split charger/electric hook up

[lloydy]

Looking at installing one in my van. Something like the ones you get in factory conversions. i.e. alternator charges both batteries when driving and when parked 240 hook up charges both batteries. Only seem to find the alternator type.
Don't really want a zig unit. What is the proper name for this type of system? to aid my googling.
Any links or tips would be appreciated
Thanks, Lloyd

[andisnewsyncro]

There's a picture of my install on this thread from t'other day.

Basically power into a consumer unit out to fridge & sockets; charger plugs into a socket of its own. There's another thread from a while back with links to the suppliers here Never did find those mauals I was looking for though !!

Hope that helps a bit

[lloydy]

Cheers, so does that charge both batteries?
Might have to do something like that, was kinda hoping there was a kit you could buy that just bolts in. Like a zig unit. But was hoping that there would be something i could tuck away. If i end up scrapping the westy [if no one buys it] i'll probably take the split charger and hook up out. Was hoping to get a modern equivalent.

[andisnewsyncro]

Ah, I missed the "charge both batteries on hook up" bit....

Mine doesn't, it just does the leisure. Never had a problem with the starter going flat though. I do run a 90 amp alternator which charges both quite happily when running as well as powering the fridge and the stereo (it was on when I got the van & I didn't know it wasn't standard..). Nothing else comes from the starter battery at all now, apart from the starter motor. The wiring was done as instructed by a local motor home builder / converter and to be honest I've had no trouble with it all. We lived in the van in Europe for about 8 months a couple of winters ago and it's my daily drive too. The leisure lasts a good 3 days worth of camping and the starter battery I guess is just a matter of how long it lasts before it needs replacing due to old age....

The system seems far better than the old original Westy BBB and that only charged the leisure battery too, so it never really dawned on me to have the starter on constant charge.

[lloydy]

Ok cheers for the info, just trying to get myself sorted for when the van arrives. Might still end up going for one of these trojan batteries and run it alone[not attached to alt.] and have a charger running off main supply only

[kevtherev]

yes although it's expensive I think this will be my option when my current batt gives up.
traction batteries are very good at giving you lasting power.