12 volt power supply and leisure battery install

Also got a new fuse box and new rocker switches to go in the original,Westy control panel

 

These parts should give me a few options to change how I run things in the future if I want to and I can use the ctek as a separate charger at home and work. The Nordelettronica will be wired so it is just a supply unit for now

 

That looks nicely put together vinnyboy
On Chip we've got the original Westy absorption fridge at circa 8amp draw, exactly the same as yours. Wired direct to the LB btw.
Plus the usual lights, pumps and propex etc.

On hook up 230 charges the leisure battery via an MXS 10, an option I know you considered.
We only run the Westy fridge when hooked up, but the charger has always coped well. It's sufficient to put ice on the bar and make ice cubes within about an hour of turning on.

I've messed with the power supply function, but to be honest it's not necessary as the multistage charger sorts out any deficiency in the battery and the solar keeps the batteries honest when the draw allows the charger to go into float mode.

However, just recently it now refuses to scroll through the options and is just stuck on normal charge for the FLA battery.
It has been in the engine bay for 7 years though and was a second hand purchase for us so I guess it's due to be retired. So back in the game for reassessing the 230 charging side of the leisure system.

Always interesting to see how other folk approach the leisure stuff. Following what you do with interest
Edit. The mxs10 has an AGM profile, but I can't access it due to the dodgy button, hence the reason I need to look at changing it. I am upgrading the FLA leisure to AGM, like your set up so could really do with the option.

 

Quite often the switch buttons can be replaced - they use a common set of little tiny tactile switches, if you can get inside the unit, the soldering is fairly fine, but not too bad.

 

Cheers Mike @mikedjames I'll have a look when it's off.
For the holiday in a couple of weeks I may just stick one of the lithiums in, disconnect the VSR and go commando with just modified solar input.
No hook up where we're going anyway..

 

I’m not saying this is the best way to go but I think it’s the best for me at a reasonable cost.

 

Not sure there is a 'best' way to be honest. The spirit of ownership is to do what right for us and our buses.
I'm interested to see how this works out

 

That’s very true. I once felt a bit guilty about changing stuff away from original but now I’m much more relaxed about it. Got to move with the times and enjoy the camping. Might be a while fitting it in as I’m currently self isolating and working my notice from a job I’ve been at for 24 years. Going to have just one week at work to sort out loads of stuff.

 

Watching with interest. When you have all the details ironed out feel free to post a list of bits and bobs for me to get all inspired from

 

At last I’ve made a start. Got a 95amp AGM battery for free so I’m going with that for now. Hopefully be finished this week.

 

Made a battery box and also boxed in the speakers and chargers. I’ll make a lid when it’s all done. The Ctek will charge the battery only and be completely seperate from everything else when I’m on hookup.

 

The Nordelettronica will not charge the battery. It’s only job will be to supply 12volts of power to the new fuse box.

 

Why? Its a very good battery charger. I use the 12 amp version as both a charger and a maintainer, dont need a Ctek.

 

So I can use as much power as I like (old westy fridge, tv etc)and know the battery will be 100% charged if I move on to a site with no hookup. The Ctek can be easily removed to use at home or work if required as well.

 

I see, it makes sense for getting the battery to 100% with a separate charger on hookup and holding it there.

And the Nordelettronica is also quite happy as a 12 volt supply, the thing I found when I bought a new charger a year ago was that the 12 amp Nordelettronica was cheaper than the 10 amp Ctek . The 12 amp size also doesnt need a fan.

I had been using a Taiwanese 10 amp charger/ battery maintainer /600 watt inverter in the bus for many years, but in the end it developed a habit of blowing fuses, and the mains surge suppressor component in the charger would pop at the same time.
Strangely having disabled the charger part of the inverter, by taking out its mains rectifier diodes, the mains surge suppressor doesnt go pop any more. I left it in because it protects other things on the mains circuit from surges. Probably insulation breaking down somewhere after years of cooking it in a bus.

 

Took all the old switches and wires and the old RAC charger out tonight. Tried the new switch and fuse box in the box next to the fridge. Plenty room here and space underneath to hide the wires. I’ve went with a nice chunky selection switch for durability and ease of use

 

Looking good. We found an airfilter and some cables under that shelf in Chip at the weekend...creative stuffing

 

I found a dead mouse when I first bought the van
Today I found a pencil with USA on it. Still finding Americana after 16 years of ownership

 

Cool