Need some help sorting out how i would go about running a lead from second battery on 200 serieis , through anderson plugs to help supply charge to the two Caravan batteries during overcast/rainy weather when solar panels cant supply enough to save fridge/freezer loosing it cool :)...
So far i do have two 100W solar panels , two 100W batteries and a sizable compressor fridge..
Notced on overcast rainy days the charge in the batteries dies off a tad and could do with some backup whilst travelling.
Now would appreciate from knowledgable gurus how i could go about doing this myself or would ye all recomend i get an auto electrician etc to set it up for me??..
Need some help sorting out how i would go about running a lead from second battery on 200 serieis , through anderson plugs to help supply charge to the two Caravan batteries during overcast/rainy weather when solar panels cant supply enough to save fridge/freezer loosing it cool :)...
So far i do have two 100W solar panels , two 100W batteries and a sizable compressor fridge..
Notced on overcast rainy days the charge in the batteries dies off a tad and could do with some backup whilst travelling.
Now would appreciate from knowledgable gurus how i could go about doing this myself or would ye all recomend i get an auto electrician etc to set it up for me??..
Hard process or easy enough??...
Papou, you need a dc to dc charger. Plenty out their, do a search.
Hi Lots of questions before anyone can give you a sensible answer! [1[ is the 2nd battery isolated from the crank battery when engine not running?? [2]Run distance of the cables between the crank battery & the 2nd battery [3]Dia of the copper core of the cables being usedd ,running from start battery to 2nd battery [4] Length required of the cables connecting 2nd battery to caravan batteries [5] Do the caravan batteries get charged at present,from the vehicle when engine is running
[6] Can you check the voltages with the engine running & the fridge running on 12V.[ van connected to tug[ [No Solar] at the following points:
[a] Start battery
2nd Battery
[c]Van battery
[e]Fridge12V element or 12V input terminal
Make sure the FRIDGE IS UNPLUGGED FROM 240V
-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Sunday 21st of February 2016 11:55:55 PM
Seeing as you have said whilst travelling that you could do with extra charge as OT has said what voltage are you getting from alternator. Easiest way would be to run a 6BS lead from main battery to anderson plug at rear with a 60amp fuse near the battery pickup and then run 6BS cable to your batteries. Then you need a Toyota Dealer to go in and turn off the voltage reduction on your 200 series. This will charge your van batteries whilst driving, does away with a DC/DC Charger. Most alternators once modified will run at 14 to 16volts which is plenty to charge your batteries. Otherwise a DC/DC charger would be good a 40amp one.
Phillip P and Oldtrack 123 , firstly no i dont have an isolator, least i dont think i do :).. secondly if i purchase a DC to DC charger as i do have a charger in tha Van allready can i connect the the power from the said anderson plug directly to it or should i connect a seperate charget to Van batterries when connecting to tug outlet??..
maybe best just put it in the hands of an Auto Electrician??..
Get an auto electrician or caravan maintenance business to set it up for you. Get it wrong and it could cost you big time, not worth the risk unless you really know what you are doing.
Get an auto electrician or caravan maintenance business to set it up for you. Get it wrong and it could cost you big time, not worth the risk unless you really know what you are doing.
Probably the best advice in this case..
__________________
Yes I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
I don't consider 200W of solar to be anywhere near enough to charge up 2 x 100AH batteries on a sunny day when you have a 'sizable' fridge running off your 12V house batteries.
Despite all the claims from the sellers, the best you'll get out of 200W is maybe 8 to 10 amps in full sun.
Your fridge could be draining 10amps plus.
Only an inline ammeter will show for sure.
I'd spend the money getting more quality solar panels on the roof and a decent DC:DC charger if you don't already have one.
