Split-charge relay
More than 50amps can flow between the engine battery and your leisure battery, so always get a relay that is rated at 50amps or more. Preferably 75 or 100 amps. Many relays sold on eBay are 30amps and designed for systems on cars, and not for connecting heavy duty batteries.
- Camper-Electrics – a site explaining campervan electrics and selling good quality parts.
- Check out this great quality voltage sensing split charge relay.
Inverter
Hi Darren
I have just purchased a van fitted with a Sterling battery to battery charger connected to a leisure battery which in turn is connected to the inverter, this is separate to the 12v split charge system on the van, so in fact I have two leisure batteries. Would it be possible to go from the inverter straight into the hook up socket on the outside of the van as though I was on mains power? I do a lot of wild camping & the fan on the combi boiler soon flattens the leisure battery, if I turned the onboard battery charger off would this set up (via inverter) still run the combi fan? Many thanks
Hi
I’m not sure I understand
Hi
I’m not sure I understand what you mean.
I’m not sure why you would want to connect the inverter to the main hookup.
Can you give a drawing explaining what you have?
Inverter
Hi Darren
I’ll try & explain better I always over explain I think. I have the normal split charge system & the battery is located behind my driving seat. Some distance away I also have an extra leisure battery fitted in the rear of my van charged via a Sterling battery to battery charger, this is connected to a 2500w inverter, can I go from the inverter (ie plug a modified lead with a household plug into the 3 pin socket on the inverter) then put the other end of the lead into the side of the camper (the blue 16amp inlet)?
So when the 1st battery is getting flat I could use the 2nd one as though I was on “hook up” Hope this makes sense. Many thanks – Steve
Hi Steve
Yes, in theory this
Hi Steve
Yes, in theory this would work. I would be careful to not run anything with a high load on this configuration. But should work fine.
Inverter
Thanks Darren much appreciated
Inverter
Hi Darren
Just another question regarding above. If I am plugged in using the inverter as a hook up so to speak, if I turn off the battery charger will I still be feeding the 12v side of the system as well. Thanks in advance – Steve
Hi Steve
Hard to say without
Hi Steve
Hard to say without seeing it, but I would say yes. In fact I would recommend turning off battery chargers when using this configuration. It will save your battery power.
3 Leisure batteries charging relay
Hi Darren, i really need your help and cant find the answer anywhere.
I need to know if I parallel link 3x 140amp leisure batteries ( i need ALOT of power! 🙂 can i use a 140amp splitter relay charger? This is my first time trying to convert a van but I’m worried that by parallel linking the 3 batteries (420amp) thats its to much for the relay! or does it not effect it like that??
Really appreciate your advice mate!
thanks
Chris
Hi Chris
Yes the 140amp split
Hi Chris
Yes the 140amp split relay will be fine. I have a similar setup on my van and it works great. Do fit fuses between the batteries. Try a MegaFuse, 100amp should be fine.
Even if the batteries we are completely flat the relay wont pass 420 amps. The engine has a regulator which will take care of this, which you are borrowing via the engine battery.
Cheers
Darren
Thanks Darren, much
Thanks Darren, much appreciated, have fitted it all , just order higher fuses like you said, van is nearly fully converted and ready for the road, leave on Monday! thanks mate!!
Inverter beeping
Hi,
Can anyone pls help. Just converted Renault Master and put in a 2000w pure sine inverter. The inverter is connected direct to two 110aH Leisure Batteries and from the inverter there are two sockets and the malaga heater with 230v option.
I have not used the heater yet and only run an ipod player but still the inverter starts beeping and cuts off?? The van is stationary and nothing else running but still the inverter starts beeping.
I have a solar panel feeding the two batteries and the indicator light shows half to full charge most days??
Any advice very welcome
Thanks
neil
Hi Neil
The inverter would
Hi Neil
The inverter would normally beep if there is not enough power in the batteries to function. But the iPod charger will use very little power, and it sounds like you have enough power in the batteries.
Does it do the same if the engine is running? Assuming you have a split-charge relay which charged the leisure batteries from the engine when running.
