I'm not ashamed of my car

lobster-car-carl-purcell.jpg - Bild entfernt (keine Rechte)

Colin,

I tested my 2017 Ateca very simply with a voltmeter plugged in to the 12Vdc power socket (the old cigar lighter).

In solo trim the voltage varied between 11.5 and 17.5 whilst driving around.

With the caravan attached it is a steady 14.2V so the factory fit towbar electrics cleverly defeat the "smart" alternator.

I have heard other people who do not have the correct software trick the alternator in to working continuously by driving with headlights on.

By the way, you were quite right to query the original poster about a new car as that was also my first thought.

I would like to thank everybody for the response to my little problem.
My car does not have the euro engine. I think I will buy a new relay, and if the fridge still does not cool down whilst towing I will use ice packs as Randa suggested at the start of the post.

Thanks again

Tony