Globetrotter Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hi all My Dethleffs has an integrated charger system, i.e. it controls split charging whilst on the move as well as mains charging etc., I am in the process of testing it, but I believe that the split charge part is intermittantly working and is thus not reliable. A new charger would be VERY expensive. It has been suggested to me that a solution would be to wire in a seperate split charge relay (easy enough to do) alongside the charger. I cannot disconnect the existing split charge function, because it is integral with the rest of the charger's functions and wiring. Question-if I do this, am I likely to encounter any problems ? My main concern is if both systems DO work at the same time, would it lead to overcharging or any other harmful results? Many thanks for your advice! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsandywhite Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 B-) Hi GLobetrotter. I was going to do exactly the same as you with our Dethleffs until I did some investigation. I cleaned all the connections and WD40'd the inline Fuse connected to the Motor battery. The connections to the Leisure battery were a little loose. It then charged ALL the time. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davenewellhome Posted August 13, 2007 Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hi John, no a secondary, external split charge relay will not cause any problems even if the original one decides to work as all they really do is connect the engine battery to the leisure battery when the engine is running. D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globetrotter Posted August 13, 2007 Author Share Posted August 13, 2007 Thanks guys. I have tried all the connections, fuses, wiring etc etc, but it is still really erratic. I think on the strength of Dave's advice, I will fit a Smartcom type relay as a backup to the existing system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 Another possibility is to fit an inverter (300w would be about the right size), to run as an appliance under the base-vehicle system, feed the output into your hookup circuit, and then you can charge your batteries, run your fridge etc "on hookup" when you are driving. My rig has a 24v base vehicle so I was more or less forced into doing this, it works very well and was cheap to fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clive Posted August 18, 2007 Share Posted August 18, 2007 The split charging circuit requres only a simple automotive 12 volt relay. Nothing "smart" required at all. The relay coil is connected between the vehicle alternator D+ terminal and chassis so it only energises when the alternator is charging. The relay contacts link the Alternator B+ terminal to the leisure battery + post. Don,t forget the fuses. One stout one near the leisure battery + post, one stout one near the alternator B+ terminal and a small one near the alternator D+ terminal to afford maximum protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.