Inverter connection
Hi I have been asked to look at the electrics on a VW camper and have found that the electric hook up is connected into a garage consumer unit to run most of the lights and sockets ok so far, but also connected into the consumer unit is an inverter, This is totally unsafe as when the mains is hooked up 240v can flow back into the inverter but more importantly if the plug is removed from the inverter there is mains voltage at the terminals of the plug. My question is does a change over switch exist that can be fitted to make this situation safe, I would appreciate any help many thanks. Gerald
Full Electrics
Hi,
Thanks in Advance!! I really need help. I have just bought a minibus to convert, I really need help with the electrics in simple terms. Please can someone tell me exactly what I need??? I plan on running a fridge, tv, kettle and lighting. I would like a mains hook up and 12v. Please Help? I am trying to price it all up but not sure what I need! I have also thought about buying a cheap caravan and transferring all the electrics and interior?
Thanks
Rachel
Full electrics
Hi Rachel,
I am currently converting my Iveco 59.12 minibus I’m new to this, however i have searched the internet on other conversions.
Your 12v set up is easy enough (just do it one wire at a time)look on web sites on how to convert a van, i bought a Haynes manual of of Amazon (build your own motor caravan) think its best to buy the 2nd edition as it covers in more detail on electrics. Its invaluable at around £20 well worth it.
Your 240v hook up you will see you will need a garage type consumer unit with 2 or 3 trip switches and RCD built in to the one unit the RCD is VERY VERY important as it protects against any shorts as it will trip out. You will also need some sort of switch panel I’m going to use a Zig unit cf8 as it has a charger built in to it and some fuses. I think I’m right in saying you will also need to protect every electric item with in line fuses, make sure they are the right amperage for each item.
Also maybe a good idea to fit a manual electrical shut off switch, just out side the sealed battery box.
Just one more thing you say you might strip out a caravan for electrics just bare in mind i don’t think anything will be marked up (labeled) as to where which wires go to what unless your willing to trace each wire back yourself and label with masking tape before removal.
On new items such as consumer unit, switch panel etc will come with fitting instructions. These are useful websites for new and second hand parts,magnum motor homes, O’leary motor homes,UK classic car carpets, W4 limited, CAK tanks (for water tanks etc), and your local sheet wood suppliers for lining the van with plywood.
For insulation i looked on Amazon i got a 1.4mtr x 50mtr x 4mm thick roll of foil insulation for about £130 (i have only lined the ceiling at the moment and its so much warmer already (seems to be very good stuff). Oh i also got a roll of 50mm x 45mtr roll of aluminum foil tape to join and seal the edges of the foil insulation.
Lastly once you have your conversion PLEASE VERY IMPORTANT FOR SAFETY get it all checked by a qualified person, such as auto electrical person (for electrics) and a gas fitter for (gas).
Good luck with all.
230v relay
Hi Darren,
Working on converting a 1998 Sprinter. Curious about 220v. From inverter to the plug, do I need to put either latching relay or DPDT? At the moment it has no fuse.
thanks
vadim
Hi Vadim
Are you connecting
Hi Vadim
Are you connecting the inverter directly to the leisure battery?
Regards
Darren
Hi again Darren,
Thank you
Hi again Darren,
Thank you so much for the reply.
Yes, that is the idea, i was not sure there was another way. At least that is what I saw on other plans.
The inverter is going to be connected to the battery and from the inverter it is going to go to the 230v outlet.
What is the other option?
I guess i can just put a regular 220v breaker?
What do you think?
Hi Vadim
No, that is the best
Hi Vadim
No, that is the best option, just checking you were doing that.
You can put in a 220v breaker. The inverter should already contain safety switch and equipment. It will cut off if it cannot delivery the power, or if it senses a problem.
Add a breaker for piece of mind, but you don’t need too
All the best
Darren
Leisure battery fuse
Good Day. You suggest a fuse when connecting the vehicle battery to a leisure battery, but I can’t seem to find one that has a big enough connection for the 16mm cable that you recommend. If you use one of the inline fuses you can find online, they all have much thinner cable which surely negates the benefit of using 16mm cable between batteries?
Thanks
John
VW LT conversion Wiring Help!
Hi all, Great forum.
I’m going to convert a VW LT to use for 12 weeks a year to use around the UK. Times are tough so I’m getting on my bike.
I’m really confused by all the electrics side of things and I’m completely new to this.
The conversion hasn’t got to look good just be really practical. it doesn’t need permanent light fixtures and I probably wont have a waste system on board. Just insulate it/re plyline it/get a heater system/a bed/ some storage units and electric.
