CraftyPete
Free Member
- Jan 3, 2023
- 29
- 13
- Funster No
- 93,145
- MH
- Bailey App. Aut. 765
Hi all.
I've got a lot of info out of this thread : https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/carthago-split-charging-unit.208582/
Our motorhome is a 2015 Chausson 717 GA Welcome. It has CBE electrics. I'm planning a staged upgrade, I already have some bits from a previous campervan project that I reverted back to original before trade-in, I've been buying a few bits and pieces here and there & am almost in a position to start some actual work. I'm expecting January's project work to include fitting new chargers, mains, B2B as well as solar. A little later, I will be upgrading solar panels, I have a gently used Victron MPPT 100|30 and IO understand that two 220W solar panels in series should do the job here very nicely.
The thread above details how to disable the split relay system as easily and effectively as possible. This will be step 1.
Step 2 will be to disable the charging from mains to starter battery. If anyone reading this knows how to accomplish this, it would be good to get a helping hand here.
More info. Starter is a plain old lead acid, and the leisure battery, as supplied, is an AGM. Already two different charging profiles are required. I have a pair of (again, lightly used) L-36 AGM batteries that will do for now, with the ultimate aim of Lithium on the horizon. I have a shedload of darkroom photography equipment to sell, this bit of pocket money will go into the Lithium piggy bank).
Step 3. Build a better battery box under passenger seat. Isolators, fuses, busbars & SmartShunt (existing from old project) will be installed here as well. Short term keep supplied leisure battery.
Step 4 will be removing the CBE-516 (capable of flooded / gel charging). I could have gone for the CBE-516/3 or 520/3 that would have given AGM capability, but at the Lithium stage, this would have to be swapped again. I have a Victron 12|30|3 (I know, mis ordered, I only want and need one output, price difference is not worth the hassle of return shipping). At this stage, I will introduce a driver suppling +12V DC at 500mA to 'fake' the signal into our particular version of the DS300-TR '13 distribution system. (Plug 18, pin 2). This will give a nice warm green LED on the control panel. (The driver idea is not mine, found it in a forum a few weeks back, lost the reference to it). (the CBE 516 will then go into a keep me for incase box).
Step 5. Remove the PWM solar controller from the rear of van (it is in the bedroom cupboard, centerline rear. I'll install an isolator here in it's stead The PWM controller will then go to the keep me for incase box.
Step 6. Install the MPPT, but with better wiring from isolator than domestic twin-core + earth that loops in and out of the van at various places. I've a couple of candidate routes in mind, might just use the same conduit to take some 2.5mm2 cable back to bedroom for a separate lighting/charging project).
Step 7. Install the B2B. Victron 12 | 12 - 30
Step 8. Install the pair of AGM L-36 I have (that came from the campervan).
The DS300 box & control panel will remain.
Once complete, the freedom to choose battery type then exists.
As we have but a single type-A USB outlet on leisure battery, I will then look at putting more USB into useful places, not above the passenger's head overcab where the single point currently is. USB-C with PD for laptop charging. I don't want to cart around the 240V AC wall warts for this. (240V outlets are also minimalistic and inconvenient - again another project to add one or two more of these will occur).
We travel with an Alexa smart speaker, with screen. It's a handy speaking clock. I'll be deleting the mains charger and replacing with 12V on this. Ditto the Phillips hue smart light (both inherited from previous projects).
An inverter will be handy later in the year - faster than you can say 'charge an electric bike off-grid'. Under driver's seat looks like a very good location, I'll probably fit a 240V socket in an accessible place, a single inverter only outlet. Supplementary/complimentary to the small Ecoflow we have. I believe the inverter charger method of keeping the Ecoflow juiced up is better that 12V in from (another) set of solar panels. More Watts in this way. Ecoflow is a backup, could also supply power into gazebo/canopy area.
We really enjoy having off grid capacity and will use it. Three or four nights in a field, having all the creature comforts is fantastic. The motorhome does give us more fresh water and grey water than the campervan did - looking forward having the electrical capacity to match.
