[Chris - CBWC]

I will hopefully get a 400L system fitted to my van (when I get one, something like a Combo/Kangoo/Doblo hopefully, 700+ payload anyway), they will fit it for me and it will be powered by the van battery.  I had a good discussion with Jim from ClearView (anyone used them before?  or heard of them?) and he said it won't completely drain the van battery but an audio alarm can be fitted just in case, which I will do.  How many of you do this?

I've seen larger WFP vans with engine running while they work, I'm not prepared to do this but if it's risky using the van battery, how many have got a separate battery (and I've seen 85mAH ones for sale) and charger and use them?  I know that if I have both I'll need a split relay but I've now reached the scope of my understanding!

Cheers all

[Don Kee]

85ah leisure battery will be fine for yourself, if your planning on going two man or dont do alot of mileage then get around 110ah.
Split charger will top up your leisure battery every time your van is on, only thing is you would need to keep a check on how full your battery is (check on your flow controller) as it may need a good proper charge every so often.

[Simon Mess]

1st off, you really want 800+kg payload for a 400l tank. As for battery, I wouldn't bother with a separate one, I have been using a 500l diy system in my transit connect for over 3.5 years now, with the pump controller wired to the van battery. Replaced the battery earlier this year as it was getting a bit tired, but otherwise, no problems whatsoever, and I have some places where I am parked up half the day cleaning. 

[Chris - CBWC]

Thanks Simon, really surprising that it lasts that long without needing to run the engine to top it up, but I guess it doesn't draw that much from it.  It's good to know I can add a battery and split relay at a later date if I need to.

This is what I'm getting as my van mount set up:

- 40x40 ro membrane and housing.
- Carbon and sediment filters and housings.
- Vehicle port for water in and out.
- 400 litre Flat or up right baffled tank.
- Pressure vessel.
- Steel cage or strapping for securing tank to vehicle chassis.
- 100 psi pump and digital control.
- retaining plates and clips required to install along with clear instructions.

It says "100 psi pump and digital control" - is the digital control what you mean by flow controller?  If not, what sort should I get please?  I will be ordering from Gardiner and PureFreedom shortly so will get one from either of those

[Ian101]

i used to have both pumps off leisure battery but rewired to have one from van and one from leisure

[Spruce]

Thanks Simon, really surprising that it lasts that long without needing to run the engine to top it up, but I guess it doesn't draw that much from it.  It's good to know I can add a battery and split relay at a later date if I need to.

This is what I'm getting as my van mount set up:

- 40x40 ro membrane and housing.
- Carbon and sediment filters and housings.
- Vehicle port for water in and out.
- 400 litre Flat or up right baffled tank.
- Pressure vessel.
- Steel cage or strapping for securing tank to vehicle chassis.
- 100 psi pump and digital control.
- retaining plates and clips required to install along with clear instructions.

It says "100 psi pump and digital control" - is the digital control what you mean by flow controller?  If not, what sort should I get please?  I will be ordering from Gardiner and PureFreedom shortly so will get one from either of those

Digital Controller and Flow Controller are the same thing.

Personally I would consider a new analogue controller that Gardiners (among others) sell.

http://www.gardinerpolesystems.co.uk/acatalog/Easy-Analogue-Liquid-Logic----trade-----Pump-Flow-Controller--LIQUIDLOGIC_ANALOG.html

Its simple and easier to set up. We used to use the old analogue Varistreams and use a water proof on/off switch at the rear doors to switch it on and off. We could set the pump speed (rate of flow) to exactly how we wanted it and then leave it. We can't do this with our Varistream digital controllers.

[Chris - CBWC]

Thanks Spruce.  It comes with the controller so I'll use it and see how it goes.  Are they fairly universal in design and fitting?  If I don't get along with it, or it's not versatile enough, would it be easy enough to remove and fit that analogue one?

[Spruce]

Thanks Spruce.  It comes with the controller so I'll use it and see how it goes.  Are they fairly universal in design and fitting?  If I don't get along with it, or it's not versatile enough, would it be easy enough to remove and fit that analogue one?

Yes - easy to change to another but I suggested this if you had a choice. Once you get a digital one sorted to how you like it, then its usually plain sailing from there.

I don't understand why some cleaners have nothing but trouble from them. You do have to ensure you never connect your battery up incorrectly if you take it out to charge it. Reverse the polarity usually means you kiss your controller goodbye.

I have a Torberry connector on the end of my charger and a corresponding connector on the van. So its impossible for me to connect the charger up incorrectly, and, as I never remove the battery, I won't get the polarity wrong either.

[PoleKing]

I'll sell you an auto charger and analogue flow controller.
£100

[LWC]

I like idea of being able to monitor battery, just had a quick look on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-battery-status-monitor-level-meter-Micropower-D-/190472380687?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item2c5909e10f

Like it, would be good and if you were running low could start van so its charging 

[Spruce]

I like idea of being able to monitor battery, just had a quick look on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12v-LED-battery-status-monitor-level-meter-Micropower-D-/190472380687?pt=UK_Sound_Vision_Other&hash=item2c5909e10f

Like it, would be good and if you were running low could start van so its charging 

Sounds good in theory but doesn't work in practice. Yes, the running engine will power the pump/pumps with some to spare, but the charge going back into the battery for a short period of time is so little.

What it will help you with is knowing when to recharge your leisure battery so is always has plenty of charge for a full days work. An 85 amph leisure battery's capacity is well over the daily needs of a single operator, so 'bench charging' it every second night should be more than enough to keep it in tip top form.

But I did feel concerned about how little we knew about a most important part of our equipment, the battery. So I purchased and fitted a volt and amps combo gauge. Now I feel better informed which is what those lights will do for you.