Right, so I've never really got my head around my van's electrical setup and as we're heading off tomorrow I thought I'd ask the oracle. I've got a leisure battery and electric hookup and what I don't know is what works, when and what charges what, when. In other words, when I'm driving is the leisure battery charging? When I'm stationary and on electric hook-up, is it likely that all the power sockets and lights are running off the hookup and not the leisure battery? If the above is true then do I only need to worry about running off the leisure battery when hookup isn't available...and if that's the case do we need to take it easy on it and save it for lighting? Do I need a Zigg unit? Confused here.
Without knowing how your system is configured, it is difficult to comment. Can you provide some details of wiring, equipment etc. Quite a few people think a Zig is an unnecessary expense.
There are different models of zig units But is basically a metal plate with switchs on it , some models have a basic transformer to charge the battery when on mains and a relay to charge the battery when the engines running. Now adays there are better options As to what yours does you will have to trace it out and do some testing with things on/off etc Have a read of these how to's to help understand http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/leisure-electrics-12v.5390/ http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/leisure-electrics-230v.5526/
Thanks for that - yes, I was of the impression that you needed a Zig to charge the leisure battery while driving, which got me thinking, what's the point of the leisure battery then if it doesn't charge while you're on the road! Also appreciate that I'll need to understand how my system's been configured but that's gonna take a bit more time to do and I'll have to go and get some help to do it too. I'll find out then will report back on this thread. Thanks again!
All you need to charge the battery when driving is a switch to join the battery's together to do this automatically you just need a relay triggered from the alternator warning light To make your battery last longer a good multistage mains charger used before and after you go away.
