Im plugged in and got power but do i need to keep my leisure battery running on a battery charger? Most of my stuff will be 12 volt so is it ok to just use the leisure battery being continuously charged? How are your vans setup? I also have a 3 way fridge,while driving i would obviously flick the switch onto 12v and when i camp turn it onto campsite power. Say i was out for the day and had stuff in the fridge,could i let it run on gas while we are not in the vehicle? Is that safe? Any tips for a new westy owner regarding these points?
Hi Clive...it all depends how you've got the LB wired up...if you've got a split charge relay fitted then both batteries receive a charge when driving. If you've got a Zig unit, then under normal conditions (ie when on site in Charger mode) only the Starter battery gets topped up. You can put a bridging fuse in to enable you to charge both at the same time, but you have to remember to pull the fuse before you start up....no fireworks, but the bridging fuse will blow. Running the fridge on gas is fine, provided you know the flame failure device is working properly, and your flue is definitely unblocked. you can test the FF device by sticking the fridge on gas for a few mins so the thermocouple gets hot, then blowing the flame out manually...the gas will continue to come out for a second or two, then will cut out. I've stuck my zig diagram on so you can see the 'bridging fuse' arrangement...assuming you have a Zig...
On my Berlin its on the right hand side of the engine by the tin lid to the tank filler. I don't think my Westy came with a LB from new so it'll probably be a later fitment. Just follow the positive wire back from the LB.
most buses have been messed about with by the previous owners so things are often moved, swapped, replaced...if you haven't got a 'single' split charged relay, you may have two standard relays side by side...I did this as they're easier/cheaper to replace.
Have a read of this thread - the wiring diagram should explain how it all works: http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/leisure-electrics-12v.5390/ You may or may not have a split charge relay - they weren't a standard fitment. That said, if you have a leisure battery, then there probably is a split charge relay somewhere. Note that a voltage sensing relay (sometimes called a Battery Separator) can also be used. These don't require a trigger from the alternator, they just switch when the voltage on the starter battery side exceeds say 13.2volts for 7 seconds (meaning the battery is being charged). I have one of these, but haven't installed it yet(!) Job for January... Some leisure battery chargers have a "power supply" mode, so when you're on a site with mains hookup the charger runs the 12v appliances and keeps the battery topped up.
Mines got a combined power converter / consumer unit. Everything apart from the 3 pin sockets run off 12V. On hook up, the leisure battery is charged and the hook up directly feeds the 12V electrics, which include propex, fridge, lights and 12V power outlets. The 3 pin sockets are also live. With no hook up, everything still works (apart from the 3 pin sockets). When driving, the split charge allows the alternator to charge the leisure battery.
