Split Charge System

[Praedo]

HI
Recently purchased a 1985 R4 F4 van (LHD as I'm in France) for a reasonable price which, although it has a CT (MOT) for two years, needs some attention plus I want to make a few changes. I'm going to be using it for work and would need to charge drill batteries etc and so am thinking about a split charge system so that I don't drain the main battery. Has anybody fitted one? Kits are plentiful online and I'd probably look to put the second battery in the recess behind the passenger seat (so same side of the vehicle as the main battery) with cabling for 12v/230v converter, always live 12v, interior lighting etc. Would the standard alternator be up for the job?
Thanks for any pointers or advice, even if it's 'no chance'.

 

[André4Renaults]

I fitted a split charge kit like this on a V.W. T25 camper van. I fitted a leisure battery to the circuit, so that the leisure battery was kept topped up and THIS battery powered all the accessories in the van, such as the lights, 'fridge and T.V. It was a fairly easy job, and the space under the seat was an ideal position in the camper van. The important point is that you really need an alternator system, since a dynamo won't really cope with charging 2 batteries; it will, but you'd need some l-o-n-g runs to keep everything charged up!

 

[Praedo]

ah...i had assumed that being a later model then it had an alternator already.....best I check.....

 

[Leonardo.IT]

ah...i had assumed that being a later model then it had an alternator already.....best I check.....

It should have an alternator unless someone changed it for a dynamo, but I think that's almost impossible

 

[Praedo]

Ty - certainly does....

 

[angel]

Try to find a higher output altenator, stock one puts out something like 35 Amperes. It's fairly easy to fit a 75A one that should be up to the job.

 

[André4Renaults]

Try to find a higher output altenator, stock one puts out something like 35 Amperes. It's fairly easy to fit a 75A one that should be up to the job.

If you're doubling the battery capacity by fitting another battery of a similar capacity to the original one than an alternator of approximately double the output shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure the wiring is up to the increased load, though!

 

[laxeian]

Having fitted and used a few split charge relays in camper conversions( Durite are the best/most reliable) as said they really only provide a trickle charge and are most effective on long runs, not so much short runs or when parked for periods.
Have you considered going the route of a secondary battery charged by both a split relay and a solar panel on the roof, same type of system as used for off grid camping, you could even forgo the split system and go full solar for secondary battery, elevating any mods needed for new bigger output alternator and any worries about vans standard wiring?

 

[Praedo]

TY for all the helpful comments. I'll have a look around for a larger capacity alternator - I had thought one might be needed. I had also considered a system that also charges from a solar panel, but I'd go down the panel/split charge route rather than solely solar panel. Reason being that I'd rather not have to have the panel mounted all the time as I have a roofrack that's required to carry longer materials for jobs, so a panel would get in the way a bit.