Split charge query

[Fez_uk]

Hi guys, When I got my vitara I planned on adding a 2nd battery. This never happened due to it being so small. Anyway I plan to stick a 2nd battery into my mav to run radios when engine is off as there is plenty of space.

I got a relay, I beleive it's rated to about 40a. So I then planned to run 30amp power feeds. I was curious what stops too much current going into the 2nd battery? Other than the fuses I would stick on it always blowing.

Also would I be better off with a different setup?

Cheers

 

[Deleted account DD]

Old advice much repeated but check with your insurance company re modifications before you put the effort into it

Elephant who I was with when I was considering doing it wouldnt go with it unless I got an engineers report to say it was done properly :doh:nenau

 

[solarman216]

If you put this relay in so that it only connects once the alternator starts charging, then it will be unlikely to exceed 40 amps as the start bat will be taking most of the output , however if you simply wire it to your ignition then it will be in circuit when the starter is running and will certainly overload, Rick

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

dont think you need to worry about too much charge, after all will wont
topping up asap after some use, presume looking at a leisure type.

sadly as per dave's comment was looking at doing same to charge my
2nd caravan battery in car whilst out on trips from caravan sites with
no mains hookup.

ironically could strap a jump start type pack in boot and not bother
insurance yet under bonnet logically safer away from you and passengers
becomes a modification.

btw i was looking a tone of these plastic battery boxes mounted to inner
wing, would have been useful as tool storage when not out with tin tent!

 

[makeitfit]

What's the big deal with A mod then? Ins co cant charge much for a second battery surely:augie
I've got more mods than I can remember

 

[Deleted account DD]

What's the big deal with A mod then? Ins co cant charge much for a second battery surely:augie

around £60 increase in premium plus engineers report required.

Personally I think its a money grabbing fiddle.

When I asked them why all they said was it was a mod to the vehicle and they needed to be assured it was safe and installed correctly. I pointed out that the split charge on the tow bar that they already knew about was an identical system to which the reply was "thats a standard modification to your car":augie

When I asked to speak with a supervisor I got the classic answer................" I AM the supervisor" :doh:doh:doh:doh:doh:doh

Gave up at that point.

My advice would be if you intend modding a truck get a policy like makeitfits or one I was looking at before the truck went , it was a hundred or so quid more than a standard road policy but allowed endless mods including engine up to a certain stated bhp.

Standard road policies from mainstream companies are a bloody nightmare to add to or change.

 

[makeitfit]

aye carumber , a rip off indeed :doh

 

[11redrex]

I've seen a neat and tidy spilt charge system for sale somewhere, can,t find it now though. Anyone ? Anyone ? Bueller ?

 

[venture]

Hi i recently converted a camper van and did lots of home work with regards the best way to charge the second battery, the best way i found was to purchase a voltage sensing relay pack there is just four wires and peice of cake to fit and works great, it works by sensing a voltage increase, so once the vehicle is started and revving up the relays open
http://www.towsure.com/product/2973-Self-Switching_Combination_Relay_Wiring_Kit

 

[Fez_uk]

I have gone with a insurer which allow mods. Would of been the same price as without mods. Just I couldn't insure them as they have not been done.
Mods planned are 2" lift, snorkel and 2nd battery.

Would a trained mechanic signing it be ok?

 

[rustic]

Warning: Re: second battery.

I just spoke to direct line, they say that adding a second battery is not an allowed modification, and I wouldn't be insured.
Now I could hear her typing notes, so........

Good job I never fitted it isn't it.:doh:doh


A possible scenario which is allowed:I have placed a spare battery loose in the back of the mav, and carry a pair of jump leads, so I would be insured with this.

Oh damn, it has fallen over and spilt acid and damaged the carpet, Oh I might claim on the insurance now. Valid claim.. :nenau

Scenario 2 Oh dear, the battery has fallen over again and the terminals have just caught the metal petrol container, that I use for the lawn mower, it has welded itself to the tank and is getting hot and I can now smell petrol.:doh
Car is a total loss. valid claim.. :nenau


I rest my case..
So its back to the Starter Charger I bought from Maplin.
Keep that loose in the boot or wedge a spare battery behind the front seat.

 

[Fez_uk]

If you put this relay in so that it only connects once the alternator starts charging, then it will be unlikely to exceed 40 amps as the start bat will be taking most of the output , however if you simply wire it to your ignition then it will be in circuit when the starter is running and will certainly overload, Rick

Thats what I planned, is there one that only charges 2nd battery when the main one is charged?
Another option I guess I could link them without relays etc with big thick cable.

 

[Fez_uk]

Looked about, Think I will buy this kit:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280547133824

also comes with a fancy display that would look cool in the vehicle.

 

[Liam]

Ok,pardon my stupidity. This second battery thing and insurance companies,is the complete policy null and void if you don't declare mods? Is it only if the extra battery was a factor in any claim? Does it apply to all vehicles or just 4x4's? Do they really look at ALL accident claims with a fine tooth comb?

I can understand if a claim was made and the cause was found to be the extra undeclared battery but can't for the life of me see how a rear end shunt or somebody hitting the side of your vehicle could have anything to do with an extra battery being fitted. Seems a bit anal to me I would definitely not do business with any company that was wound that tight.

 

[kbekl]

all vehicles any mod that isnt declaired would not be paid out incase of an insurance claim

unless like mine it was an option upon purchase and then it becomes a standard fitment lol

 

[Fez_uk]

I guess if not fitted correctly like fuses, bolted down etc. I shunt could cause the battery to short and cause a fire.

 

[Deleted account DD]

Liam,unfortunately any undeclared mod from standard can invalidate your insurance. Anal maybe, straightforward defo.
They do not recognise the ”that bit didn't cause the accident” its your vehicle as a whole they are covering.
Just as bad though, and it has happened, if you get pulled and insurance checked on the spot and you may well find your car seized and you getting points for no insurance. Try getting getting cheap insurance after that !
Don't forget when your vehicle is involved in an incident its highly likely it'll get examained and there's a fair old chance the obvious mods will be disclosed and you could be uninsured. That has definitely previously happened.

Their logic does piss me off at times. I asked about window tints. They said increased risk but rated slight tint as risky as v dark and charged the same. They just told ”that's the way it is” when I challenged them.

 

[11redrex]

Found it.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SPRINTER-SPLI...ccessories&hash=item19c0fab57b#ht_3189wt_1062

 

[Deleted account DD]

Sensible priced if its a kit you want , will definitely do the job :thumb2

Not too sure about his description though, its no different from a standard modern split charge. I had the same type of split charge sensor in my T2 ie monitoring number 1 battery level before allowing it to switch to charge number 2.

It even had the same orange label on it and if I recal cost me about a tenner

 

[Deleted account DD]

Warning: Re: second battery.

I just spoke to direct line, they say that adding a second battery is not an allowed modification, and I wouldn't be insured.
Now I could hear her typing notes, so........

Good job I never fitted it isn't it.:doh:doh

just spotted this , no suprise there with them. If I were you I would ring up and check they have no mods recorded against your vehicle after her note taking. I asked for quotes on some mods and the next I knew Admiral were asking for cash for the MODIFICATIONS I HAD CARRIED OUT !!!!!

Cheeky feckers told me I had to take my vehicle and get "an engineers report" saying it was in standard form. I pointed out I may as well modify it because the report would cost more than the premium hike. No response then I got p'd off and argued it out with them as they were wrong. They gave way and I ended up email them to state the jeep is standard. Heard no more :doh