how do i check split charge

[mr.mono7]

Evening.

After a 9 month refurb, my van has 12 months mot and finally ready for its first weekend away. There's still much to do, but it's on the road.

when I bought the van, it had most of the wiring in place for the split charge, but it had all been disconnected. I've hooked it all back up again but wondered how's best (easiest) way to check that the relay is working as intended? There's no zig unit or anything, just a split charge relay system.

It's not desperate for this weekend, but it would be nice to get the coolbox running so I can enjoy a few cold beers.

Thanks

[bigherb]

With the engine running use a multimeter to check the voltage of both batteries they should both reading over 13.8V.

[mr.mono7]

Ah great, nice and easy.

Is there a way to check that the lb has disconnected from the starter battery when engine stopped so I'm sure I'm not using both?

Thanks again.

[California Dreamin]

Voltmeter should read normal battery voltage across the leisure battery when the engine is NOT running (around 12.7 volts fully charged) and then as soon as the engine is started and ignition light goes out this should have risen to around 14 volts (you may have to just raise off tick over if the light doesn't immediately go out)...proving that the relay has now connected both batteries together and the voltmeter is now reading alternator charging voltage (13.9 - 14.2 volts). Simplez..

Martin

[marlinowner]

When engine is off remove +ve connection from leisure battery and check voltage between +ve connector and -ve terminal of battery. Should be 0V. If the starter battery is still connected it will read 12V(ish).

[mr.mono7]

Smashing,

Thanks y'all.

[ghost123uk]

it would be nice to get the coolbox running so I can enjoy a few cold beers.

But only use the cool box whilst the engine is running otherwise it will flatten your battery in no time. They use about the same power as leaving your headlights on (about 7 or 8 amps). And while on the subject, don't ever let your leisure battery fall below 11.5 Volts, it damages them. You can buy a device that automatically disconnects the battery if the voltage drops too low to prevent damage (see below).

E D I T = From another post of mine earlier =

Heads up, I just found this one HERE on Ebay. It looks good what with the LCD meter etc. You need to add a relay, but that is dead easy.