Leisure battery as back up on Mk6

[Teamrienza]

Good afternoon all,

I have lurked around the forum for a couple of years now, and found answers to various queries which have been most helpful.

I trust those of you with expertise will be able to comment on this question.

I have a Mk6 (2006) Autosleeper coachbuilt (Rienza), I have 100 watts of solar panel and like to stay clear of 240v hook ups.

I frequently wonder if the main battery will be run down by use of radio and CD player when we are parked for days at a time.

My van has a secondary leisure battery which is charged by the solar panel. The battery is under the driver's seat beside the main one.

Would the leisure battery 'help' in the starting process if the main was a bit low on charge.

I have no electrical know how so may not be able to respond to further questions for info.

Thanks,

Davy

[ake]

No, the leisure battery is isolated at startup and only gets connected once engine is running.

Ideally you should rewire the radio to run from the leisure battery, or fit an additional stereo in the habitation area

[Kedishen]

I use this to keep my engine battery charged. I bought mine from Maplins for £20 or somewhere close. (the solar version does NOT do the same job.)

http://www.kemo-electronic.de/en/Car/Mo ... 4-V-DC.php

I have been known to sit in the same spot for weeks / months at a time without moving or starting the van. I have it mounted next to the engine battery onto the windscreen wiper motor casing and it works a treat.

I have it connected to the solar regulator output rather than the leisure batteries so that energy is not taken from the leisure batteries (primarily).

It seems to activate when the 12v supply has more than 0.5v than the engine battery and only allows a one way current - so it will take power from the leisure batts in the event main battery is low for whatever reason.

At first I was worried that leaving it connected all the time would be a problem because when driving, alternator is charging my leisure batts in the back, which then activates the module thing and puts power back to the engine battery... but it has been connected now for 6+ months and not had any issues, no blown fuses. I fuse mine at 5amp and have 3mm cable over a about 5 metres.


http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/kemo-lead-aci ... dule-n73au

Looks like it now only costs £5... bargain.

[Teamrienza]

Thank you gents for your prompt replies. I have considered a second radio/CD player, but was curious about the linkage of the two batteries.

I drive Transit MK6 and 7' minibuses on a daily basis and was aware that there were two batteries which interact, but was unsure how the setup is in a motorhome.

I like the little split relay device. I think even my limited electrical prowess could fit it. And at the price it is worth it for the peace of mind it would provide.

Thanks guys.

Davy

[ake]

On the factory Mk 6 set up the batteries are simply connected together.
On the factory mk7 set up the batteries are seperated at key off, and so using stereo won't flatten start battery

[whitemice]

i use one of these from maplins.
http://www.kemo-electronic.de/en/Light- ... l-16-A.php

easy to do and never had hassle from either battery.
viewtopic.php?f=58&t=115150

[Teamrienza]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for the update.

That is an excellent and comprehensive article whitemice.

Thanks

Davy