Club 80-90 Forums

1664 I am confused now. My ZIG, according to the instructions WILL charge the leisure while driving, as long as the switch is set to touring. IIRC the wiring for the main battery is on connectors 1 & 2, and the leisure is on 3 & 4.

It is however, a long run from the zig to the leisure....so we have used good thick stranded wire (cooker wire) for these runs, and there will be a fuse right next to the battery before we connect anything up. The zig is at the same level in the van as the rnr bed..the leisure is under the passenger seat. Wiring is internal through cabinets. Fuses to protect the wiring in the zig itself and at the batteries.

I don't really want a split charge system as well as the zig if the zig can do it automatically, (with the said switch bieng in the right position) but if the advice is against this, and to replace the split charge system, and use the zig to disribute the 12v then this is what I shall do!

Your comments please.

Em
x

Depends if the wiring is there. The Zig can do it via the switch but it means running a cable from the van battery/alternator all the way to the zig and then all the way back to the leisure battery. The vans I've experienced have tended to avoid the hassle by doing it via a relay and wiring at the front. I don't think they avoid that much to be honest as they still have to run a cable from the zig to the leisure battery so the zig can charge it when you're hooked up. Relay is automatic too though so that may be why they do it that way....

Thanks 1664!

Em
x

Em, is your ZIG a CF series? These are designed to charge through the switch. As long as the cables are sufficient then you only need to remember that the switch must be in the 'touring' position. The CF ZIG's gives you the option to use the starter battery or the leisure battery to power the habition electrics and this is why they do not recommend using a split charge relay in their fitting instructions. Have to say I fitted a relay and dispensed with the option of using the starter battery for an alternative source but either method will do the job.