Battery Charger for the LB

[Gandalf]

Any recommendations & prices?

[Red Westie]

Depends on whether you want it to charge the 'starter battery' as well (ala original BBB charger)
Single output leisure chargers are cheaper although I believe the charger featured in the popular thread on this subject has had relays and wiring added to give it this dual charge function.
My feeling is that as long as you have carried out the radio/interior light mod (popular on Westy's to completely eliminate battery drain whilst camping) that there is no need for a dual charge setup as the starter battery will never go flat on camp.

From memory I believe the original BBB is only a 6amp unit although I have read people quoting it at 8amp...either way you don't want to be fitting anything less than original otherwise you might find yourself in a negative charge situation (where ancillaries are taking out more than the charger is putting in) which ultimately will lead to flat batteries and a very HOT charger supplying the demand directly...not a good thing!

I would recommend 8amps as a minimum with smart multistaged circuitry that switches to float charge state when fully charged (most modern charges do this now anyway) 10amp units are popular.

Lots of people like the bigger Ctek chargers...I like the look of the Numax range but there are several options:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/10-AMP-NUMAX-LEIS ... d7ff2744e4

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amperor-18Amp-4 ... 106&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amperor-Stage-L ... =8-3-fkmr0

Martin

[Gandalf]

Cheers Red - not looking to replace the BBB (not got one anyway). Just need to give the LB a good charge as I've been away for the last three weeks and its been cold here in blighty.

One question I have about the wiring mod - my radio/Ipod player has a clock that is on when the engine/ignition is off - I'm assuming that over the 3 weeks since I drove her last it would have drained the LB to an extent?

[Red Westie]

Yes of course, over time it will start to drain the leisure battery but very very slowly indeed. Certainly a bigger factor would be the cold and natural drain of a standing battery.I've got to be honest with you and say this is where solar panels really come in to their own....don't get me wrong, they are useless for anything else but for keeping the batteries alive over those long laid up months they are worth having.
I've a 2.4 watt panel just tickling the leisure and keeping it alive.

Martin