twin batteries??

Post by **ROBS T25** » 07 Jan 2006, 16:50

hi there bit of advice again i have only the one battery in my van and want to put a second in im gonna put it under passenger seat is this the best place for them?? and also what would be the best way to wire it up?? was thinking of just running wires from my original battery to the second with an inline fuse and a switch what do you reckon???? has anyone bought the set from JK to do this is it easier to get them than faf around?? cheers ROB!!

Post by **tonytech** » 07 Jan 2006, 17:35

Under the passenger seat is the standard choice.... but Leisure batteries tend to be too big.

Leisure batteries are designeg for the deep discharge cycles that occur in camping.

Fit a split charge relay fed from the Van battery but triggered from the alternator warning light. Saves a lot of hassel.

T

Post by **ROBS T25** » 07 Jan 2006, 19:55

cheers tony tech will sort it out asap only putting in a standard battery as it is just a back up cheers ROB!!

Post by **R0B** » 07 Jan 2006, 20:40

rob.if its just a backup for your starter battery.why do you need to wire it up at all.it will hold its charge should you ever need to use it.then just recharge after use...

only putting in a standard battery as it is just a back up

Post by **ROBS T25** » 08 Jan 2006, 08:06

good thinking rob will stick it under the seat along with the jump leads poised and ready to strike
you comin over to 2 MILLS on sat???

Post by **DiscoDave** » 08 Jan 2006, 10:14

if you connect two batteries together, they will discharge against each other! so if the van is left standing for a while both batterie will become flat!! so like you say spare and jumpers is the best way!

Post by **Dud** » 08 Jan 2006, 10:23

Thats what I do, spare and jumpers. Had an interesting situation the other day though with it.

I was camping for several days in the lakes and ran my main battery (a leisure battery which I found that sits under the seat) right down low. When I tried to jump start it using the extra power from the second battery under the passenger seat it did not work.

Initially thought the second battery must have lost charge somehow so wired tried to jump start van off another van. Still did not work. Eventually connected up my spare and the other vans battery (with other van engine running) to jump start my van. Clearly a huge kick.

What was happening was all the power we were giving it from the other batteries was charging the main battery (as it was so low) rather than going to the starter motor. Solution- when battery is very very low you may have to swap the battery with your spare rather than just use jump leads.

Rich

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 08 Jan 2006, 11:42

split charge diagram on the wiki

Post by **missusjen** » 08 Jan 2006, 12:24

I was camping for several days in the lakes and ran my main battery (a leisure battery which I found that sits under the seat) right down low. When I tried to jump start it using the extra power from the second battery under the passenger seat it did not work.

Your main battery is a leisure battery? Is that not more expensive and not in any way as good as an engine battery? I was under the impression that a leisure battery would be pants for use as an engine battery - it's lifespan would be lincredibly short? I've also long been aware that trying to jump using a leisure battery frells them due to damaging the plates.........your post confuses me greatly Dud........

Post by **Dud** » 08 Jan 2006, 14:08

Yeah, leisure battery prob isn't the best to be using as a main battery your right.

Only cost me £30 and I've been using it daily since May, including a 2 month trip in the van in summer with no probs. Kind of taken the theory the battery costs less than installing switches etc to wire it in properly(and less hastle), so if it goes after a while I'll chuck it out and replace it. Meant to change it over though when not using van for camping trips much.

Interesting what you say about damaging the plates when jumping leisure batteries. I jump from a normal battery to leisure battery. Does this also damage?

I've had a look at the split relay think your all talking about. Doesn't look half as complicated as I thought, might give it a go.

Previous post was just highlighting prob I had of jumping from a second (ordinary) battery using jump leads.

Post by **R0B** » 08 Jan 2006, 14:08

and me...a leisure battery wont last very long if you use it for starting/jump starting your van.

your post confuses me greatly Dud

Post by **R0B** » 08 Jan 2006, 14:11

dont think i can make it this sat mate...maybe next time eh

you comin over to 2 MILLS on sat

Post by **ROBS T25** » 08 Jan 2006, 18:49

shame rob the kids were lookin forward to seein the parrot again charlie i think his name was we met you in chester deva dubs show see you soon anyhow
you not poppin over disco??? sound just as mad as we are well you all do should get along just fine all us nut cases

Post by **R0B** » 09 Jan 2006, 01:23

his names perry....

the parrot again charlie i think his name was