Club 80-90 Forums

My t25 camper doesn't have split charger everything runs off 1 battery,my question is can I start and run the van on a leisure battery without causing damage to battery.

I'm sure someone will offer a more comprehensive answer, but Leisure batteries and Starter batteries are actually built differently and are designed for different jobs:

https://advancedbatterysupplies.co.uk/p ... urebattery

I'm sure you can use either for a short while (And I have at points ), but you might find that the large current drawn by the starter might not do the leisure battery any good over a long period.

Thanks fudgy that pretty much what I was thinking,the guy says it's dual purpose but this might mean can use in a caravan,boat etc.

Pukka marine batteries tend to be used for both starting and leisure side - mind you the price reflects their quality. I had a pair that lasted over 20 years so were worth the extra in the long run. They finally died due to lack of electrolyte as they were non-refillable. A simple changeover switch suffices - no.1 batt, 1+ 2 batt and no. 2 batt.

The battery is £90,my van is a Kamper and one battery does everything.

You can run stuff off a starter type battery but they lack stamina over several hours and soon get depleted whereas a leisure type is more suited to the job. You can't use a leisure as a starter battery no.

For a long time I ran (quite happliy) with two starter batteries, originally just charging the second one up at home, then eventually adding a simple relay (which I still use even now) but even a second starter battery isn't really suited to say running a Propex all night. Now I've got starter and leisure batt and the same relay. Works well enough but no matter what you use, try to buy low-consumtion items. I don't run a stereo when camped but I do have a battery powered radio and a Hudl for movies.

Adding a relay isn't too hard though. Look for 'split charge' in the WIKI. The very basic type would cost a fiver - plus the cable.

Cheap dual purpose battery for those that have no size restrictions. http://www.alpha-batteries.co.uk/marine ... e-battery/

There is also mention around the forum that the Bosch S5 batteries can perform as both starter and leisure batteries.

the battery im looking at buying is an alpha ,its says its suitable for engine starting as well..

Look at flea bay you will find batteries cheaper? Have you got room for another under the other seat? I would probably do a bit of wiring and use a smart relay from the engine battery to charge the new one . It senses the increased voltage when the engine is running and switches the charging wire on.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LP75-leisure- ... 27d5143b3b" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

yeah there is room under other seat and I do have a split charger kit,(unfitted)so might be way to go but don't want to attempt it so will look for local electrician.

Simplest one is this. Thats how mine is set up. I slung the leisure in a cupboard close to starter battery as it made more sense in mine plus I'm not restricted by second battery size then. With all the parts bought, doesn't take more than an hour to fit.

am I right to think that I don't need a relay as pictured in covkids diagram if I have the small split charger box.

What split charger box - can you put a pic up? If it is one of the little 30 Amp ones you can use that to switch a larger relay if needed. Easier with just the one though (less to go wrong also)

A split charger box is just a relay so yes use that. Protect it with a 30 A fuse. I always use a smart charge relay which senses the voltage when the engine is running and turns on the charge. This doesn't need a trigger from the alternator. It just needs a fused 30 A supply from the starter battery and an earth to the van bodywork . Just a positive wire is then needed to the leisure battery . The camping main cable then needs extending from where it is at present attached to the starter battery to the leisure battery instead. The leisure battery needs an earth strap to the van body.