[Spruce]

With regard to this VSR.

It it bio directional. This VSR works by only allowing the leisure battery to be charged from the van's alternator once the van's battery is reasonably fully charged. If the van's battery is flat, then priority is given to charging the van's battery.

If you put the charger on the leisure battery in situ like I do then the VSR will kick in and the charger will also top up the van battery as well.

What I have done is added an on/off rocker switch on the earth cable from the VSR, so I can control that operation if I need to. My van battery was replaced about a year ago and I am amazed how much additional charge it takes to keep it full charged. ( I once read on an Australian RV forum that it would take about 750km to fully charge a flat leisure battery from the RV's alternator.  I can believe this as both my van and leisure battery will only accept a very low trickle charge from the bench charger when they are nearing the state of full charge. So it takes ages to get them from 99% to 100% charged.)

So by switching off the VSR I can isolate the two batteries if I want to. Its not necessary, but I have the option. If I use the van to travel 250 miles to London like I did last year, I would switch the charging of the leisure battery off.

Another plus point with having a separate VSR is that I can add another leisure battery if I want to and the VSR is well able to perform the task of charging 2 leisure batteries. I doubt the Spring controller will do that as its not designed to do it.

OBTW, I like the latest range of Spring controllers, especially the new analogue controller, so have nothing against the product.   

The Durite VSR (the orange one - its looks exactly the same) also sold by the same company, is also bio directional.

[p1w1]

thats completely confused me lol. so is the duralite one better then the original one i put in the link or does it give me more option.
paul

[martinw]

paul both relays  do the same job just different names. the reasons for fitting an isolator switch is to avoid charging vehicle battery at the same time if connected to external charger, also if a main van battery is going flat then you do not drain you leisure battery whilst starting the engine.  You can call Mick from simply split charge and get his advice regarding the best choice for you if you wish. He can tailor the package to your exact needs.

[slap bash]

I cannot see the advantage of not having a split relay as it will charge even on short distance and even if you have to charge at home. Consistent heavy charges at home does not do a better job on the battery life and if you run short you can run the van`s motor and give power if it`s  low and you can still top up at home. I think a relay should be standard on all systems.

[Spruce]

I cannot see the advantage of not having a split relay as it will charge even on short distance and even if you have to charge at home. Consistent heavy charges at home does not do a better job on the battery life and if you run short you can run the van`s motor and give power if it`s  low and you can still top up at home. I think a relay should be standard on all systems.

Agree

[p1w1]

Just an update for anyone else thinking of getting a split charge relay kit. Spoke to Mick at simply split charge, extremely helpful guy and explained everything to me in simple terms. I explained to him my set up and what i was after and he's put a kit together for me.
So anyone wanting to go down the split charge relay route i can highly recommend getting it from simply split charge.
thanks for the help.
Paul

[mufcglen]

told you he's a top guy and does some really decent made kits pal, i remember before i put mine in i was taking the battery out once a week to charge then when i got caught out once with the older spring controller that cuts out when voltage too low i got one of these kits and never once had low batt, when stopped and in the back of the van i hear it click and separate itself from main battery too so it doesnt run that batt flat.
really is a decent bit of kitand wish i bought one sooner

[p1w1]

told you he's a top guy and does some really decent made kits pal, i remember before i put mine in i was taking the battery out once a week to charge then when i got caught out once with the older spring controller that cuts out when voltage too low i got one of these kits and never once had low batt, when stopped and in the back of the van i hear it click and separate itself from main battery too so it doesnt run that batt flat.
really is a decent bit of kitand wish i bought one sooner

yea mate thanks for your help, also ordered an isolating switch to go with it for when i ever want to take the battery out to get my fishing gear in 

[Oliver @ GrippaTank]

I think you will be fine , i do a similar mileage to you and have never charged my second battery since grippa fitted my relay .

I use a 100 ah car/van battery for my second battery and i understand they can take a higher charge rate , battery was only £30 secondhand off ebay and has been in as my second battery for 18 months now and wa the main battery for my previous van for nearly two years ........all from a secondhand £30 battery .

I think leisure batteries are over rated.

Thanks for the mention - our charging setups have an excellent reputation for that reason.