split charging

[Sparky]

hiya lads ijust wonderd why my van has two batterys on it i know the rac must of put it on but what did they use it for as there is a plug socket under the bumper and one inside the back of the van and also what kind of stuff can i use it for any ideas

[MrMPuk]

The plug under the bumper is an anderson plug and would be where they plug there jump leads in.

[Sparky]

where can i get some of these plugs from?

[spondootre]

This guy sells them, but it seems you'll need to know which one you have fitted to the van already to get the right size, I would guess it's a high rating for a mup lead connection.



http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Anderson-Plug-Hig ... dZViewItem



malc

[MrMPuk]

That's the thing, but I doubt it will be that type as that one has the ancillary connection for a control cable down the middle. Give http://www.rswww.com a go.

[stevew]

Hi,
Like MrMpuk says it's for connecting jump leads without having to open the bonnet. It's a really useful facility, especially if you have friends with bad batteries and big stereos!
Make sure you have the cap that goes over the end when not in use. I've seen those things corrode quick when exposed to the rain. If you can't get a cap stick some grease in there. Anderson really know how to design a plug and contacts are self cleaning under normal usebut only to a certain extent.
I was thinking of fitting one on my van but I was wondering how it is connected to the battery. If it is permanently connected what's to stop some youth sticking a coat hanger into it and shorting out the battery?
I'd rather not come out one day to find my van burnt out
I was planning to fit a battery cut off switch but I'd be interested to know how the RAC do it. Perhaps they do use the plug with ancilliary connections and a large relay?
Steve

[jay]

yes stevew either put a relay in line or put a master switch in somewhere.

[MrMPuk]

You don't need anything complicated just a fuse will do!

[stevew]

You'd need a BIG fuse if you want to jump start from it!
I've got a couple of 350A fuses here but I don't think a coat hanger would blow it! And it still might set fire to something.
I'm going with a battery switch.
Steve

[madvanman]

Use a starter solonoid from an austin mini or similar as a relay via a switch like the AA do, it should cope with jump starts.
its also advisable to wire it up to the alternator warning light like a caravan charging circuit so you dont ever run your van battery flat.

[stevew]

its also advisable to wire it up to the alternator warning light like a caravan charging circuit so you dont ever run your van battery flat.

Good idea.
It shouldn't be a problem if you have two batteries, as long as you have the plug on the second battery. I'd like to be able to use the plug for charging the van battery or jumping the van if I ever have to so I think I'll stick with a simple switch.
Steve

[Terry]

I have my Anderson plug fitted under the bonnet, so no little scrotes can get at it.
I got mine from some motorsport shop out near Wokingham,
Fibreglass battery box too, I seem to remember I got the 175 amp
halves, and a pull handle for £25.

[img][IMG]http://i30.photobucket.com[/img]

[Terry]

The piccy didn't come through ! so I'll try again

[img][img]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c302/terryford/CIMG0956.jpg[/img][/img]

The live is connected to the 'jump start terminal' and the neg
to the engine lifting eye, as per the instructions for jump starting the Mk6

[Sparky]

nice one terry for the pic ille move my plug from under the bumper and mount it in the same place as yours gives me sleepless nights the thought some little scrote could torch my van with a coat hanger