Further to my other thread on 240v.... I wonder if anyone has any opinions on this: Set up is the usual, 2 x 12v batteries, one main, one leisure These are connected through a VSR, if I charge either battery - the VSR closes and both batteries charge. I'm looking into installing a permenant charging set up into the van, so when on hook up both 12V are topped up. Should I: 1. Use one charger to do both batteries? The VSR will in theory connect both in parellel; but I'm concious of issues such as only charging to the capacity of the "weaker" battery, and will it work as quickly/efficiently. Also, if the battery circuit that the charger is connected to is already at, say, 12.7V - the charger will not raise its voltage high enough to trigger the VSR and charge the potentially low battery 2. Use seperate chargers for each battery - if I do this, do I need a way of discconecting the VSR set up so each is treated as a stand-alone circuit. Its also clearly double the expense/time/space. Am I over thinking this? Appreciate any comments or experience anyone may have
Ctek (or similar) connected to LB will top up SB when LB voltage is sufficient, as you say via the VSR. 9 years on the system now, no issues. CTEK has its own breaker in the consumer unit. Literally plug and play.
I use a Nordelettronica 12 amp fanless battery maintainer/charger. Has a relay inside to disconnect it from the LB when not on hookup. It was a bit cheaper than the equivalent Ctek. With a VSR between the LB and the starter battery. I keep my bus on hookup at home because I still work from home using the bus. Go to 12voltplanet.co.uk
There he is hiding on the side of the wheel well. Cable comes into cabin at the left side of the well looking forward (there is space to feed a conduit through). Go for 10amp charger of your choice minimum. It'll just future proof your set up as you add stuff that draws on the battery. The charger is hardwired onto the LB but the quick connect Croc cables are stowed behind the SB so if I want I can give that a recondition charge every season
Mike makes a point re the disconnect relay. These smart chargers measure terminal voltage...which means a tiny constant draw. Micro amps. If I'm to lay up the bus for any period without solar input I will simply pop off the LB positive terminal to avoid long term parasitic drain. Good practise anyway when laying up a FLA battery.
Thanks for the replies - I have a ctek (plugs into fag lighter) which I use currently for topping up the fleet (Porsche branded for the bling too), and over winter I have quick release clamps on battery earths. I think I'll invest in another CTEK for this project, thanks all for the reassurance that one will do the job - I'll wire it into the consumer unit and attach to the LB side of things; I'm yet to move ALL 12v over to the LB, currently the stereo, and interior lights are SB, with LB running Fridge, tap water pump and amp for Subwoofer (yeah I know; don't judge) - once I get round to taking everything over to LB I'll be happier
My 5amp ctek is under the bed next to the fuse box that feeds the leisure equipment and the mains box. The 12v side feeds backwards through a fuse on the fuse box
What is the "correct" way to join 240v cabling together in a van? If for instance I wire the 12v charger into the consumer unit, I will need to join cabling
You should find the chargers hard wired lead is long enough to enable you chop off the plug and wire it direct into a dedicated mcb on the consumer unit Our consumer unit is just inside the bed base next to the aux 12v fuses...
