How to charge second battery off the alternator?

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snowythebudgie
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How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

Hi all,

I'm finally a proud owner of my first T3 and we had or first trip away this weekend in it. I must say I'm very happy with everything, except that the second battery doesn't charge automatically whilst driving. I've heard its fairly easy to get a relay to connect this up to the alternator. Any advice would be greatly appreciated and remember I'm a complete novice at all this :o

Cheers

dwayne
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by dwayne »

seems strange that a leisure battery is fitted without a split charge system , is it under passenger seat ? and are there any other electrics in there ? it could be just a blown fuse in the split charger .

Do a search for split charge , a few threads on this .

Oh and glad you enjoyed the camping :D great aint it
Last edited by dwayne on 14 Jun 2009, 18:40, edited 1 time in total.
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psychonaut
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by psychonaut »

Yo dood, have a boo at this :)

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... it_charger" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Not all of them are peaceful...."

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snowythebudgie
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

Cheers,

The guy who I bought it off said he charged from the mains using a battery charger. The leasure battery is under the drivers seat and it has 3 fuses off the +ve terminal which all worked so just don't think it was wired up. I also found an unopened relay switch under the passenger seat so guess he always meant to do it. I must say I'm not very confident at all when it comes to electrics so I may just pay to get it done....although I'm very keen to learn....mmm, will look into it a bit more...

snowythebudgie
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

Another question, if I put a relay so that both batteries charge during driving, will this affect how quickly the main battery charges? Also, I've noticed that the lighter socket has a green light and doesn't work until you've been driving a while and then it suddenly lights up an can be used. Has anybody seen this? Does it mean that it only works when the alternator has finished charging the main battery (in which case this must be on a relay right?)?

Cheers

dwayne
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by dwayne »

so your starting battery is where ?, cause normally starter is under drivers and leisure under the passenger.

understand your apprehension about electrics but it's not that hard and would save you a few bob, the diagram in the wiki link is straight forward enough
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snowythebudgie
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

The starter battery is next to the engine. Its a 1.6TD 1988. I agree that the diagram looks simple enough if I was wiring it from scratch, but there's already about 6 wires come off the leasure battery and so I need to work out how everything is wired already, which isn't going to be easy for a novice..

psychonaut
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by psychonaut »

Snowy, fill in your profile so people know where you are in the country dood - there may well be a club member somewhere close to you who can help you wire it in :)
"There are many paths to redemption.
Not all of them are peaceful...."

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For more unchartered heights of disgrace just ring 07872 069462

snowythebudgie
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

Cheers, I'll do that now, but I'm living in the Netherlands for a few years so doubt anybody will be out that way..... If by any small chance there is though, then I'd love a bit of help!

psychonaut
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by psychonaut »

80-90 run to the Netherlands??!! I haven't been there since 2001 - i love the Netherlands :ok
"There are many paths to redemption.
Not all of them are peaceful...."

Click here for some Visionary 'Nauts.....

For more unchartered heights of disgrace just ring 07872 069462

snowythebudgie
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by snowythebudgie »

Well breakfast's on me for whoever fancies it.... I've been here for 6 months now and I like it a lot. I do miss the hills though........

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gedbedhead
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Re: How to charge second battery off the alternator?

Post by gedbedhead »

mine charges off 110v hookup? you need to upgrade alternator to heavy duty if you wanna go down that route.

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