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
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Add Second Battery To Solar Panel
Page:  1  2 Post Reply Post New Topic
Personkev8279
04/5/2017 at 4:43am
 Location: County Durham
 Outfit: Ace Award Brightstar View kev8279's Profile View Profile   Reply to kev8279 Reply   Quote kev8279 Quote  
Joined: 04/5/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
I recently had a 100w solar panel added to my roof on and it came with a controller that you can attach a second battery to and split the charge between the 2. My thoughts are that I add my spare battery on the opposite side of the van and use this to power the TV and a couple of cigarette sockets and USB ports so that the main battery is not affected by misuse. My only issue is what cable to use? I have been given advise of 14 gauge wire from one person and 2.5mm from another. From controller to new battery is approx 26ft and my plan would be to 1. Run a wire from controller to battery with in line fuse, 2. Come off the battery to a 3 fuse box 3. Attach 3 auxillary sockets to the fuse box. So, what wire will I need for each of these steps? Are 10amp fuses suitable all round? Does anyone see an issue with this? Assistance would be much appreciated

Post last edited on 04/05/2017 04:48:29


Personbirdman101
04/5/2017 at 8:11am
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2693
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
Caravan 12 volt normally use 20 amp fuse.Where are you going to put battery.It should be in a sealed locker so as any gases whilst charging cannot enter caravan and be breathed in or accidently ignited.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

PersonTimCESmith
04/5/2017 at 9:24am
 Location: London
 Outfit: Karsten 350 + SE CA EA RA FW & ZIG View TimCESmith's Profile View Profile   Reply to TimCESmith Reply   Quote TimCESmith Quote  
Joined: 17/9/2014

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1013
Tent Reviews:   3
Site Reviews Total: 77
Site Reviews 2024: 11 
Site Reviews 2023: 9  
Site Reviews 2022: 8  
Site Reviews 2021: 5  
Site Reviews 2020: 5  
Site Reviews 2019: 10 
Site Reviews 2018: 6  
Site Nights 2024: 32
Site Nights 2023: 29
Site Nights 2022: 39
Site Nights 2021: 30
Site Nights 2020: 31
Site Nights 2019: 50
Site Nights 2018: 37
This might help: link. Scroll down for a handy voltage drop calculator.


Personkev8279
04/5/2017 at 3:36pm
 Location: County Durham
 Outfit: Ace Award Brightstar View kev8279's Profile View Profile   Reply to kev8279 Reply   Quote kev8279 Quote  
Joined: 04/5/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
The battery is going under the seat on the opposite side to the caravan battery. As there are gas drop vents under the seats I would assume there is enough ventilation although I'm happy to be corrected. I could get a battery box, although these only have vents in the bottom to go outside


PersonGrampian91
04/5/2017 at 6:09pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
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
Are the 2 circuits on the charge controller isolated?

You maybe just pulling the power from the main battery through the solar wiring if not.


Advertisement



Personkev8279
04/5/2017 at 6:26pm
 Location: County Durham
 Outfit: Ace Award Brightstar View kev8279's Profile View Profile   Reply to kev8279 Reply   Quote kev8279 Quote  
Joined: 04/5/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
There's 2 battery outputs and the controller allows a split charge between the 2 which is variable so I think it'll be fine, may have to play with the % split to get the best out of it. Basically I want 1 battery for the TV and phone charging and the main battery to run the lights, pump and mover


Personbaddon
04/5/2017 at 8:02pm
 Location: Near Belfast
 Outfit: Ranger & Hymer Nova View baddon's Profile View Profile   Reply to baddon Reply   Quote baddon Quote  
Joined: 19/2/2016

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   275
Tent Reviews:   2
Site Reviews Total: 7
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: 1  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 1
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 2
I sort of did what your talking about, I had a second leisure battery fitted at the same time as a roof mounted 150W solar panel.

They guy doing fitting was a motorhome mechanic for many years and insisted the 2nd battery should be as near main battery as possible, this meant into my gas locker (for gasses not to be in van). This entailed me switching the lockers gas support strut, and spare wheel to balance the weight and the former to let the latter fit in and out.

He used very heavy battery cable to connect the two batteries and just fed the charge controller to one of them.

He told me what I have is very over the top unless going off grid for a week in the winter but with three kids.....

-------------
if your not living life on the edge your taking up tooo much room


Personnavver
04/5/2017 at 8:23pm
 Location: West country
 Outfit: Mondeo View navver's Profile View Profile   Reply to navver Reply   Quote navver Quote  
Joined: 23/8/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4664
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
I'm not sure what you will actually achieve. Output from the solar panel will be the same regardless. It will just be split between 2 batteries.

My feeling is that the cables to both batteries should be same size and same length so the charge will be correctly shared.

The charge controller may stipulate that both batteries be equal and may recommend how to wire.

The fuse in the controller to battery should be near the battery. The solar cannot provide enough current to blow it but the battery can.