What I’ll need electric for is (all with standard plugs):
1) A Lamp
2) A portable fridge
3) A microwave
4) A laptop
So in total 4 -6 plugs.
I’d rather not have to use a hook up and run all this from leisure batteries. Only in the evenings for 3-4 hours at a time.
Can anyone help with how to get this set up? How many leisure batteries I’ll need. How to get set them set up so the end result is 4 -6 standard plug sockets? And if possible a reference to a good book or diagrams explaining this kind of thing?
I’m just trying to price it up so any info on price and where to buy would be greatly appreciated too.
Many thanks
Gav
mitsubishi express van
Hi there. ive recently bought a mitsubishi express van and i want to convert it to a camper. i need to get electric in to the back what is the best way to do this? thanks phoenix
If you want a simple solution
If you want a simple solution you can pass the following through the window:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CAMPING-HOOK-UP-MOBILE-MAINS-KIT-/150807651264?pt=UK_Cables_Hookups&hash=item231cd623c0
If you want a better more permanent solution then buy a kit like this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-T5-Flush-fit-240v-hook-up-kit-/261100827611?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item3ccad273db
You can do it cheaper by getting the parts individually. A garage consumer unit is normally fine to use.
Van wires and isolation relay
Hi, very impressed with your resposes to peoples questions – nice one!
Perhaps you can assist me with two questions too?
I am at the stage where i have bought all my kit to install my 12v system appart from the wire. I understand about losing amps through the wire over distance for the 12v appliances and the corresponding cable rating for the appliances. However, the wire(s) needed for the circuits for the 12v charger/relays/meters etc are a complete mystery to me. Is it best to go for the thickest cable for these components or do they all need to be the right rating for what they are connecting? Feeling a little lost.
Also, do you know where I could get an isolation relay from in order to isolate the 12v circuits for when driving? I already have two relays, one for the charge and one for the fridge but the diagram i am basing my wiring on shows the iso relay has a different design (internally……)
Hi Peter
Having wire that is
Hi Peter
Having wire that is too big is not a problem, it will just cost a little more and be more difficult to route. Too small a wire and you’ll have voltage drop. So go slightly too big.
The cable you need depends on your appliances.
As a general rule
For battery to battery – 16mm
For battery charger, fridge – 8mm
For battery meter – 2mm is fine as the current is so low
Not sure about the isolation relay. What does it isolate? When driving the 12v circuits would typically be powered by the vans alternator whilst it charges the leisure battery. That’s quite normal and recommended.
conversion electrics
A couple of things before i get to my post…
Firstly I hope im posting this in the right ‘section’ and in the right way so to speak…
Secondly…Hello all and Ive been very impressed with this site and the level of knowledge and assistance given to those of us with a lesser knowledge of conversions!!
Ok…After many hours of reading, and reading and reading a little more Ive finally started converting my 2002 mk1 mercedes vito.
I think 🙂 ive pretty much got my head round the electrical set up, but if a few of you could read thru the following and offer your comments advice it would be much appreciated.
VAN USE: NO wild camping and when on site will use electrical hook up into tent as still intend on using tent.TV and Xbox will predominantly be used whilst vehicle is moving, once on site they better be out exploring/playing and not on XBOX!!
EQUIPMENT TO BE POWERED: 9 X 12V LED lights, 12/230v coolbox, XBOX, 19″ TV,
SETUP: starter battery to 110a leisure battery via 50a split charge relay (can anyone recommend one) fused either side of relay, connect 1000w inverter (mod sine wave) to leisure battery via ‘O’ rings also 16mm tails connected by ‘O’ rings to leisure battery to feed a consumer unit (can I use the type normally used in garages/sheds etc…) for the 12v to feed the lights (0.75mm flex to wire lights) and coolbox. Inverter to supply TV and XBOX.
Will have a leisure battery charger to keep leisure battery charged whilst on site.
I hope Im at the very least on the right tracks with what ive explained above, but would appreciate help/feedback etc…..
cheers in advance
M
Hi M
Nice to hear from
Hi M
Nice to hear from you.
Your setup sounds good.
