[duncan h]

What size leisure batteries have you fitted?
I have a Transit with 2x85amp batteries. Its got built in slit charger so effectively running off 1 x85 amp car battery. I use a power reel  so use more power than most.
My friends just had a system installed and only a small 90 amp leisure battery.
I was thinking off adding a leisure battery and connecting it to my auxiliary van battery (inc 150amp fuse) this would give me a massive amp per hour.
Or I could install a split charger between van and leisure battery.
Not sure how a van battery and leisure battery would work joined. It could drain the van battery first as it doesn't hold charge as good as a leisure battery.

[Smudger]

If I understand the transit set up correctly the second battery is already on a split charge relay, so you should be able to wire a leisure battery direct to this and both charge together ( but both will drain together ) as the leisure battery uses power the van batt will feed it so will also drop ( a bit like two water tanks connected they level out )

When I get a chance I shall just wire mine in line that but I won't be using an electric reel !

Darran

[duncan h]

If I understand the transit set up correctly the second battery is already on a split charge relay, so you should be able to wire a leisure battery direct to this and both charge together ( but both will drain together ) as the leisure battery uses power the van batt will feed it so will also drop ( a bit like two water tanks connected they level out )

When I get a chance I shall just wire mine in line that but I won't be using an electric reel !

Darran

Pumps use hardly any power. Power reels sure do use juice

[dave f]

I use a durite  split  charger with a 85 amp leasure battery and a power up reel dose the job last battery I had was a 100 amp lasted 4 years 3 of which was with no power up reel

[Spruce]

In the RV (Motor home) world, its common to join or link leisure  batteries together in parallel  to obtain a much bigger storage capacity.
They always recommend that the batteries are the same size, make and age. They then use a split charge relay on the vehicle to power the bank as one unit. If you mismatch leisure batteries, they apparently don't work well.   You must never link a car  (starter) battery and a leisure battery together in a battery bank.

The idea of the split charge relay is to separate the van battery from the leisure batteries so  the van battery will not be discharged when using power from the leisure battery. The only time when the batteries are linked together is when the engine is running and charging the batteries. Preference is given to the van battery when starting the engine when using a VSR (voltage sensing relay or intelligent relay ) and only after that is the leisure battery charged.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from powering your hose reel from a different battery which could even be a big starter battery (not leisure) but you would fit another VSR to charge that separately. You would not link the batteries together.

The most popular battery for twin operators with 2 pumps is a 110 amph leisure battery. A single operator can use an 85 amph battery quite successfully.
 
Leisure batteries used in RV's aren't usually much bigger than 135 amph. Its not uncommon to see an RV with 3 or more batteries joined together as one large battery bank.  Anything bigger than that has to have a fit for purpose storage cabinet. Its easier, more convenient and space efficient to tuck smaller batteries into  small unused spaces.

A Durite VSR is bi directional. That means that if you put the leisure battery on charge whilst its still connected up , your battery charger will also top up the van battery. Adding another vsr and another battery will mean that the poor old battery charger will end up trying the charge everything.  This may cause it to fail prematurely.
Putting a small on/off switch on the earth wire of the Durite will switch it off and stop it working.

[Spruce]

If I understand the transit set up correctly the second battery is already on a split charge relay, so you should be able to wire a leisure battery direct to this and both charge together ( but both will drain together ) as the leisure battery uses power the van batt will feed it so will also drop ( a bit like two water tanks connected they level out )

When I get a chance I shall just wire mine in line that but I won't be using an electric reel !

Darran

A second battery was a factory fit option on the Ford Transit. It was standard on a chassis cab as the majority would end up as tippers. The second battery was to be used to drive the electric pump motor for the hydraulic ram in those applications. It came from the factory with a standard starter battery. If memory serves me Darran, I believe they were exactly the same size and spec batteries.

[Perfect Windows]

If you're connecting batteries, do make sure that you use wires that are up to the job.

Something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcingmap-Black-Non-Insulated-16mm2-Battery/dp/B00NQBL478/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459929001&sr=8-1&keywords=battery+cables

Vin

[nathankaye]

It must be just me then, I like to keep things simple and effective. So on top of the van I have secured a 12v 10w solar panel which charges my 110a leisure battery. So unlike some who I kno have been caught  short, have had to run their engine on some jobs to allow them to continue to work. I see that as an unnecessary cost of fuel. Even on cloudy days it trickle charges nicely but as a back up I have a smaller wattage panel which I can hang up for the extra boost.
Maybe this might be a consideration

[Perfect Windows]

It must be just me then, I like to keep things simple and effective. So on top of the van I have secured a 12v 10w solar panel which charges my 110a leisure battery. So unlike some who I kno have been caught  short, have had to run their engine on some jobs to allow them to continue to work. I see that as an unnecessary cost of fuel. Even on cloudy days it trickle charges nicely but as a back up I have a smaller wattage panel which I can hang up for the extra boost.
Maybe this might be a consideration

Thought about that.  Is the solar panel the only thing charging your leisure battery or is it on top of a relay?  How did you secure the panel?

