split charge kit

[bowesy]

ive been looking at getting a split charge set up ready for when im doin my interior, i have seen a kit on just kampers but it is only supplied with a 15amp relay is this going to be enough or do you need a higher amp relay? thanks

[Jeff J]

I've just done mine using a voltage sensing relay , rather than one that needs to be connected to the ignition. It seems an easier way to do the job to me as you do not have to route so many wires.Mine is capable of handling 35A, but I think a 15A relay would have enough current carrying capacity.

[MidLifeCrisis]

Have a look at this on the Wiki;

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... it_charger

It suggests use of a 30-40amp relay as the current can potentially go pretty high initially if the leisure battery charge is very low.

Just make sure that the fuse in the split charge circuit is of a lower value than the relay to ensure that the fuse blows before the relay is damaged!

But I'd suggest using a higher rated relay and fuse for peace of mind. You should also bear in mind that if the relay (and fuse) in the JK kit is only 15amp then the cabling they supply may also assume this ampage and be a bit 'weedy' - you might be better to create your own kit.

[California Dreamin]

From my experience your average one battery setup (starter plus say an 80amp leisure) will often initially draw over 30amps on engine restart (after it has been used over a couple of evenings).
Westy owners often report blowing the 25? amp fuse on their setups.

So a 15amp relay may well COPE for a while but ultimately will prematurely fail.

General advice on here is: 40amp relay is a 'minimum, fuse at 30amps, wires at 40-50amps....take this as a starting point.
Larger and more batteries definately up these specs.

This looks reasonable although you could do this cheaper sourcing the parts yourself. Although I cannot see a fuse holder....needed between the batteries.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Camper-Spl ... 3f1fcfb7fc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[AdrianC]

Larger and more batteries definately up these specs.

Given that this is routing the charge from alternator to battery, I'm not sure how a bigger battery is going to affect the current flowing - it'll merely flow for longer to charge from flat. The upper cap on current is going to be the alternator's output. And that's 90A... Sure, it's unlikely all of that'll be flowing through. But even so...

Where's the fuse on the Westy setup? I thought there was just the two extra on the B pillar - one for tap, one for mains charger. Is it on the split relay itself?

[California Dreamin]

Well as you quite rightly point out, the initial demand made by a flat leisure battery over the split charge circuit can be quite high but this tends to quickly settle to a more sustainable level. However, the larger the capacity of your leisure battery/batteries, the longer the PEAK draw value remains and the longer the batteries will take to recharge.
Circuits are knowingly underated on the understanding that the wire and switching components can manage the 'Peak load' for short periods but of course when extending this peak draw period (larger heavier duty batteries) you would normally uprate components to cope.

Martin

[billybigspud]

I think this subject and headlight upgrade need a sticky pointing towards Wiki.