries for it not to be the batteries. Im hoping they have a couple we can try it with first.
 
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