Mangothemadmonk Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 Hi all. My motorhome has only a single leisure battery. If I wanted to add another of the same amperage is there any other special wiring I would have to do than just wiring them + to + and - to -? I have heard of installing a split-charge relay system. Do I need this and is it an easyish DIY job if I do need it? Thanks for any help. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
w1ntersun Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 Hi, Adding another battery is as you say +tive to +tive and - tive to -tive. The same amperage is ok but Ideally they need to be exactly the same. IE ne w batteries. Your old battery may be showing signs of age and after fully charging will draw current of your new battery. This will reduce your overall capacity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Newell Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Don't forget if the batteries are not right next to each other to fit a fuse in the positive wire at both batteries. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 As your motorhome has a leisure-battery fitted, it's probable that it already has a split-charge relay (or an equivalent) system to allow the charge from the motorhome's alternator to be 'split' between vehicle and leisure batteries. There are useful diagrams that would assist you in The Motorcaravan Manual (Haynes Publishing). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsandywhite Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 :-D How batteries are wired up together:- http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/wiring.gif How a Split Charge Relay is wired up:- http://www.kampenwagen.co.uk/images/Split_charge_relay.gif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mangothemadmonk Posted August 6, 2006 Author Share Posted August 6, 2006 Many thanks for the replies. I might as well get 2 replacements while I am going about it. Kindest regards. John F Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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