Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Motorhomes and Campervans
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Mains charging dual-battery setup? Post Reply Post New Topic
04/11/2010 at 7:44pm
 Location: Cambridge UK
 Outfit: Olpro Cocoon 4 or pop-up 1 man tent
View MrPete's Profile View Profile   Reply to MrPete Reply   Quote MrPete Quote  
Joined: 13/11/2008

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   73

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 3
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hi all,

I'm looking into the possibility of installing some sort of mains charging facility for our division's first-aid treatment centre in St John Ambulance. Before you tell me off, it is very much along the motorhome line of design and may help others with motorhomes or doing their own conversions, so please hear me out!



Basically, we have the main vehicle battery in the cab, with a feed going to a second battery in the crew room (door on the left in the main body unit). This second battery is used for 12v lighting, communications radio, water pump, gas powered heater and to 3x 12v sockets for phone chargers etc. The feed between the two has a cut-off switch, so that the main battery cannot be drained when the vehicle is in use at events.

However, since we had a satellite tracker fitted we have had serious problems of both batteries being drained (when both left connected on purpose) when the vehicle is left stationary for a period of time. We have a small solar panel from my caravan in it at the moment but it's not really powerful enough.

My question really is, is there a charger device that we could install that is permanently connected to the main battery that we could wire to an externally mounted socket we could easily access to plug into the mains?

I have seen on a 52 reg. Vauxhall Zafira a 16Amp connector flush-mounted on the rear of the car to accept a mains lead for charging the vehicle battery, and when I asked the owner about it they said it was manufacturer installed. Would anyone know the charger device that uses?

This would be a lot easier than a normal battery charger or removing the battery to charge due to the location & size of the battery and also the varied crew who drive the vehicle - simplicity is the key really!

Sorry for the long post but thought the background info may help!

Thanks in advance,
Peter



04/11/2010 at 8:42pm
 Location: Turriff Aberdeenshi
 Outfit: Romahome R30 Dimens
View Capt Lightning's Profile View Profile   Reply to Capt Lightning Reply   Quote Capt Lightning Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2376

Site Reviews Total: 45
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 2  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 5  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 5
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 6
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 5

OK Peter, the simplest thing I can suggest is :-

Install a 12V DPDT (crossover) relay powered from the ignition light. The common connections go to the vehicle battery. The normally closed connections go to a bog standard battery charger (or a fancy one if you want unattended charging). The Normally open connections go to the second battery (observe correct polarity) via an inline fuse.

When the engine is stopped, the relay is inactive and will connect the charger to the vehicle battery.
When the engine is running, the relay is activated and
1.disconnects the charger from the van battery and 2. connects the van battery in parallel with the second battery - charging both.

Would this do the trick??

-------------
Two drifters off to see the world.

I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.


Campervan and Motorhome Insurance - Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members
Caravan Guard Special Discount for UKCampsite.co.uk members on Campervan and Motorhome Insurance. Get 5 star rated cover and big savings - for a quote simply click Online Quotation

05/11/2010 at 8:15am
 Location: oxfordshire
 Outfit: nr nova
View a33272's Profile View Profile   Reply to a33272 Reply   Quote a33272 Quote  
Joined: 18/8/2010

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   103

Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

personnally if its only the mian battery you are wanting to keep charged up when not in use, i get a ctek maintainance charger get the fly lead fitted somewhere easy access glove box etc the its just a case of connecting the charger to the fly lead turn on and press mode button,



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Motorhomes and Campervans - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














3186 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder