Split relay

[vampirequeen]

We're beginners in most things to do with conversions but very good at following instructions. We've already installed a solar panel which charges the leisure battery but think we also need to connect the van battery to the leisure battery to ensure it doesn't drop below 50%. We've been looking at battery to battery split relays. Are they difficult to install? Would we be able to do it or is it a proper electricians job?

[loot]

What year is the van?

[vampirequeen]

She's a Y reg.

We don't want to attach to the alternator or ignition. We've seen kits like thishttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-TRANSIT- ... 0837856923 which seem really straightforward to fit.

[dumper]

The self switching relays are good and easy to fit it is just wired battery to battery but that kit is a waste of money the scotch-lock inline fuse holder are crap .buy a relay on its own and the spade type inline fuse holders roll of wire end crimp on terminals .the wire I used on mine was what they use on trailer sidelights that ere twin core red & black wires has its own protection and easy to fit I got a 20 meter roll of this as I used it for the lights/water pump & power sockets all over the van .

[vampirequeen]

We don't know enough about cables and wires to buy separately. We can do the wire A goes into socket B sought of thing which is why we were looking to buy a kit. We worry that our lack of knowledge will lead to us buying the wrong strength cable and it being dangerous.

[bulls in transit]

Fitted a 'Durite' split charge relay in my conversion,wires from batt via fuse to relay then to second battery.

[Beaker]

I have to agree with Dumper, that kit looks pretty shonky. Unlike him though I would recommend using a kit if you are not 100% sure what you are doing.

Have a look here:

http://www.simplysplitcharge.co.uk/

Their kits are much better, quality parts and fittings and at a decent price. The instructions that come with the kit are clear and easy to follow - even by a novice.

Best of all the guy who runs the place is absolutely superb if you need advice over the phone. If you are unsure which kit is best for you, or if you want any technical advice, ring him and he will patiently and clearly talk you through it.

I have no connection to him, just a satisfied customer.

[mistericeman]

You cannot get better and simpler than fitting a durite
VSR (voltage sensing relay)
3 wires to connect.... one small one to a local earth point and two starter gauge ones to link the starter battery to the relay and the leisure battery to the relay.

The relay will only close and share charge ONCE the starter battery is fully charged.....
As a bonus WHEN your solar panel has fully replenished the leisure battery the relay will close and put any spare charge into the starter battery.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201071869842

[vampirequeen]

Thanks we'd been looking at both the Durite and the simplysplitcharge. We thought the example I gave looks a bit cheap and nasty compared to these better quality ones.

[mistericeman]

Thanks we'd been looking at both the Durite and the simplysplitcharge. We thought the example I gave looks a bit cheap and nasty compared to these better quality ones.

I've used both and to be honest was less than impressed with the small type....
I bought the Durite one (about £40 on ebay) and then bought a couple of suitable terminals and a roll of battery cable off ebay as, my leisure batteries are at the back under the bed in my Jumbo....





Durite one has been well worth it.....

[robbie.cee]

Nice. What batteries are you using?

[mistericeman]

Me???

3 x 100ah lucas leisure....

[dumper]

2x 140 leisure battery's

[NickJ]

I was using or tried to use a voltage sensing relay. I just couldnt get it working.

Yesterday I fit a direct connection between my batteries with a manual switch and a big fuse.

My battery is on my doorstep do all I need to do is have some paracord from my keys to the switch key. That way I can leave the van with my leisure battery unisolated.

I cant believe how effective its been. I need my battery a lot and so far I've had to be careful only having the solar panels working and not a lot of sun.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

[mistericeman]

I was using or tried to use a voltage sensing relay. I just couldnt get it working.

Yesterday I fit a direct connection between my batteries with a manual switch and a big fuse.

My battery is on my doorstep do all I need to do is have some paracord from my keys to the switch key. That way I can leave the van with my leisure battery unisolated.

I cant believe how effective its been. I need my battery a lot and so far I've had to be careful only having the solar panels working and not a lot of sun.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

Which VSR and what van?