fitting a 2nd battery.

[andy 63]

I have a 2.4 tdci rwd van which came with the two batteries under the drivers seat... ive read its also possible to fit this at a later stage and read the how to by guy...
can anyone tell me if its possible to do the same thing on the new vans... it will be a 2.2 155 bhp van on a coachbuilt motorhome , but I'm told it will be delivered with one battery and as I like the mk 7 set up would be keen to do the same on the new van and fit an auxillary vehicle battery and keep the start battery as just that..
ta andy

[andy 63]

Just as an addition I have made enquiries at the local dealer and im afraid the guy I delt with was very helpful but he couldn't give me an answer... I said I would wait until I took delivery and see what wiring was under the seat...
In meantime I thought I would ask here..
Thanks andy

[moley551]

If its the same set up as the Custom. I priced the parts listed in the Bemm, a year ago it was approx £400+ thats supply only, you also need IDS or a Dealer to enable the system, surely a camper would have a leisure battery and split charging system as a basic requirement.

[Altransit]

When I was looking at these vans, you could order a second battery in the build spec, and it wasn't as much as £400

[Altransit]

When I was looking at these vans, you could order a second battery in the build spec, and it wasn't as much as £400

I've just found the email quote, and the battery was only a £90 addition

[andy 63]

If its the same set up as the Custom. I priced the parts listed in the Bemm, a year ago it was approx £400+ thats supply only, you also need IDS or a Dealer to enable the system, surely a camper would have a leisure battery and split charging system as a basic requirement.

Thanks for the reply... That's pricy.. I was hoping it might come pre wired and only need the relay and some battery wires.. I know it would have to be configured...
The motorhome will come with leisure batteries ... I would just like the same vehicle battery set up as I have in the mk7 with a vehicle aux battery to run the system when ignition is off and have a start battery that is just that..

When I was looking at these vans, you could order a second battery in the build spec, and it wasn't as much as £400

Thanks.. I did try and order a twin battery set up... chausson or at least the dealer said it wasn't possible.. they order the base vehicle in and they are all specked the same ie with single battery and it wasn't possible to change that...

I'll check the van when I get it and see what if any wiring is in place for the setup and get back..
Once again thanks for taking the time to reply...
Andy

[andy 63]

Finally got the van and had a look under drivers seat..
It has a pre fuse box but not the same layout as the mk7.. Didn't have time to take the battery out for a proper look so I'm still no further forward as to knowing if I can add another battery using the disconnect relay ..
There are one or two connections on the battery terminals to connectors that are present but not used.. does anyone know what they are..?
One final question... where can I find an engine run signal on the mk 8 ??

20160506_121458.jpg

[tg1903]

I have a mk8 chausson , get a Solar panel fitted that will charge your leisure battery first then your cab battery second ,had mine a year and never had battery issue

[andy 63]

I have a mk8 chausson , get a Solar panel fitted that will charge your leisure battery first then your cab battery second ,had mine a year and never had battery issue

Thanks that's the plan ,eventually..

[ake]

Finally got the van and had a look under drivers seat..
It has a pre fuse box but not the same layout as the mk7.. Didn't have time to take the battery out for a proper look so I'm still no further forward as to knowing if I can add another battery using the disconnect relay ..
There are one or two connections on the battery terminals to connectors that are present but not used.. does anyone know what they are..?
One final question... where can I find an engine run signal on the mk 8 ??

20160506_121458.jpg

You can do it the same as the mk7, the relay may even be the same

[andy 63]

Finally got the van and had a look under drivers seat..
It has a pre fuse box but not the same layout as the mk7.. Didn't have time to take the battery out for a proper look so I'm still no further forward as to knowing if I can add another battery using the disconnect relay ..
There are one or two connections on the battery terminals to connectors that are present but not used.. does anyone know what they are..?
One final question... where can I find an engine run signal on the mk 8 ??

20160506_121458.jpg

You can do it the same as the mk7, the relay may even be the same

Thanks ake.. as I said just had a quick look and noticed the relay position certainly isn't in same position on the pre fuse box,but did notice in the Bemm drawing that it may be on the lower right side...
I will hopefully get a better look in a month or so when I get the time,and check if the wiring is in place for a relay..
Do you know if there is an engine run signal available in the wiring on the mk 8.. I did find it on my mk 7 but still not sure on this one...
Thanks for your reply.
Andy

[ake]

Finally got the van and had a look under drivers seat..
It has a pre fuse box but not the same layout as the mk7.. Didn't have time to take the battery out for a proper look so I'm still no further forward as to knowing if I can add another battery using the disconnect relay ..
There are one or two connections on the battery terminals to connectors that are present but not used.. does anyone know what they are..?
One final question... where can I find an engine run signal on the mk 8 ??

20160506_121458.jpg

You can do it the same as the mk7, the relay may even be the same

Thanks ake.. as I said just had a quick look and noticed the relay position certainly isn't in same position on the pre fuse box,but did notice in the Bemm drawing that it may be on the lower right side...
I will hopefully get a better look in a month or so when I get the time,and check if the wiring is in place for a relay..
Do you know if there is an engine run signal available in the wiring on the mk 8.. I did find it on my mk 7 but still not sure on this one...
Thanks for your reply.
Andy

I'm pretty sure there is, I'll try to find it

[andy 63]

Thanks ake youer a gent...
I have had a look at the Bemm and it made reference to an engine run under drivers seat but didn't find anything like the ground switching fly lead that's available on the mk7 in the loom behind the glove box...

[ake]

A camper chassis has a engine run earth switched connection available in the camper connections in the passenger seat base
Full details in BEMM

[andy 63]

A camper chassis has a engine run earth switched connection available in the camper connections in the passenger seat base
Full details in BEMM

Thanks ake ill have another look at the Bemm .. currently on outer hebredies but when I eventually get home ill have a look and get back on the outcome. .
Cheers andy.