Here is a good relay. 60 amp and voltage sensing, so easier to wire as you don’t need the trigger wire.
http://www.iem-services.co.uk/showdetails.asp?id=1169
If you don’t intend on traveling in Europe then a garage consumer is fine. If you do intend on going to Europe a double pole consumer unit is recommended, as in Europe it’s possible to connect the mains plug the wrong way around, and therefore possible to make the van body live. Here is a unit for use in Europe, it also has a light to indicate when there is a problem.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Deluxe-Caravan-Mains-Consumer-Unit-Caravan-Motorhome-Camper-/150902984318?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item232284ce7e#ht_1922wt_1180
For UK only use, a garage consumer unit it fine.
Everything else sounds good in your setup.
Hi Once again….
Darren
Hi Once again….
Darren thanks a lot mate for taking the time to read my post and recommend the relay and CU, Ive added those to my shopping list.
Im sure at some point I’ll be posting again to ask for further advice, until then keep well and have fun
cheers
M
wow!! confused!!
have been reading through all of the comments, and this seems to be the place to ask, i have bought a big citreon relay tri axel minibus, and am planning on shoving a caravan in the back lol. now my confusion comes from the fact the caravan will already have sockets etc and hook up. all i want to do is transfer this straight over, messing about with as very little as possible. so i will need:
leisure battery 3 or 4 wired up through a inverter? runing to a fuse box, splitiing the power between the sockets and lighting.will the external hook up connect directly to the leisure batteries?? and then i will also want power to run from the vehicle engine to charge the leisure battery, using a relay is that correct??
i have so many thoughts running through my head at the moment and cant seem to figure it out, any help is extremely appreciated in my time of need lol
many thanks
kris
[email removed]
Hi Kris
Sounds like an
Hi Kris
Sounds like an interesting project.
You have it right.
Have your leisure batteries, have then feed a 12v fuse box. From there you can connect anything 12v with a fuse. The inverter will allow you to power 240v items from the 12v system, but limit this to small items like mobile phone chargers, etc.
The 240v hookup system is completely separate to the 12v system. It comes in via the cable and goes to a consumer unit then to the 240v sockets on the walls.
You can use a leisure battery charger to charge the 12v leisure batteries from the hookup.
You can also (and should) use a split charge relay system to charge the leisure batteries from the engine battery.
I really need some help!
I really need some help!
I’ve recently bought a VW type 2 camper van which looked and sounded like it was all sorted and ready to go with leisure battery, 240v hook up & nice interior (including 4 interior lights in the living area, water pump, heater, fridge & stereo).
I’m a complete newbie to both mechanics & vehicle electrics, so you may think a VW campervan may not have been such a great investment, but hey – I intend to learn & unfortunately you’ve caught me in the very early stages of that learning curve! 😉
When I bought the van, the guy told me the leisure battery was pretty much dead & gave me money to buy a new one (not bought yet until I get my head round the wiring). I also think he did most of the wiring himself.
The LB is on the left side of the engine bay, main battery on right side.
My issues:
1) there is only one wire coming off the leisure battery +ve. It goes (unfused) to the main battery via a relay (30amp not 50amp as Darren recommends!)
2) there are several red wires coming off the main battery +ve, including one that’s fused (30A) that goes to the above-mentioned relay.
3) Also a few wires connected to the -ve terminal on main battery
The leisure battery is currently disconnected.
However, the interior lights, water pump and I assume heater, stereo etc, still work, hence drawing from the main battery.
As I say, I’m a newbie and didn’t know what I was looking for when I bought it.
My brother in law says the leisure electrics shouldn’t work with the leisure battery disconnected.
The wires are too short to have been originally connected to the lb & then moved across, so I’m assuming he’s made a right balls up of wiring everything up.
But as I have no idea, I’d really appreciate any help!
Thanks guys & apologies for such a long post.
Hi Sean
1. 30 amp relay
Hi Sean
1. 30 amp relay should be fine. 1 wire could also be fine. Can you see the make or type of relay?
2. Sounds like the fuse for 1 is there, as you mention it here. It’s quite common to have several wires coming off the battery.
3. It’s fairly common to have multiple wires coming off the negative battery also.
The fact that the electrics still work with the leisure battery disconnected sounds odd. Is there a switch somewhere that switches the power source from the engine to the leisure battery?
Only the later above issue is of concern really. Do you have a multimeter, you can trace the wires to the correct power source and see what is happening.
Can you call the previous owner and ask him why the electricals are still working without a leisure battery?
How many wires are coming off the leisure battery?
Is there a fuse box coming off the leisure battery? It might be inside the living area.
Relay
Hi Darren, thanks for the reply.