I've got a lot of info out of this thread : https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/carthago-split-charging-unit.208582/
Our motorhome is a 2015 Chausson 717 GA Welcome. It has CBE electrics. I'm planning a staged upgrade, I already have some bits from a previous campervan project that I reverted back to original before trade-in, I've been buying a few bits and pieces here and there & am almost in a position to start some actual work. I'm expecting January's project work to include fitting new chargers, mains, B2B as well as solar. A little later, I will be upgrading solar panels, I have a gently used Victron MPPT 100|30 and IO understand that two 220W solar panels in series should do the job here very nicely.
The thread above details how to disable the split relay system as easily and effectively as possible. This will be step 1.
Step 2 will be to disable the charging from mains to starter battery. If anyone reading this knows how to accomplish this, it would be good to get a helping hand here.
More info. Starter is a plain old lead acid, and the leisure battery, as supplied, is an AGM. Already two different charging profiles are required. I have a pair of (again, lightly used) L-36 AGM batteries that will do for now, with the ultimate aim of Lithium on the horizon. I have a shedload of darkroom photography equipment to sell, this bit of pocket money will go into the Lithium piggy bank).
Step 3. Build a better battery box under passenger seat. Isolators, fuses, busbars & SmartShunt (existing from old project) will be installed here as well. Short term keep supplied leisure battery.
Step 4 will be removing the CBE-516 (capable of flooded / gel charging). I could have gone for the CBE-516/3 or 520/3 that would have given AGM capability, but at the Lithium stage, this would have to be swapped again. I have a Victron 12|30|3 (I know, mis ordered, I only want and need one output, price difference is not worth the hassle of return shipping). At this stage, I will introduce a driver suppling +12V DC at 500mA to 'fake' the signal into our particular version of the DS300-TR '13 distribution system. (Plug 18, pin 2). This will give a nice warm green LED on the control panel. (The driver idea is not mine, found it in a forum a few weeks back, lost the reference to it). (the CBE 516 will then go into a keep me for incase box).
Step 5. Remove the PWM solar controller from the rear of van (it is in the bedroom cupboard, centerline rear. I'll install an isolator here in it's stead The PWM controller will then go to the keep me for incase box.
Step 6. Install the MPPT, but with better wiring from isolator than domestic twin-core + earth that loops in and out of the van at various places. I've a couple of candidate routes in mind, might just use the same conduit to take some 2.5mm2 cable back to bedroom for a separate lighting/charging project).
Step 7. Install the B2B. Victron 12 | 12 - 30
Step 8. Install the pair of AGM L-36 I have (that came from the campervan).
The DS300 box & control panel will remain.
Once complete, the freedom to choose battery type then exists.
As we have but a single type-A USB outlet on leisure battery, I will then look at putting more USB into useful places, not above the passenger's head overcab where the single point currently is. USB-C with PD for laptop charging. I don't want to cart around the 240V AC wall warts for this. (240V outlets are also minimalistic and inconvenient - again another project to add one or two more of these will occur).
We travel with an Alexa smart speaker, with screen. It's a handy speaking clock. I'll be deleting the mains charger and replacing with 12V on this. Ditto the Phillips hue smart light (both inherited from previous projects).
An inverter will be handy later in the year - faster than you can say 'charge an electric bike off-grid'. Under driver's seat looks like a very good location, I'll probably fit a 240V socket in an accessible place, a single inverter only outlet. Supplementary/complimentary to the small Ecoflow we have. I believe the inverter charger method of keeping the Ecoflow juiced up is better that 12V in from (another) set of solar panels. More Watts in this way. Ecoflow is a backup, could also supply power into gazebo/canopy area.
We really enjoy having off grid capacity and will use it. Three or four nights in a field, having all the creature comforts is fantastic. The motorhome does give us more fresh water and grey water than the campervan did - looking forward having the electrical capacity to match.