Charging batteries from 230V hookup

[Rockhead_Rumple]

Currently in my van i have got a basic relay split charger for doing the two batteries. Got stereo and lights hooked up to leisure unit. Also have a separate 230V hook up system, put in by the previous owner. It is just a basic breaker box with 3 plugs, no link to 12V system. What I want is to be able to charge the two 12v batteries while on 230v hook up. Is there a cheap way to do this? Obviously could carry a battery charger around in van and simply plug in and hook up to leisure battery when camping, but its not ideal!

Any cheap solutions?

[Red Westie]

I suppose you could hardwire a standard type battery charger like this one, you would need to ensure adequate air circulation. On a positive note this one does have a auto switch to floating charge mode.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... 418754.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ideally you would fit something more powerful 10amps plus, with 2 or 3 staged charging but these are £70 plus

Martin

[kevtherev]

what he said..

[bigherb]

Sterling Power do some good battery chargers for leisure use, as they are fan cooled can work for long periods at high output.
http://www.sterling-power.com/products- ... budget.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[t25darren]

you did,nt say what van you have?

Charging both batteries at the same time is a little tricky unless you have the westy set up.

I would go for a proper built in charger (like the marine ones) some have two outputs for dual charging!

Good Luck

[CovKid]

I've just come back from a week away and found I could put a small charger (off the mains) on trickle on the second battery and still run light, LCD TV and DVD player without any probs and it'd still charge it. Not too big a deal to connect and cranking battery shouldn't be going flat if you're not using anything. I have a solar panel on that one. I opted to go 12v on everything to give me a bit more freedom and so far it seems to work well.

[Cafnod]

We use CTEK battery chargers, they are extremely compact and ours have performed faultlessly, We have one on our 58 foot narrowboat and we have had the same(pair of 110ah) batteries for over three years. Previously we had a similar setup with a CTEK on a large coach based motorhome for four years with the same batteries.
The CTEK's have several automatic charge modes/number of outputs depending on model and ours is designed to function as a 12VDC powerpack providing the current drawn is lower than the chargers output. CTEKS come with interchangable leads for either crocodile clipping or hardwiring.
Cheaper than Sterling products and superior performance IMHO.
Our VW has a Zig unit which although reliable is a basic charger, many people are extremely happy with them and they link 240vac and 12vdc in a convenient package that includes charging, (basic) battery state info and 12vdc fusing and distribution all in one place.
Hope this helps

[Titus A Duxass]

I went slightly above the cheap option.
I installed a connector on the back of the seat box which is wired up to the LB, I have the opposite part of the connector on my battery charger.
It's just a case of popping the connector on when you want a boost (I can go 4 days without).
I also have a similar connector at the back for the main battery but have never used it.