I posted this message yesterday but it hasn’t appeared so I’m trying again.
The relay is a Durite 0-727-12 12v 30A like this one http://www.thetoolboxshop.com/0-727-12-durite-12v-30a-mini-make-and-break-relay-2153-p.asp
As far as I know there’s not a separate switch. I’m fairly sure I asked him that when I bought it – it was a few weeks ago but I think he said it should switch over when the engine stops.
I rang him this evening to ask the question ( plus a few others while I was at it) but his phone rang a couple of times then he blocked me! 🙁 I thought maybe he was at work & might call back, but he hasn’t.. I have an email address so could try that.
I do have a multimeter. My brother in law suggested I do as you say. What’s the best way to proceed? Should I disconnect all wires off the positive on main battery, connecting 1 at a time back on, then seeing if I can find what it operates? I’m not sure how else to determine what does what..
There’s just one wire coming off the leisure battery. It goes to the main battery via the relay.
I haven’t seen a fuse box coming off the leisure battery, but will have a good look round for one.
I can post some pics of the engine bay with wires & relay if that helps?
Thanks again
Sean 🙂
Hi Sean
You should have three
Hi Sean
You should have three wires connected to the relay. The positive in, out, and the trigger wire which normally comes from the alternator. Any less and the relay sounds incorrectly wired.
The leisure battery should have a big cable from the relay to it (the power feed) and at least one other wire (maybe several) coming from it to the 12v appliances or to a fuse box. Anything less and it sounds incorrect.
It does sound like the wiring is wrong. With a multimeter I would use the conductivity feature to trace where the wires go.
Hi Darren,
The relay does
Hi Darren,
The relay does have 3 wires coming from it as you say.
Also, the leisure battery has one cable from the relay to it but that’s it – no other wires coming from it.
I’m not sure what I’m doing with a multimeter, but I’ll Google it and look into the conductivity feature, and let you know how I get on 😉
Thanks again,
Sean
PS I have taken some photos, I just need to download them from my phone and I will post links to them
Hi Darren,
Here’s some pics
Hi Darren,
Here’s some pics as promised.
Relay:
surreal-estate.com (no longer online)
surreal-estate.com (no longer online)
Leisure Battery
surreal-estate.com (no longer online)
Main Battery
surreal-estate.com (no longer online)
Let me know if you need any clarity or if you need me to take more.
Many thanks,
Sean
Hi Sean
Relay looks OK.
Most
Hi Sean
Relay looks OK.
Most of the wires coming off the main battery should be coming off the leisure battery.
I would use the multimeter, trace each wire coming off the leisure battery, find out what it does, and it it powers something inside the camper (lights, fridge, etc.) change the wire from the main battery to the leisure battery.
Some wire from the main battery might need to stay on that battery. Maybe an alarm or similar.
Once you’ve done them all you should have a working leisure system.
Before you do anything though, make sure the relay is charging the leisure battery.
Check the voltage of the leisure battery now. It should be about 12.7v.
Start the engine. The voltage with the engine running on the leisure battery should be 14.4v.
If you get those readings the relay is working.
Thanks Darren,
I’ve enlisted
Thanks Darren,
I’ve enlisted the help of a specialist as I’m not competent enough to sort it myself.
For the sake of around £100 I’d rather it was sorted properly by someone who knows what they’re doing and I hopefully won’t have sleepless nights in the van worrying about it!
I won’t post the link to his site in case anyone thinks I’m spamming but if anyone’s interested and is in the North West, let me know and I’ll send you his details 🙂
But thanks for your help and your time Darren, very much appreciated!
Sean
required power for small camper
I am converting a small toyota lightace van and mostly will be using a cooler box,a pump and a 12 volt water heater,what type of leisure batteries you recommend ? thanks a lot your answers are very helpfull
I’d recommend the biggest
I’d recommend the biggest leisure battery you can fit. 110AH is the best. The make isn’t really important.
Camper Re wire
Hi,
I have a 79 type 2 bay that I would like to install a new leisure battery system on using a 12/240v invertor etc only going to want to have a couple of sockets, 4 lights, prob charge a laptop that sort of thing, does anyone know if it is possible to get a very basic wiring diagram to show me how to do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated, many thanks in Advance.
Dave
P.s I take it with the invertor it allows you to plug things in the socket still but it just uses the leisure battery for power when not on a mains hook up?