Split charging system good one?? HOW?

[WhiteVanMan]

Hi i am after a Split charging system that works "properly" i Have two batt's in my tranney linked with an 80A relay triggerd by the engine so when its running both batt's charge in parallel, but this is not very good for the cells in the batteries, the second battery runs an 800W inverter and the sound system, but I need a system so when the main battery is full of charge it will switch over to charge the 2nd battery when driving, or i been told two bridge rectifyers will do the job, is a kit for doing this?? thanks for your help Andy

[Retired boy racer]

hi whitevanman - I to have a simular set up in my van. I have been experimenting with a 85amp caravan leisure battery and a multi switch from most caravan accessory shops. It takes power from the alternator only when the van battery is fully charged. the multi switch automatically switches on and off depending on how much charge is in either battery this way the leisure battery does'nt drain all the power from vehicle battery ending up with a flat non starter.

Hope this helps you it seems to work for me.

[FredTransit]

Our batteries are just linked together, and charge both at the same time. They don't have a swtichover, or seem to have extra wear because of it. However we don't run particularly huge stereos

[Retired boy racer]

Hi Fred Transit Just out of idle curiosity fred how do you go about linking the two batterys together (SAFELY).Is it as simple as negative to negative and posative to posative that sounds to easy.Thanks

[FredTransit]

Hi Fred Transit Just out of idle curiosity fred how do you go about linking the two batterys together (SAFELY).Is it as simple as negative to negative and posative to posative that sounds to easy.Thanks

Sorry can't help you! Our batts were fitted when we bought the van, and elecrics are not my strong point

[Rifleman]

[Retired boy racer]

Thanks Rifleman mine runs on a very similar system I might possibly up grade with the help of your wiring diagram my system is only used for things like cooler box 5"TV extra interior lighing etc..Have printed off diagram for future referance. Thanks again for the info.JD.

[Rifleman]

Thanks Rifleman mine runs on a very similar system I might possibly up grade with the help of your wiring diagram my system is only used for things like cooler box 5"TV extra interior lighing etc..Have printed off diagram for future referance. Thanks again for the info.JD.

No probs I snaffled the diagram of a motrcamper website On my van I am going to cheat cos I'm useless with electrics, I'm just going to tap into the Grey Caravan Socket on the tow bar, cos its designed to supply safe power to your caravan.

[bortaf]

On me Mk2 i run 2 split charge relays (£3.50 from a car spares shop) 1 for the fridge and 1 for the second battery (only charge when the alt light goes out same as riflemans diagram)
On me LDV ambulance it came with 2 batterys but with a heavy duty split charge relay (was finned and everything not just a relay in a plastic box) and that was fine with 2 batterys as long as they where the same, it killed 4 leasure batterys before i found out they need to be the same amperage or the spliter just over charged the leasure one.
Then went to 4 normal batterys conected in pairs live to live and earth to earth using the same relay and never had a problem again (including running the stereo at RTTS for 2 days constantly till the tape melted in the unit
My recovery has 2 batterys, no split charger and never had a problem just live to live again, so i'd say as long as the alt is up to the job and the batterys are the same amperage you should be fine just running a heavy duty live from one battery to the other and earthing the pair to the body.

[Retired boy racer]

Hi Thanks for the recent input with regards to the split charging system Bortaf I will possibly give it a try if my present system does'nt give me 100% this year,Thanks again mate.

[Gunslinger]

Our batteries are just linked together, and charge both at the same time. They don't have a swtichover, or seem to have extra wear because of it. However we don't run particularly huge stereos

this is what i was planning to do, i just want the second battery in there for cranking power and to generally boost the existing system, dont need it for leisure purposes .... any suggestions ?

[Boner]

Gunslinger
I use a booster pack as a 2nd source of power.. My van doesa not start on really cold days on its own battery but attach the booster and it cranks instantly.. its just underpowered but it does get damn cold here. The booster also has lights and sockets to plug in and will run kettles etc for a good few hours. Charges back up of the ciggarette socket during the days traveling. Was £19.99 fi a big local well known car supply place beginbging with H. I use it for the smaller things in the van the now till i can get a 2nd battery set up. Just a cheap option the now for ya good luck .
Boner

[Gunslinger]

cheers for the info ... gonna look at this a little more closely after i have finished welding everything and re-running the brake and fuel lines in aeroquip

[haggis21]

I will use Transit Afficiando's diagram...but, don't want to use the link to the alternator via light & starter. Is this ok or is this link vital ? Would be grateful for advice.

[Luke]

yeah you need it - why would you not want to use it