split charger system what size 2nd battery ?

[niks_terrano ii]

hi guys

thinking about doing a split charge sytem just wondering what size 2nd battery i should be using ?

my alternator is 70amp ?

so some advice would be great

cheers

paul

 

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

check your insurer first, a number of members have aborted this
useful project when checked policy upgrade.

 

[wildbri]

why a split charge? put another battery on the left hand side next to the air filter (there are holes for the bracket) and link the batteries together. If you want a separate leisure battery
buy a split charge relay kit very easy to fit. If your terrano has a tow bar with the with two sockets then there will be a split charge going to terminal 2 on the white 12 s socket, this is to charge the caravan battery when the engine is running, you could take the power from there regards bri

 

[wildbri]

why would insurers object? Most cars with a tow bar and wiring have a split charge system and my terrano has fitments for a second battery which I think was an opotion. bri

 

[kitchenman]

Adrian Flux & Sheila's Wheels do not consider tow bars or leisure batteries as modifucations, I have both.
Did not have to pay any extra

 

[rustic]

I finally got my insurance company to accept my 2nd Battery,
Read about it on this thread....


http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13863&highlight=battery&page=2


It is not a good idea to link 2 batteries together and then leave them connected.
OK if they are being charged, or whilst starting, but not when you leave the vehicle overnight or longer etc.

Reason being, unless both batteries are the same, ie an identical pair from new, there will be a discharge from one battery to the other untill both batteries have the same terminal voltage.

(Boat batteries are linked in parallel and they have no major issues as all the batteries are the same type and capacity.)

This in the long term could result in the discharge of both batteries, much quicker than leaving them isolated from each other.:doh

A leisure battery has not the same internal construction as deep discharge, or traction , or starter batteries.


My second battery is charged using a split charger I made myself using a 40 Amp relay, and if required the second battery is pulled in from a remote push button switch using an old starter solenoid... see above post.


One of the reasons Insurance companies don't like 2 batteries is that some require an Electrical engineer to do an inspection, to ensure there isn't a fire hazard. Then issue a certificate.....


They don't bother with extra wiring for lights or high powered sockets for the caravan. :doh

Best regards, Rustic

 

[Fez_uk]

yep if installed incorrectly could easily start a fire. Lots of stored amps there.

I run a split charge system that is rated to about 160a

 

[niks_terrano ii]

.

hi guys looking at buying one of those clever relays that senses that the main battery has fully charged to 13.8volts it switches to the 2nd battery then chargesvthat too the same and if either battery drops down to 12.5volts it switches.

its a case of 3 wires to connect up cant be to bad
i was thinking of mounting a tray infront of the air filter behind the nearside front headlight

 

[Fez_uk]

I use a t-max intelligent split charge system, But it's quite expensive. £70-80 depending on where you buy from. (cheapest on ebay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/T-Max-Dig...CarParts_SM&hash=item1c206cb4f6#ht_1375wt_698)

Rated to 180a, more than I thought so if you don't need that sort of rating theres probably something cheaper.

http://fez.coldcity.com/downloads/4x4/lights.JPG

 

[niks_terrano ii]

.

hi guys i was thinking of using one of these relays what do you think ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BATTERY-S...ervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item48410fa8d4

all the wires i have 2 gauge should do the trick
wiring it up seems fairly striaght forward.

where would i put any fuses in the system ?