Personbirdman101
04/5/2017 at 8:25pm
 Location: Milton Keynes
 Outfit: 2023Archway Woodford View birdman101's Profile View Profile   Reply to birdman101 Reply   Quote birdman101 Quote  
Joined: 30/8/2011

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2693
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
Quote: Originally posted by kev8279 on 04/5/2017
The battery is going under the seat on the opposite side to the caravan battery. As there are gas drop vents under the seats I would assume there is enough ventilation although I'm happy to be corrected. I could get a battery box, although these only have vents in the bottom to go outside


You will find regulations is that it has to be in sealed locker so that no charging fumes can enter the caravan.Also it cannot be put in the gas locker as no electrics are now allowed in there.Years ago a light was permitted for changing gas over when dark,but now this is not allowed. Four years ago I fitted a light and the service guy removed it.


PersonJTQU
04/5/2017 at 9:07pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
I have an 85 Watt panel controlled by a Morningstar Sunsaver Duo controller, charging the caravans battery and a second battery for the TV, satellite dish and USB charging points. It works very well and the controller is smart enough to deal with batteries of differing technologies and sizes. In my case the van's battery is a 90 Ah GEL, the "entertainment" battery is a 60 Ah wet VRLA.
I am staggered at a separation of 26 feet from controller to battery, mine is against the GEL and the second battery is two feet away, All solar controller to wiring is in 2.5mm square flex and positive feeds are fused 10 Amp. Been going for about 7 years.


Advertisement



Personkev8279
05/5/2017 at 8:14am
 Location: County Durham
 Outfit: Ace Award Brightstar View kev8279's Profile View Profile   Reply to kev8279 Reply   Quote kev8279 Quote  
Joined: 04/5/2017

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   5
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
Where is your 2nd battery situated? I am placing mine on the other side of the van for weight distribution and the 26ft is running the cable down the wall and around the underside of the seats so in reality one battery is about 6ft from the other but that would involve the wire going out under the van and in the other side and I don't really want to drill the floor


PersonJTQU
05/5/2017 at 9:06am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
My 60 Ah second battery is a portable one in a transportable battery box and it goes out of the weather under the van, under the inbuilt battery.

[The portable battery box is an old Labcraft TP2; with this, I can recharge the battery in the car's boot, but very rarely need to] Getting one other than via ebay might be challenging but making one is easy enough.

The Morningstar Sunsaver Duo is smart enough to automatically suss out if on that trip I take the portable battery or not, and reschedule its charging programme to suit.

Edit: over the years I have not had the spare payload to build in a second battery, despite having vans with larger payloads than Uk models offer. Nor do I need the second battery on every trip, never if going on EHU and if not only if the outing is longer than a couple of nights in the summer months.



Post last edited on 05/05/2017 09:12:08


PersonGrampian91
05/5/2017 at 11:13am
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
Site Reviews Total: 2
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
Your going to need holes in teh floor for the battery to vent to.

You dont want a sealed battery box because pressure can build when charging. You dont want it venting in the van because it gives of hydrogen gas when charging which is flammable.

So yoour going to need to run the battery vent tube through the floor anyway.


PersonJTQU
05/5/2017 at 4:02pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 05/5/2017
Your going to need holes in teh floor for the battery to vent to.

You dont want a sealed battery box because pressure can build when charging. You dont want it venting in the van because it gives of hydrogen gas when charging which is flammable.

So yoour going to need to run the battery vent tube through the floor anyway.




Or go the German caravan and many motorhome route of simply using sealed VRLA batteries, rather than flooded, vented ones. Does require chargers both inbuilt and for the solar to be compatible with sealed batteries.

Both my Hymers going back to 2002 have had VRLA batteries simply located under the beds. A case of using the right technology battery for the job in hand.


PersonPaul_B
05/5/2017 at 7:04pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   830
Site Reviews Total: 0
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
Kev the person who fitted your solar panel should have fitted the controller near to the battery, this would have meant you had a shorter length of cable to the other battery.

For an easy life some fitters and manufacturers fit the controllers in the wardrobe etc, good for them but not for the user.


PersonColin21
05/5/2017 at 7:15pm
 Location: East Herts
 Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail View Colin21's Profile View Profile   Reply to Colin21 Reply   Quote Colin21 Quote  
Joined: 05/11/2013

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6281
Site Reviews Total: 18
Site Reviews 2024: 1  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 2  
Site Reviews 2018: 3  
Site Nights 2024: 7
Site Nights 2023: 8
Site Nights 2022: 12
Site Nights 2021: 18
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 21
Site Nights 2018: 18
Please remember that unlike Propane and Butane, hydrogen given off by a battery on charge is lighter than air. Therefore it will not simply run away through holes in the floor like LPG will. It needs to be ducted out underneath, or it will collect at the highest point it can get to.

-------------
Best Regards,
Colin



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

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

6778 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