Club 80-90 Forums

Sorry, probably another roll of the eyes reading this topic title ... I've read some of the existing wiki info and a few forum threads but can't find anything that really fits my scenario.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much and need to get an electrician in, but this forum seems to bring power back into the hands of us mere mortals so I'd like to see how far I can get DIYing:

Existing setup is one engine battery (under driver seat) plus electric hook-up. I would like to add a leisure battery (under passenger seat) which can be used for appliances when I'm not hooked-up. I would like the leisure battery to also charge when the engine is running.

1 - Looking at Self switching voltage sensing split charge relay on ebay as I'm assuming this will help with the leisure battery charging whilst engine is running. Is this ok and any advice on making the connections, type of cable to buy etc?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAMPER-VAN-SE ... 5657a8a04a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

2 - Shifting the load to the leisure battery.
I'm assuming I should look to moving the appliances to feed from the leisure battery and not the starter battery? Is this right and if so any tips, pics, gotchas? Also seen a 2nd battery kit on just kampers for some of this...is this worth looking at?

3 - The hook-up - should I be looking to rewire this to also charge to leisure battery or leave as is?

4 - Have I missed anything obvious?

Sorry to bombard and any help appreciated - thanks all.

It seems you have missed the obvious
You are describing exactly the set up in the club wiki
following this.. https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ca ... it_charger" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; will give you what you desire
the relay can be bought from any motor factor and it's rating should be 50-60 amps, a simple relay will suffice
this will charge the aux batt while the engine is running.
The charge to the leisure will be governed by it's state of depletion.

moving the appliances to the leisure is just a case of removing their connection from the starter battery and connecting it to the leisure.
You don't need kits, just some suitable wire and connectors from halfords
The split relay separates the two batteries

Thanks Kev,

Must admit I did look at that particular wiki but was a bit unsure of which split charge section I should be reading. Having looked at it again, I assume the main picture in split charge 3 is the key. Sounds daft I know but just never touched wiring to this extent so I like the simplicity of a voltage sensing relay to avoid making the alternator charge light connection...I'm assuming this is still ok? So next question is where to get suitable wire/fuse connectors etc - again had a quick look at Halfords but too many options!

thanks again

the_thought_police wrote:Thanks Kev,

Must admit I did look at that particular wiki but was a bit unsure of which split charge section I should be reading. Having looked at it again, I assume the main picture in split charge 3 is the key. Sounds daft I know but just never touched wiring to this extent so I like the simplicity of a voltage sensing relay to avoid making the alternator charge light connection...I'm assuming this is still ok? So next question is where to get suitable wire/fuse connectors etc - again had a quick look at Halfords but too many options!

thanks again

Yes split charge 3
The relay can be situated in the engine bay, near the alternator, so the trigger wire (ign light) can be taken from the back of the alternator, along with a nice thick charging wire from it too.
wiring to the relay is just following the diagram
Then you can run the thick cable to your new battery.
Relay is here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-4-Pin-40- ... 4ad5fc8049" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Wire can be obtained from your local electrical wholesaler like Edmundsons, City Electrical, Wilts, Rexel Senate, or from E-bay

sensing things can get complicated, I prefer simple switches that work for many many years, and as you can see, they are cheap.

I find van electrics confusing so a question Kev. Could I use this relay to replace the one that connects the drive and leisure battery under the lhd driver's seat on my westie? I ask because I think mine is playing up. Cheers mate.

Ralf85 wrote:I find van electrics confusing so a question Kev. Could I use this relay to replace the one that connects the drive and leisure battery under the lhd driver's seat on my westie? I ask because I think mine is playing up. Cheers mate.

Depends if the fridge runs off it, if it does, then no.

Yes the fridge does, so I need a different one. Which is the best option? Cheers.

you need relay 411 915 511B
Which is a five pin 40 amp relay.
Perhaps the westy boys can tell you if this is an on/on or an on/off relay as I don't know.

Cheers for the great advice Kev - time to get stuck in

Single pole double contact SPDC, not to be confused with a Single pole double throw SPDT.
Also known as Double make & break. NORMALLY OPEN (closes with engine running)
The only 5 pin relay to have an 87b....notice that 87 & 87b are NOT joined *************this is very important.



Having said all of this.....I now challenge you to find one! they are as rare as hens teeth..
Besides, now is your opportunity to upgrade to something more substantial, you will need to replace two terminal ends on the heavy wires going to terminal 30 & 87 on the relay, from 6.3mm (standard females) to larger 9.5mm ones but this new dedicated split charge relay is a 60 amp replacement, so ultimately will be more reliable.

http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/p ... tegory/149" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Comparing the old to new relay pin out numbers:

The terminal that was going to 85 (trigger from alternator) now goes to W1 (6.3mm will fit to the smaller 4.8mm terminals on the new relay with slight crimping)
The terminal that was going to 86 (earth wire) now goes to W2 (6.3mm will fit to the smaller 4.8mm terminals on the new relay with slight crimping)
The terminal that was going to 30 (starter battery) now goes to C1 (this 6.3mm female needs changing for a larger 9.5mm kind)
The terminal that was going to 87 (leisure battery) now goes to C2 (this 6.3mm female needs changing for a larger 9.5mm kind)
The terminal that was going to 87b (Fridge feed) now goes to C3

Notice***that C2 & C3 on this new relay are also NOT joined...just like the original
If they were connected, it would mean that the fridges 12 volt side, could be powered from the leisure battery even with the engine turned off.

Martin

So there you go Patrick, your westy relay is explained perfectly by Martin.
Also how and what to replace it with.

Cheers guys. That is so helpful.

California Dreamin wrote: Having said all of this.....I now challenge you to find one! they are as rare as hens teeth..
Besides, now is your opportunity to upgrade to something more substantial, you will need to replace two terminal ends on the heavy wires going to terminal 30 & 87 on the relay, from 6.3mm (standard females) to larger 9.5mm ones but this new dedicated split charge relay is a 60 amp replacement, so ultimately will be more reliable.

http://www.autoelectricsupplies.co.uk/p ... tegory/149" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Comparing the old to new relay pin out numbers:

The terminal that was going to 85 (trigger from alternator) now goes to W1 (6.3mm will fit to the smaller 4.8mm terminals on the new relay with slight crimping)
The terminal that was going to 86 (earth wire) now goes to W2 (6.3mm will fit to the smaller 4.8mm terminals on the new relay with slight crimping)
The terminal that was going to 30 (starter battery) now goes to C1 (this 6.3mm female needs changing for a larger 9.5mm kind)
The terminal that was going to 87 (leisure battery) now goes to C2 (this 6.3mm female needs changing for a larger 9.5mm kind)
The terminal that was going to 87b (Fridge feed) now goes to C3

Notice***that C2 & C3 on this new relay are also NOT joined...just like the original
If they were connected, it would mean that the fridges 12 volt side, could be powered from the leisure battery even with the engine turned off.

Martin

I now have the upgrade you recommended above. Just got to fit it now. Thanks again Martin.

Fingers crossed that knowone has messed with the original wiring..lol...its all pretty self explanatory anyway.

You'll be reet.

Martin

FWIW, Volkswagen took quite a simple approach when fitting factory-fit 2nd. batteries to Multivan and Westy. Diagram here:

http://syncrosport.com/info/wiring/2nd_Battery.jpg