is charging the leisure battery from cab alternator a problem?

[Maluisarot]

Thanks cmc! Would you suggest having to spend a hell of a lot more than just the battery cost to make the system work? Where would I even begin with removing the split charge relay to replace it with a B2B?

Solar is a new headache too. The van does have a panel, not sure what the rated output or where I'd find it but even on a sunny day tests at 0.7v which I assume can't be right? It's hooked up to a Victron MTTP 75/15 but without the Bluetooth and I tested this was putting out 24v. Have disconnected the solar and isolated the cables for now until I get a better understanding.

Why are MH electrics so much more baffling than the 3ph stuff I'm used to

 

[WESTY66]

Why are MH electrics so much more baffling than the 3ph stuff I'm used to

ALL electrics are baffling!!!

They’re the devils work

 

[autorouter]

To find out what power your panel is, measure it. Compare it with a few panels from on-line ads. The power depends mostly on the area, and they seem to come in steps of 20W minimum, so it's 80, 100, 120 150 etc.

Solar panels should have a voltage when disconnected, in strong sunlight, of at least 18V, probably more like 24V. The larger panels have a voltage of over 35V.

Your Victron solar controller needs to be connected in the correct sequence. It 'automatically' detects whether it is on a 12V or 24V system when it is first connected. It is important that the battery is connected first, then the solar panel. If you get the sequence wrong, it may think the battery is 24V, so can overcharge it.

 

[Maluisarot]

Autorouter thanks for the info I think some had messed it up before I had the van as was measuring 20+ V at the leisure battery the other day. Will have a go following your directions.

When I install a B2B charger, do I disconnect the split charge relays? I've found two CBE "Boite Relais Security", one behind the driver's seat and another behind the passenger seat in the cab.

Am I right in thinking one will be for the fridge and the other for charging the leisure battery?

 

[autorouter]

When I install a B2B charger, do I disconnect the split charge relays? I've found two CBE "Boite Relais Security", one behind the driver's seat and another behind the passenger seat in the cab.

Am I right in thinking one will be for the fridge and the other for charging the leisure battery?

One will be the split charge relay, and the other is probably the fridge relay, if it's not the habitation relay. Because these relays are separate from the fusebox, it's easy to disable them. There's a big and small fuse inside each relay box. Apart from obvious ways like disconnecting the wires or removing the big fuse, simply pulling out the small fuse (5A?) will stop the relay turning on.

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