Vin

[Spruce]

If you are in Spain then solar panels are an asset.

If you look at motor home forums having a 100 watt solar panel fixed flat on the roof of your van is a waste of time in the UK.

For them to work they should be angled toward the sun.

Mark Munro got a solar panel and was experimenting with solar charging. He reported back that it was a waste of time.
There's a video about his ideas on YouTube but he didn't complete it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MczpSkwTsBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVPx9C9srh4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBETHJCPhiY

[Spruce]

It must be just me then, I like to keep things simple and effective. So on top of the van I have secured a 12v 10w solar panel which charges my 110a leisure battery. So unlike some who I kno have been caught  short, have had to run their engine on some jobs to allow them to continue to work. I see that as an unnecessary cost of fuel. Even on cloudy days it trickle charges nicely but as a back up I have a smaller wattage panel which I can hang up for the extra boost.
Maybe this might be a consideration

Thought about that.  Is the solar panel the only thing charging your leisure battery or is it on top of a relay?  How did you secure the panel?

Vin

If you get a decent MPPT charge controller then you can use both. When the solar charge controller detects a high voltage when the engine starts it cuts the charge flow from the panel. When the engine is switched off and the battery voltage drops, the solar controller kicks back in.

You need to source a Mppt controller from a reliable source. There are so many cheap fakes on Ebay.

Here are brackets to hold panels secure on the roof
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-4-x-White-Corner-Bracket-Set-Solar-Panel-Mounting-Kit-High-Quality-Finish-/201536725358?hash=item2eec86616e:g:I94AAOSwDuJWuHAH

Do a search on YouTube for fitting solar panel to an RV. There is lots of good info on rv forums as well.

[nathankaye]

Ive been fully operational since june 2015 with just the solar panel charging the battery. No relay what so ever.  The solar panal is in a frame with 4 holes for screws. 2 a side. So secured to van and then silicone sealant around fram so no rain water gets underneath and thru holes.
Its a 12v 10 watt which is secured and then during winter when not much light gets thru I have a smaller one which I just angle on rino roof bars which ever angle is needed. Thats seen me thru.

[nathankaye]

Ignore the fact im parked in shade. It was just for the purpose of this thread

[duncan h]

In the RV (Motor home) world, its common to join or link leisure  batteries together in parallel  to obtain a much bigger storage capacity.
They always recommend that the batteries are the same size, make and age. They then use a split charge relay on the vehicle to power the bank as one unit. If you mismatch leisure batteries, they apparently don't work well.   You must never link a car  (starter) battery and a leisure battery together in a battery bank.

The idea of the split charge relay is to separate the van battery from the leisure batteries so  the van battery will not be discharged when using power from the leisure battery. The only time when the batteries are linked together is when the engine is running and charging the batteries. Preference is given to the van battery when starting the engine when using a VSR (voltage sensing relay or intelligent relay ) and only after that is the leisure battery charged.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from powering your hose reel from a different battery which could even be a big starter battery (not leisure) but you would fit another VSR to charge that separately. You would not link the batteries together.

The most popular battery for twin operators with 2 pumps is a 110 amph leisure battery. A single operator can use an 85 amph battery quite successfully.
 
Leisure batteries used in RV's aren't usually much bigger than 135 amph. Its not uncommon to see an RV with 3 or more batteries joined together as one large battery bank.  Anything bigger than that has to have a fit for purpose storage cabinet. Its easier, more convenient and space efficient to tuck smaller batteries into  small unused spaces.

A Durite VSR is bi directional. That means that if you put the leisure battery on charge whilst its still connected up , your battery charger will also top up the van battery. Adding another vsr and another battery will mean that the poor old battery charger will end up trying the charge everything.  This may cause it to fail prematurely.
Putting a small on/off switch on the earth wire of the Durite will switch it off and stop it working.

I read this last night
Voltage Sensitive Relays are NOT suitable for vehicles with 'smart' or 'intelligent' alternators that are controlled by the ECU. As a guide this applies to vehicles having engines that comply with Euro5 emissions standards and onward, often also incorporating regenerative braking (if in doubt please consult your vehicle manufacturer to confirm). If your vehicle has a smart alternator then you will need to use a battery-to-battery charger instead of this split charge

[Perfect Windows]

Ive been fully operational since june 2015 with just the solar panel charging the battery. No relay what so ever.  The solar panal is in a frame with 4 holes for screws. 2 a side. So secured to van and then silicone sealant around fram so no rain water gets underneath and thru holes.
Its a 12v 10 watt which is secured and then during winter when not much light gets thru I have a smaller one which I just angle on rino roof bars which ever angle is needed. Thats seen me thru.

