our first post here! We are awaiting the completion of our new Franklin Razor van (due in a few weeks), and we need some advice/recommendations on the wiring of the car (Mazda BT50). We already have the Mazda standard tow kit and electric breaks fitted. The auto electrician that the van dealer recommended has replied with a quote of $550 (see email reply below).
"Sorry for the late reply I only just checked my emails. Generally these days we dont worry about the grey anderson plug. Most new vehicles wont charge a caravan battery or second battery as they have smart charge which means your alternator basically turns off when driving. This can be overcome with a dc dc charger but they are expensive and we have found the caravan solar is more than enough to keep up with everything so we dont worry about the Grey plug. To do your Camera and your fridge wiring costs $550, thats including a Redarc solenoid to turn the fridge in the van on and off when you start and stop your car which is recommended. You dont have to run the solenoid though, it just means you have to manually turn your fridge on and off and it will save you $160"
Firstly, he suggested that the Anderson plug for charging the battery is not really recommended! I would have thought this would be quite important, especially on overcast days where the solar paneling may not be doing all that much.
Secondly, if I did insist on having the Anderson plug, would I need the DC to DC charger he is talking about for the BT50? If so what sort of price would we be looking at for one of these?
Thirdly, what is the solenoid he is talking about for the fridge? Wouldn't that already be fitted to the van and triggered by a wired pin in the trailer plug?
Finally, is $550 reasonable for this work?
Regards Paul.
Possum3 said
12:24 PM Jun 15, 2020
Paul, main thing go to a reputable certified (Auto Electrician or Engineer) do not allow the guy at a Dealership to touch it - you can end up with a system that doesn't work properly and causing major headaches when travelling. Check out technical articles on Caravan Council of Australia www.caravancouncil.com.au/ you can download all tech specs and check lists for free.
mike g g said
07:54 PM Jul 13, 2020
Hi that's a good price ,the reason for the relay is that when you stop and don't turn van frigs off you won't flatten your car battery as the relay will switch off when the voltage drops to a certain level ,will say some major hassles,
Hi guys,
our first post here! We are awaiting the completion of our new Franklin Razor van (due in a few weeks), and we need some advice/recommendations on the wiring of the car (Mazda BT50). We already have the Mazda standard tow kit and electric breaks fitted. The auto electrician that the van dealer recommended has replied with a quote of $550 (see email reply below).
"Sorry for the late reply I only just checked my emails. Generally these days we dont worry about the grey anderson plug. Most new vehicles wont charge a caravan battery or second battery as they have smart charge which means your alternator basically turns off when driving. This can be overcome with a dc dc charger but they are expensive and we have found the caravan solar is more than enough to keep up with everything so we dont worry about the Grey plug. To do your Camera and your fridge wiring costs $550, thats including a Redarc solenoid to turn the fridge in the van on and off when you start and stop your car which is recommended. You dont have to run the solenoid though, it just means you have to manually turn your fridge on and off and it will save you $160"
Firstly, he suggested that the Anderson plug for charging the battery is not really recommended! I would have thought this would be quite important, especially on overcast days where the solar paneling may not be doing all that much.
Secondly, if I did insist on having the Anderson plug, would I need the DC to DC charger he is talking about for the BT50? If so what sort of price would we be looking at for one of these?
Thirdly, what is the solenoid he is talking about for the fridge? Wouldn't that already be fitted to the van and triggered by a wired pin in the trailer plug?
Finally, is $550 reasonable for this work?
Regards Paul.