Split charging

[spondootre]

Hi,

I'm going to be adding some extra audio equipment and some fancy lights etc to my K reg petrol Van. I am pretty sure that the current set up is not going to support it!! (The lights dim when the heater fan is on etc!) so I am after some advice on what to do.
do you think that split charging with an extra battery would be enough? And why do I need a split charging relay? Can't I just parallel the 2 batteries?
Is there anything else I can do to increase the power? Is there an upgrade for the alternator?

any advice is welcome!!

Cheers
Malc

[FredTransit]

What transit is this? Petrol or diesel? Two batteries and a higher output alternator are a Special Vehicle Option (SVO) from ford, so it's easy enough to fit, two of ours have it and they are just interlinked batteries, no split charger.

[spondootre]

It's a 1994 K reg Petrol Transit. Do you know if one's available for this one? Are they expensive?

Cheers
Malc

[FredTransit]

Theoretically they can be fitted to a petrol engine, one of ours is on a V6 ambulance. Both were there when we got the vans, so have no idea of the cost. See if you can find an ambulance in a scrappy.

Edit - forgot to mention the amby has god knows what fitted to it (for internal and external lighting and equipment), and though is all original the electrics are just a bunch of complicated spaghetti to me! Actual wiring is not my strong point....... the diesel SVO had a lot of the electrics replaced when we got her, as she was literally a shed before that. That's how I know there is no split charger on that one, but I don't know if it's better that way due to being a diesel (and therefore using less electric power to run) or just comvenient to fit like that.

[Luke]

out of interest i have twin batterys on my mk3 shed [2.0 pinto swb 80 1991] they look like they are factory as the wires go into the loom!
but only one has a thick starter wire - is this how it should be?

[spondootre]

I might phone fords and ask the question on how much........then after i've picked myself up off the floor and reset the phone i'll go the scrappy and have a look!!

Where would the other battery go? under the drives seat? If I can't find an upgrade that'll go I suppose I could go down the split charging route.

Cheers
Malc

[Luke]

Where would the other battery go? under the drives seat?

mine is in the same place as the existing battery but at the other side!!

[FredTransit]

I might phone fords and ask the question on how much........then after i've picked myself up off the floor and reset the phone i'll go the scrappy and have a look!!

Where would the other battery go? under the drives seat? If I can't find an upgrade that'll go I suppose I could go down the split charging route.

Cheers
Malc

Both of ours are Mk2, so there is more room under the bonnet and there is a battery each side, on it's own fitted battery tray.

[spondootre]

there should be enough room under the bonnet for it then, i'll have alook in the light tomorrow. I don't know the output of the alternator but am I right in thinking it's the same engine as a sierra of the same year? If so I suppose I could look at upgrades for that. I could also invest in the haynes manual for it!! I have a manual for a diesel Mk3 but they didn't make one for the petrol so i'm stumped on engine specs.

Cheers
Malc

[MrMPuk]

If you buy another battery tray it will just bolt straight in, only thing is i'm not sure if they are handed!

[Luke]

If you buy another battery tray it will just bolt straight in, only thing is i'm not sure if they are handed!

i'll have a look at mine! i'll be taking one out i cant afford to run 2 batterys!!

[FredTransit]

If you buy another battery tray it will just bolt straight in, only thing is i'm not sure if they are handed!

I think they are handed, try ordering either an SVO 2nd battery tray, or one for the LHD

[MrMPuk]

Looking at the pictures Luke just sent me they look handed! So as Fred says try and order a left hand drive one.

[Luke]

Here is a piccy of each one taken 5 mins ago!!!

[Luke]

i keep my van in the house you see