Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all

I know the Split Charger topic has been done a million times, but I have just ordered me a 12V Ultra Plus 80Amp Cheap Leisure Battery from Alpha Batteries so next step is to fit it and get a Split Reply setup SO I wondered if there is a general opinion on which intelligent split relay setup is the best to go for. I appreciate its a matter of personal opinion / taste - but thats what I want to hear.

I'm been looking at the rawcomponents Intelligent Split Charge System or the Smartcom Relay or any other suggestions.

Based mainly on ease of fit, and quality of components/setup whats my best option??

P.S. BIG SORRY for asking the same ole same ole question but I would like to get YOUR quick and simple opinions on the best way to go.

Cheers!

Hard to recommend a particular type or manufacturer and the most recent thread deals with some of the issues here......

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=54672

The intelligent split charge is easy to install but the smartcom may fall a bit short for the charge function at 15A per contact. There are higher rated versions available however and probably a better choice. I would be happy with a 30A per contact set and prefer to keep the fuse rating for the charge circuit at this level. I have never had a problem with a 30A set up but some prefer a higher fuse rating at 45A and a similar relay rating. Depends on how flat you are going to let the leisure battery get and how much punch your alternator has. Whichever rating you opt for ensure that any cable is fit for purpose.

Thanks for the reply AngeloEvs,

I must admit I am moving away from the Smartcom thing, sounds too iffy to me, and I want to do the job once and be happy with, would rather pay £50-60 for something thats up to the job and comes recommended.

Not sure if you/anyone have seen this particular system... http://www.rawcomponents.co.uk/split-ch ... ystem.html but looks like its got everything I need all in one kit.... Worth it??

looks fine, everything in a kit and a guarantee. You could hunt around and buy all the parts separately to save a few quid but if you want convenience and a straightforward fit in a single purchase..........enough said!

AngeloEvs wrote:looks fine, everything in a kit and a guarantee. You could hunt around and buy all the parts separately to save a few quid but if you want convenience and a straightforward fit in a single purchase..........enough said!

Cheers!

Yep. That looks like the one for me sounds perfect (Lazy I know!!) - thanks for the hand holding and the piece of mind just didn't want to make the wrong choice.

Looks OK to me also - saves hunting out all the individual components and is not an under rated setup.

Good quality relays in that kit. Agree, could be bought cheaper by assembling bits yourself but at least its all there.

Oldiebut goodie wrote:Looks OK to me also - saves hunting out all the individual components and is not an under rated setup.

Defo wanted a beefy setup and the guarantee is right bonus! Have brought other bits from them and they were very fast delivery and good products so far!! Will report back once its in and working in case someone else is considering one.

I have a raw component intelligent kit fitted in my Velle.

Nice and easy to fit, even if you have very little electrics know how. I've had the kit fitted for a good few months now without a single problem.

The kit comes with a very good quality relay (and in my kit) 70amp fuses at starter battery end, and one at leisure battery end, so nice and safe. All instructions are included and very easy to follow, and the bonus is not having to touch the alternator wiring, which for some folks, e.g...me is a god send.

In my opinion, you wont go far wrong if you fit this kit in your van

Ones things for sure...those eyelets better be nicely soldered (not crimped) if you want them to carry 70amps...
It is also questionable to put 70amp fuses on a 70amp cable switched by a 70amp relay....I know there is a difference between 70amp blow and 70amps continuos but I would have liked to have seen a slightly lower fuse protecting the circuit...just my opinion you understand.
Nice kit though, just make sure all those connections are first rate on the high amp side.
Martin

Hi,

Just wondering if you had fitted this yet and what the verdict was? (eg. how easy to fit? does it work? etc...)

Just as an alternative, I have fitted a Sterling Power Products battery to battery charger. It is a single unit which you simply connect to the positive of your vehicle battery to and the positive of your second battery. It is fully digital and detects when your vehicle battery is fully charged then sends the current to your second battery. It then digitally ramps the current up and the voltage down to provide a proper four stage charge to the second battery. It has three cooling fans for when there is a large demand.

I only have a 70A/hour battery under the driver's seat running a monster Engel fridge and all the lighting etc and it has kept the battery sweet for over a year. They also do other options which actually change the alternator's output to suit demand. (Syncrosimon fitted this and his systems is awesome!)

Only trouble is the price... my unit cost £175

Check out their website though, really excellent products.

Quick update, kit looks pretty good to me, pretty clear instructions, not fitted it yet, 4 million other jobs on the van to do feeling the presure (got to be ready in 2 weeks time!!!) hope to get it in and all electrics done this week.

The Sterling setup sounds good but with a £175 price tag thats a wee bit too much for me.

Will post some updates once the Raw Components kit is in...

...Is it classed as an obsession or a hobbie when all I can think about at work is going home and working on the van!!!!

I just ordered one of these, seemed ok for the price.

Fleabay number 200368423500

how about this chaps??

would appear to be the raw components set up with free battery monitor

ebay 280379343064

as considering splashing out on one