Imagine you’re planning a weekend adventure in your Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline, only to notice your campervan’s electrical system acting up. Dim lights, a temperamental fridge, and a sinking feeling that your trip might be in trouble. That’s the predicament one of our customers faced when they arrived at Kinmel Campers. Thanks to our expert campervan electrical system diagnosis and flexible weekend service, we pinpointed the issue and booked them in for a repair on Thursday. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how we diagnosed a tricky 12v power issue, showcasing why Kinmel Campers is the go-to for campervan owners. If you’re dealing with leisure battery problems or need a Volkswagen Transporter electrical check, read on to see how we can keep your adventures on track.
The Problem: A Mysterious Battery Drain
When our customer pulled into Kinmel Campers on a hectic Saturday, they were understandably worried. Their Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline, a campervan that had been their trusty companion for years, was suffering from a mysterious battery drain. The leisure battery, which powers essentials like lights, fridges, and water pumps, wasn’t holding a charge, threatening to derail their weekend camping plans.
At Kinmel Campers, we specialise in tackling campervan electrical issues. Whether it’s split-charge problems, solar panel faults, or faulty wiring, we’re equipped to get to the bottom of it. With our customer’s trip at stake, we launched into a detailed campervan electrical system diagnosis to identify the culprit and set them up for a repair.
Diagnosing the Issue: Precision and Expertise
To uncover the cause of the battery drain, we conducted a thorough Volkswagen Transporter electrical check. Our technician used a multimeter—a device that measures voltage, current, and resistance—to assess the system’s performance. With the engine running, the multimeter showed a steady 13.25V, indicating the alternator and split-charge system were functioning correctly. However, when the engine was off, the leisure battery’s voltage dropped significantly, pointing to a potential fault in the battery itself.

This reading was critical. The split-charge system, which charges both the main and leisure batteries simultaneously while driving, was doing its job when the vehicle was on. But the leisure battery’s inability to hold a charge suggested it was nearing the end of its lifespan. Our diagnosis confirmed the need for a leisure battery replacement, which we scheduled for a 50-minute repair appointment on Thursday. We also checked the wiring and solar panel connections to rule out other issues, ensuring a comprehensive diagnosis.
Kinmel’s Weekend Service: Always Ready to Help

What sets Kinmel Campers apart is our commitment to customers, even outside regular hours. Most garages aren’t open on weekends, but we know campervan adventures don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. Our Kinmel Campers weekend service allowed us to diagnose the issue on a Saturday, giving our customer peace of mind and a clear plan for the Thursday repair.
By identifying the faulty leisure battery and booking the repair, we ensured our customer could plan their next steps without delay. This is what Kinmel Campers is all about—going the extra mile to keep your campervan dreams alive. Facing 12v power issues? Contact us today for an expert campervan electrical system diagnosis.
Common Campervan Electrical Issues (And How We Diagnose Them)
Campervan electrical systems are the heartbeat of your mobile home, but they can develop faults. Here are some common issues we see at Kinmel Campers, along with how we diagnose them:
1. Faulty Leisure Batteries
Leisure batteries power your campervan’s 12v systems, but they can fail due to age or improper charging. Symptoms include dim lights or a sluggish fridge. We use a multimeter to test voltage and capacity, identifying whether a leisure battery replacement is needed. Learn about our battery services.
2. Split-Charge System Issues
The split-charge system charges both batteries while driving. If it fails, your leisure battery won’t charge. We test the system’s relays and connections to diagnose split-charge issues accurately.
3. Solar Panel Faults
Solar panels are great for off-grid camping, but faulty wiring can reduce efficiency. We check panel output and connections to diagnose solar panel problems and ensure sustainable power.
4. 12v Power Issues
Blown fuses or loose wiring can disrupt 12v power systems. Our technicians trace faults with multimeters, pinpointing the issue for a targeted repair.
For more on maintaining your campervan’s electrical system, check out this Volkswagen battery care guide. Regular checks can prevent issues, but when problems arise, Kinmel Campers’ diagnostic expertise is unmatched.
Why Choose Kinmel Campers for Campervan Electrical Diagnosis?

At Kinmel Campers, we’re passionate about keeping your campervan road-ready. Here’s why customers trust us:
- Expertise: Our technicians are skilled in Volkswagen Transporter electrical checks and campervan systems.
- Weekend Service: We offer flexible, after-hours diagnostics to fit your schedule.
- Customer Focus: We explain every step, ensuring you’re confident in the process.
- Thorough Diagnostics: We use advanced tools like multimeters for accurate results.
Our customer left with a clear diagnosis and a repair booked for Thursday, ready to get back on the road. Ready for the Kinmel difference? Book your diagnostic check now.
Tips to Prevent Campervan Electrical Issues
While some faults are inevitable, regular maintenance can keep your campervan humming. Our top tips:
- Monitor Battery Health: Test your leisure battery’s voltage every few months. Below 12.6V idle suggests a problem.
- Check Wiring: Look for loose or frayed wires, especially in the fuse box.
- Clean Solar Panels: Ensure panels are free of dirt and connections are secure.
- Use a Smart Charger: Prevent overcharging to extend battery life.
Our electrical diagnostics service can catch issues early, saving you hassle. Book a check before your next trip!
Don’t Let Electrical Issues Derail Your Adventure
Whether it’s a dodgy leisure battery, split-charge issues, or 12v power problems, Kinmel Campers’ campervan electrical system diagnosis can pinpoint the fault and set you up for a fix. Our recent diagnosis of a Volkswagen Transporter T28 Highline, with a repair booked for Thursday, shows how we go above and beyond. With weekend availability and a passion for campervans, we’re here to keep your adventures powered.
Don’t let electrical gremlins spoil your plans. Contact Kinmel Campers today for a campervan electrical system diagnosis. Let us get you road-ready, just like we did for our Transporter T28 customer!