Westy Joker Charging question

[chrisevans]

Cheers martin,

I have ordered one and will let you know how I go on.

Chris

[chrisevans]

Well I ordered the Toolbox shop one and connected it up and it seems I am good to go - I suppose as well as testing whether I get 13 volts when the engine is running I should also test that it works the other way ie the starter battery cant be used by the fridge?

[California Dreamin]

All you need to worry about is that the voltage measured across the leisure battery instantly rises to around 14 volts with a running engine and then drops straight back down again (high 12's) when the engine is turned off. This is positive proof that the relay is switching on and off.

Personally I like to seperately charge both batteries on a regular basis (every 6 weeks if not used and always before a camp) 12 - 16 hours each using a 4amp stand alone charger (particularly the leisure battery being the one that is discharged whilst camping) don't rely solely on the split charge system when you are only using the van occasionally.

Martin

[chrisevans]

Can you do this conditioning charge by plugging in the hookup an using the BBB?

[California Dreamin]

Yes indeed as the original charger has two physical outputs and charges the batteries independantly.

Whilst the mains hookup can be left plugged in for days, I would advise that it is not left permanently connected as the BBB isn't the most sophisticated unit out there any will eventually boil your batteries dry. note* more modern charges go to 'floating charge state' so can be left permanently connected.

Martin

[chrisevans]

Any idea what the yellow wire is - it isnt doing anything at present . Top picture is under the rear seat where it is chock blocked into nothing as is the brown wire. which goes to earth.It has 12v going up it and appears to come from one side of the fuse box by the drivers seat?

[chrisevans]

A picture of the a pillar fuse box might be handy as mine looks bodged (its the last picture i posted)

[CovKid]

No, that fusebox really does work like that -the ceramic fuse ends sitting in small recesses. Seen it on other Jokers although there are better ones these days.

[California Dreamin]

I don't like guessing but I'm fairly sure The two pillar fuses feed the fridge and eberspacher heater.
Note...again without going outside to look I'm pretty sure one of those fuses should be (red) 25amp (closest to the door) yours look like is has two 16's.
As that block connector isn't standard it's hard to say what those wires are....sorry.

Martin