More dual battery questions 12v

[Ollie]

I know there is already a thread on this, but having read it and the suggested threads, I'm only a little wiser as to how I'm going to do this :?

I want a second circuit in my new 110 for leisure uses, ie, fridge and lights etc...
I take it, I'll be running power from the second battery for these items. Probably setting up additional sockets throughout the vehicle for ease of use.

So, the setup, as far as I can see it is thus :idea:

Second, leisure battery, automatically isolated from the primary battery when the ignition is off. Aux circuit drains leisure battery only. When engine is started, it only draws current from primary battery. Then, both batteries are charged.

Questions;
What leisure battery?
Has anyone ran an aux circuit, where did they run it, gauge wire :?: Fuses :?:
How is primary battery isolated, other than manual switch, from leisure battery when cranking over :?:
What stops the leisure battery, when empty, draining power from the primary when the L/R is running?
Is there a kit that is commonly acknologed as the best all round, cost/performance etc.... :?:

Have I missed anything :oops:

Cheers
Ollie.
Happy new owner of 110 :D

[davidlandy]

Ollie

I have dual batteries on mine (sealed exide maxximas)- the vehicle one powers the vehicle and all its usual bits and the other supplies the winch and any other accesories I care to plant on.

the charge is directed to the battery needing it.  so I cannot run my vehicle battery dead by using the winch. i shall do u a diagram and some pics soon.

regards Dave

[Ollie]

Top man Dave :P  Where did you get your kit and batteries?

[diesel_boy]

lesure batterys come in all sizes and prices  the size of cable you neen depends on what power ur fridge/cooler needs and as for scockets i would use the old style round pin mains scockets and plug you can get small 5amp one,s  at smaller electical shops    the fitting kit for split charge you can get from halford for less than £30    if you want any help in fitting it pm me ive got plenty of time to do it  for a  big cuppa tea .... sam

[Ollie]

Sam,
Cheers for the offer m8 :D
I have picked up a split charge box with one way diodes from ebay. This, on paper, solves all of my problems in three easy wires. The simplest solution I could find, was or appears to be, the best.
It'll be a while before I get it, may take you up on that offer of help Sam.
I'll take some pictures of installation, and make some notes for future help.

Cheers Guys.
Ollie.
PS. Sold Lucille to a good friend, he's also gonna put the same split charge system in her.

[muddyweb]

Ollie,

Keep a close eye on the condition of your batteries if you are using a diode based system.

The problem with them is that you can get a voltage drop across the diode of anything up to a volt, so whilst you alternator is happily chucking out 14 Volts, your battery is only seeing 13 of them.... this can lead to problems with the batteries not being charged fully, shortening their lifespan.

A lot depends on the quality of diodes, condition of batteries, actual output of alternator, etc...  so don't worry too much.. just keep an eye on it all.

[Ollie]

So, here's the unit I bought. It's rated at 90Amp.....Comments?
Infact, I've just seen this same device on Scorpian Racing's website....

[mjtemple]

Easiest way for the wiring is to use a split charge relay,
there are other ways using ordinary relays and other gubbins but with the split charge relay everything is built in.
There's one for sale on ebay at the moment.
Do a search for 'split charge relay'

[vtrdaz]

Ollie ,
how did you go on with the split charge diode?

Darren

[Ollie]

Darren,
Beaut. Easy to install, simple, and works a treat.
I can send you a few pictures if your interested, although, there's not much to see.
If your looking to install one, give me a bell, I can talk you through what I did.

Ollie.