3 pin plug sockets

3 pin sockets are 230V, and you only get that when the caravan is connected to 230V.

The leisure battery supplies 12V to interior lights, water pump and a few more things.

You need to read the owners manual.

Yes that's correct.

a caravan or MH will generally have two electrical systems...

230v activated by the hookup cable and making live all the 3 pin sockets...for use of hairdryers, kettles, toasters and other mains devices...

12v activated by the leisure battery (or charger) and makes live any 12v/USB type sockets..for the use of iPad or phone charging etc

some larger MH have a third system where the 12v supply from a large bank of leisure batteries is 'inverted' from 12v to 230v.

That is correct. The mains hok up us required for your 3 pin mains sockets on the van. The battery only supplies 12v, typically for lights., toilet flush, possibly fridge light and a TV feed. 

Colin

Was it bought from a dealer if so they should really have gone through everything with you, as pointed out most things run on 12volts lights, pumps and the control circuits, the heavy work ie water heater, heating  are done by mains electric when on a hook up and gas if you are not. The cooker will run on gas but you may have an electric hot plate. .And by the way Andy Welcome and have fun

I'm pleased that Andy Karen had the sense to ask the question on this forum but in reality they shouldn't have needed to. Whoever sold the caravan to them, (I'm assuming a dealer) must have known they were complete novices and would need everything explaining to them. It worries me that when fundamentals such as 230v operation are not explained, have safety issues such as maximum loading weights and distribution, nose weight limits and tyre pressures etc. Was the car / caravan matching checked? As obernockle rightly stated, the handbook needs to be read and understood. They are produced for a very good reason. I'm not saying it is so in this case but it does remind me of a camera handbook that I had some years ago where the first words in it were "Now you've tried it your way, do it ours!"

Many thanks all for the advice.

Yes we did have a handover and we were probably advised this.

There was so much to take in. We have the handbook and lots of manuals and info to get through.

Many thanks again to All

Andy 😊

Don't worry Andy we were all new to this game at one time 

Andy

When we had the handover for our first motorhome it was long and detailed, probably too long and detailed as didn't take half of it in. Fortunately we had been caravanners for many years so we knew some of the ropes.

Hope you enjoy your new venture.

David

Andy and Karen.  Welcome to your new hobby.  We were all beginners once and you will soon get on top of the various things in your caravan.  Your next step should be to go and stay at a local site for a  few days making sure you use everything in your caravan, local because if you forget something not too far to go home to get it.  Quite important you ensure you know about caravan nose weight and loading capacity and there is some good advice in this forum, in the Club handbook and the technical/advice section of this site.  Do not hesitate to ask any questions, you will find nearly all caravanners are only to willing to help and advise.  Enjoy reading the handbooks and trying the various bits and bobs in your caravan!