Leisure electric system

[lefty67]

i am currently deciding wether to put a leisure system into my van, i have a 1981 Aircooled with a holdsworth conversion, at present there is no leisure system at all and to the best of my knowledge there has never been a leisure sytem fitted in the van (ie no holes or evidence of battery behind passenger seat, no wiring behind dash, or under van, no secondary fuse box etc). Now after reading the wiki pages I am a bit confused about which technology to use ie split charge relay from alternator or intelligent charging from main battery, in fact its given me a headache! This is not a question of cost or ease of fitting but best technology to use, im sure things have moved on over 30years.
It will be used to run phone chargers, stereo/radio, lights, perhaps a cool box (no fridge) and other low voltage stuff, except for a hairdryer (so will use an invertor for this).
so my question is if you had a blank canvas how would you set up your leisure system?

[lefty67]

well after a bit more research and a few more headaches I am beginning to be drawn to the idea of using a volt sensitive relay rather than a split charge relay, Using something like this
http://www.ecs-marine-equipment.co.uk/m ... 25272.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Is anybody else using a vsr and what are your thoughts on it? is it better than a split charge system or no different?

[ghost123uk]

Either way is as good in my opinion. The VSR system is easier to fit. That one you link to is over kill, a 30 Amp one would be ok and a LOT cheaper !

Note though, when you say "cool box" do you mean a 12V powered one ? If so even they will HAMMER your battery. Most of them draw around 7 Amps which is nearly as much as leaving your main beams on A gas fridge is the way to go

Also, re hair-dryer on an inverter - this will require an inverter with around 2000 watt rating, that is a BIG inverter and will use about the same from your battery as operating the starter motor = not recommended

E D I T = spelling !

[ghost123uk]

Here is one (of many of this model) on Ebay - It's 30 amp (although it does not state this on the ad ) and is only about £17 = LINK HERE

[1664]

I prefer a hardwired relay over an 'intelligent' one. Yes, you have to run a trigger/signal wire but in my experience over the years (with anything) 'simple' is usually less prone to failure. This is just my opinion.....

Whatever option you choose, you can get relays a damn sight cheaper than that. Ebay, Maplins, Caravan accessory outlets etc

Echoing Ghost123: forget the hairdryer off the battery via an inverter - far too large a load @12v. Similarly so is running an absorption fridge/coolbox off 12v (without the engine running), although a compressor type would be fine.

[lefty67]

cheers for the input guys. been doing a bit more research and this has caught my eye http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Sea-System ... B000OTIPDQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
appears to be relatively easy to install and not too expensive. any thoughts?

After your advice the missus will have to let her hair dry 'au naturelle' unless we're on a campsite then she can use the socket in the toilets.
Had a look at the compressor type coolboxes, like the look of them but a bit pricey, sure i could pick one up off ebay cheaper though. I have considered a gas fridge ghost, but at the moment would rather have the extra storage, might be different come summertime though.
once again thanks for the replies.

[ghost123uk]

cheers for the input guys. been doing a bit more research and this has caught my eye http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Sea-System ... B000OTIPDQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
appears to be relatively easy to install and not too expensive. any thoughts?

Nope, I would still go with either a simple "trigger wire" split charge relay or one of the "intelligent" ones I linked to

I have considered a gas fridge ghost, but at the moment would rather have the extra storage, might be different come summertime though.

I think quite a few on here would agree with you there. A "passive" cool box, pre chilled and using those bags of ice work very well for a simple weekend away and more ice can be bought cheaply in most supermarkets. If my van did not already have a fridge, I would consider this option.

[1664]

After your advice the missus will have to let her hair dry 'au naturelle' unless we're on a campsite then she can use the socket in the toilets.

Or off the mains socket in the van if the campsite has a hook up facilities

Have you checked out the Holdsworth wiring diagrams in the Wiki that a few 80-90 members managed to cobble together off member 'mollyman'? Of course you have ......... https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... orth_Villa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[lefty67]

After your advice the missus will have to let her hair dry 'au naturelle' unless we're on a campsite then she can use the socket in the toilets.

Or off the mains socket in the van if the campsite has a hook up facilities

Have you checked out the Holdsworth wiring diagrams in the Wiki that a few 80-90 members managed to cobble together off member 'mollyman'? Of course you have ......... https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... orth_Villa" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

of course.....i didnt , however i did read these though
http://www.holdsworth.vwt25camper.info/ ... nualWM.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.holdsworth.vwt25camper.info/ ... ionsWM.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

This is a fairly good site got a few manuals and wiring diagrams for various fridges, heaters and appliances

http://www.holdsworth.vwt25camper.info/ ... ownlo.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fortunately there is a electric hook up cable with a consumer box attatched to it, so she can use this if we go on a campsite but my two favourite sites dont have hook up.

[1664]

Yes that's a good site - run by a member on here