Split Charger

[Rod_374243662]

Hi all, am currently fitting out the back of an LDV Convoy ( I know it's not a caravan but it's all i've got) and need some tips/guidance on the electrics of my fit out.

I am looking at running a 3-way camping fridge and two 12v lights off a 60AH deep cycle leisure battery. To charge the leisure battery I am going to install a split charger. I will also have gas to run the fridge off.

Can't see us staying stationary and using the gas/ battery to power the fridge of lights for longer than a week without recharging.

My questions are

1. Would this battery be able to cope with using the lights at night for a few hours?

2. Is a split charger suitable for this sort of battery recharging setup?

3. Should the lights and fridge be placed on switches to isolate them from the battery so they don't drain it.

4. Are you able to run the fridge off the leisure battery while it is charging when the car is operating, or should it be run out of the cigarette lighter in the van?

5. How easy is it to install a voltmeter to keep track of the charge on my battery?

I have scoured the forum for info on split chargers but found nothing (lots of helpful tips and info about batteries - thanks) but any help would be much aprerciated.

Cheers Rod (Australian one)

 

[JeremyClarksson]

Just a few suggestions.

Wiring diagrams are available on the online manuals from Explorer group etc (Devon or a VW camper owners club might be a good start).

If you find a local caravan/motorhome breaker you should be able to source all the parts including a proper charger very cheaply.

A 60 AH battery would easily run 2 lights for a couple of hours per night for a week but running the fridge would drain the battery very quickly - probably over night.

I would run the fridge of the car battery when running and gas when stationary if you are not considering using a hook up.

I am sure somebody else will be able to supply the details but I believe there is a very good book available on building your own camper which covers most of this.

 

[JeremyClarksson]

A link to that book

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Build-Your-Motorcaravan-John-Wickersham/dp/1844252213
and to a parts source I found while googling

http://www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk/
I did think about doing one of these but prefer the base a caravan provides for a young family.

 

[cris_408518]

Sorry Sorry if this is a little late now but be warned if you wish to travel to Europe with an LDV.

If it goes wrong they can be hard to get fixed or find parts for especially in Italy, if you travel to Europe with the van please make sure you have good break down cover and parts back up from the UK and a full service manual.

If you plan to travel in Europe with your converted van take note here - http://www.ldv.co.uk/main_site/dealer_euro.htm

We have learnt from experience !

 

[Rod_374243662]

Thanks everyone, will let you all know how things are plodding along. Hope fully all goes good.

Cheers Rod

 

[cris_408518]

ps.

You may find these two sites a help.

http://www.soh.me.uk/
http://www.travelvans.co.uk/

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Rod,

Other responses have not really covered the fridge aspect of your proposal.

Just in case you are not aware, the 12V circuit on the fridge uses a lot of current, and will flatten a 60Ah battery in about 8 hours just by its self. They are not really intended to be run from a battery, but from a split charge relay that only provides 12V when the engine is running.

Similarly the current for the leisure battery will only be supplied whe the engine is running. This arrangement prevents the vehicle (starting battery) from being discharged by the auxiliary services in the living area.

When on site, either use the mains hook up and run the fridge on 230Vac, or use the gas system.

To your specific questions:-0

1 a 60Ah battery should easily run a couple of 12V lights for a weekends outing

2. Split chargers were designed for exactly this purpose.

3 All electrical appliances should be capable of being isolated for safety.

4. As I have detailed above, the fridge should not be run off the 12v Battery, It should have separate wires to a split charge relay. Do not use a cigarette lighter socket, as these tend to be designed for low duty. A fridge is high duty and can easily cause the socket to over heat and short out.

5 A volt meter is a high resistance device that is wired across the battery terminals, relatively easy however the fact that you need to ask suggests that you are not familiar with wiring practice, and that concerns me. Even though the 12V potential is in its self-unlikely to be harmful if touched, the low impedance of the battery supply means it can provide very large currents, and that means that poor wiring practice can be very dangerous.

If you are not confident then I must advice you seek the help of a competent electrician.

 

[Rod_374243662]

Hello Rod,

Other responses have not really covered the fridge aspect of your proposal.

Just in case you are not aware, the 12V circuit on the fridge uses a lot of current, and will flatten a 60Ah battery in about 8 hours just by its self. They are not really intended to be run from a battery, but from a split charge relay that only provides 12V when the engine is running.

Similarly the current for the leisure battery will only be supplied whe the engine is running. This arrangement prevents the vehicle (starting battery) from being discharged by the auxiliary services in the living area.

When on site, either use the mains hook up and run the fridge on 230Vac, or use the gas system.

To your specific questions:-0

1 a 60Ah battery should easily run a couple of 12V lights for a weekends outing

2. Split chargers were designed for exactly this purpose.

3 All electrical appliances should be capable of being isolated for safety.

4. As I have detailed above, the fridge should not be run off the 12v Battery, It should have separate wires to a split charge relay. Do not use a cigarette lighter socket, as these tend to be designed for low duty. A fridge is high duty and can easily cause the socket to over heat and short out.

5 A volt meter is a high resistance device that is wired across the battery terminals, relatively easy however the fact that you need to ask suggests that you are not familiar with wiring practice, and that concerns me. Even though the 12V potential is in its self-unlikely to be harmful if touched, the low impedance of the battery supply means it can provide very large currents, and that means that poor wiring practice can be very dangerous.

If you are not confident then I must advice you seek the help of a competent electrician.

Yeah I am beggining to think of taking it to an autoelctrician. Will ensure its done properly and the process runs smoothly. Although funny story about calling a local auto electrician... when the phone was answered and I was enquiring about the split charge relay he stated that he'd never heard of such a thing. Goes without saying I won't be needing the services of his workshop.

Thanks for the advice.

Cheers Rod