Looks good.  I assume that it all works OK through the winter as you haven't mentioned problems.  Don't you ever have to charge the battery?

Vin

[nathankaye]

Ive been fully operational since june 2015 with just the solar panel charging the battery. No relay what so ever.  The solar panal is in a frame with 4 holes for screws. 2 a side. So secured to van and then silicone sealant around fram so no rain water gets underneath and thru holes.
Its a 12v 10 watt which is secured and then during winter when not much light gets thru I have a smaller one which I just angle on rino roof bars which ever angle is needed. Thats seen me thru.

Looks good.  I assume that it all works OK through the winter as you haven't mentioned problems.  Don't you ever have to charge the battery?

Vin

I had to bring it in a couple of times and gave it a full charge over night. But thats when I only had the small panal on. I think it was January when I replaced it with the larger one that is secured down at the moment and then when im parked working I just hang the small one up.

I do have them connected straight to the battery however. But my controller tells me the amp of battery so in these sunny days weve been having, theres times when I have to disconnect the panel. Then when im tucking into my dinner ive parked in sun and reconnect.  The reason for no control box is that I tried one but I was parked in direct sunlight and it wasnt taking the charge to the battery as it waits untill it reaches a set charge. A waste I thought.
Unless im not draining from the battery when its charging. As in having my lunch for instance. As long as it doesnt go above 14.2 I think it is, as then it will start to burn out the battery. Lol thats why some have the control box. But I didnt get on with it

[Spruce]

In the RV (Motor home) world, its common to join or link leisure  batteries together in parallel  to obtain a much bigger storage capacity.
They always recommend that the batteries are the same size, make and age. They then use a split charge relay on the vehicle to power the bank as one unit. If you mismatch leisure batteries, they apparently don't work well.   You must never link a car  (starter) battery and a leisure battery together in a battery bank.

The idea of the split charge relay is to separate the van battery from the leisure batteries so  the van battery will not be discharged when using power from the leisure battery. The only time when the batteries are linked together is when the engine is running and charging the batteries. Preference is given to the van battery when starting the engine when using a VSR (voltage sensing relay or intelligent relay ) and only after that is the leisure battery charged.

Of course, there is nothing stopping you from powering your hose reel from a different battery which could even be a big starter battery (not leisure) but you would fit another VSR to charge that separately. You would not link the batteries together.

The most popular battery for twin operators with 2 pumps is a 110 amph leisure battery. A single operator can use an 85 amph battery quite successfully.
 
Leisure batteries used in RV's aren't usually much bigger than 135 amph. Its not uncommon to see an RV with 3 or more batteries joined together as one large battery bank.  Anything bigger than that has to have a fit for purpose storage cabinet. Its easier, more convenient and space efficient to tuck smaller batteries into  small unused spaces.

A Durite VSR is bi directional. That means that if you put the leisure battery on charge whilst its still connected up , your battery charger will also top up the van battery. Adding another vsr and another battery will mean that the poor old battery charger will end up trying the charge everything.  This may cause it to fail prematurely.
Putting a small on/off switch on the earth wire of the Durite will switch it off and stop it working.

I read this last night
Voltage Sensitive Relays are NOT suitable for vehicles with 'smart' or 'intelligent' alternators that are controlled by the ECU. As a guide this applies to vehicles having engines that comply with Euro5 emissions standards and onward, often also incorporating regenerative braking (if in doubt please consult your vehicle manufacturer to confirm). If your vehicle has a smart alternator then you will need to use a battery-to-battery charger instead of this split charge

It does get more complicated with ecu controlled charging. Those Sterling battery to battery chargers are very expensive and probably not worth the expense - not for me anyway.


https://www.grippatank.co.uk/full-kit-12v-30amp-smart-battery-to-battery-charger

As more manufacturers get involved the prices will drop

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-RSCDC30-DC-To-DC-Smart-Battery-Charger-30amp/262236995545?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35391%26meid%3D504d88a15d844c30b18b3e1c3f4b5319%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321648655997

[NWH]

Ionic use a 150amp battery for the heater hotbox charged separately.

[Perfect Windows]

...
As more manufacturers get involved the prices will drop

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ring-RSCDC30-DC-To-DC-Smart-Battery-Charger-30amp/262236995545?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35391%26meid%3D504d88a15d844c30b18b3e1c3f4b5319%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D321648655997

Thanks - food for thought.

Vin