Leisure Battery Charger

[isaune]

Hi there

I am looking for a new charger for my leisure battery which is in pretty much constant use when out camping - ie the tv, fridge, lights, radio etc all run off the leisure battery AT THE SAME TIME as it is being charged via hook-up.

However, I am not sure my old charger is up to the job (plus it is a bit of a lump) so I am looking for a new one.

This one looks pretty good to me but I would be grateful if any of you chaps would recommend any others on the market (eg I know Ctek have a good rep).

http://www.tayna.co.uk/Ring-RSC516-Full ... P8135.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks

Ian

[California Dreamin]

That looks good but more of a mobile charger than one you permanently install.

http://www.amperorassociates.co.uk/c-ba ... 3_18A.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Martin

[RobH]

I have one of these http://www.tayna.co.uk/Numax-Leisure-Ba ... P6127.html very happy with it, fan is a bit noisy but not too bad, digital level guage is clear.

[isaune]

Thanks Martin and Rob.

I kind of like the idea of connecting the charger PERMANENTLY to the battery through something more "FIRM" than crocodile clips.

I would then leave the charger in the van and plug it in when we get to a hook up site.

Do either of your suggestions facilitate this? If not, do you know one that does or even if its possible at all?

Thanks

Ian

[California Dreamin]

Both our suggested chargers are designed as permanent fitments...both are smart multi staged chargers than will switch to a float charge, so they can be safely plugged in for long periods without fear of damaging batteries.

Martin

[isaune]

Thanks Martin.

The thing is I want to avoid the use of crocodile clips which can easily be knocked off and instead connect the charger to the battery permantly using a spade clip or something similar.

In other words, I don't want a charger which only comes with crocodile clip connectors.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

Ian

[RobH]

If you look at the picture on the one I have it's got crocodile clips and ring terminals with plastic hoods, I've got the rings permanantly attached to the LB, and attach to the charger when I need to, didn't want the small chance of a reverse drain, not actually checked whether it would or not.

[AdrianC]

In other words, I don't want a charger which only comes with crocodile clip connectors.

Most intelligent chargers come with interchangeable ends - one with croc clips, one with eyelets. That's so that you can permanently wire the eyelet end to the battery of a seldom-used vehicle, then just connect the charger up and leave it there over winter or whatever.

But if you're perma-wiring the charger in, you could just ignore that - no need. Just buy whichever charger you want, ignoring whether it has crocs or not. Then cut the croc clips off and crimp eyelets on to the ends of the wires...

What we did, though, was to leave the interchangeable connector in - if we need to charge the starter battery, then I can just disconnect from the permawiring for the leisure, and run the croc-clipped end from charger to starter battery.

[California Dreamin]

As Adrian says.....the manufacturers just include the different connection options then it's up to you how you use them...
As the charger will probably end up being mounted under the 'rock n roll bed' ? it is very unlikely that the supplied wiring will be long enough anyway.....This is were the installer needs to have some basic electrical and mechanical knowhow.
You might have to make up some sort of mounting for the unit (baring in mind it needs to have space around it for cooling & nothing put on top of it etc) the wiring will need routing and may need some protection (running through some sheathing) terminal ends will ideally need soldering or at least properly crimping.
I would also suggest you fit an inline fuse holder close to the charger on the positive side (16amp for the 10amp unit or 25amp for the 18amp one) non of this is particularly difficult, just use your common sense.

If a jobs worth doing......you know how the saying goes!

Martin