Split-Chargers & Bluemotion

[T6 Dave]

@gmaster , not sure why you would want a 60amp charger, if your running a heavy load that depletes a large battery bank then I would suggest carrying a gen set. As @travelvolts says, you will ruin the batteries very quickly, alternators have to cope with running all the vehicle electrics as well as replacing the starting charge, and this is why they can be rated quite high. Watching the soaps etc consumes less, and with the Ebby and webby, you are better off with a larger bank for amp hours, but this is normally better supported by solar and dc to dc. That's my take on things anyway.

Sorry, crossed in ether,

 

[gmaster]

Cheers Dave. The sterling charger is from my previous T5 that was running 2 under seat batteries. I got it as I was told it was perfect for the regen braking engines. Maybe time to re-think (again)!

 

[travelvolts]

Thanks again for helping. Is there a place to vent wet batteries behind the Komi seats? Something like the grommets under the seats? I'm trying to achieve 2-3 days of off grid power, for TV, fridge, music and laptop charging etc.

The only existing place that I am aware of behind the seats is right at the back below the slam vents. Nothing to stop you from making a hole and fitting a grommet.

 

[T6 Dave]

@gmaster your welcome, I think it's just the high amp input to the batteries that is the issue, the solar would help top things up through the day, as they charge even in overcast conditions, and so you are topping up all the time. If things run low, then you can always run up the engine and heat the van up as well, saving on Ebby or webby usage, and with a large bank it can fire up through the night.

As with everything, it all evolves, but take your time and have fun planning it all.

 

[travelvolts]

Finally got some sense out of CTEK about the D250S. New model expected April will be intelligent alternator compatible and also have setting for AGM battery. If past experience is anything to go by we might see this in May or June!

 

[T6 Dave]

@travelvolts , thanks for the update on CTEK I'm still liking the Ring, as has more info, and can be set for AGM,GEL etc, as well as changing the float charge level etc, so is better for your battery if set up right. Seems like Ring have stolen the march on the "affordable" sector.

 

[Loz]

Seems like Ring have stolen the march on the "affordable" sector.

I would say late to the party, but often means they have the advantage of those who have gone before.

 

[travelvolts]

I think it is more a case of arrogance of a market leader. They have had two years to get on board with this and I have been nagging them for at least half of that!

 

[T6 Dave]

My view is that with the CTEK, if you are having to hook up to the solar side with a relay for your intelligent alternator, it's a stop gap system and if it's taken them 2yrs of customers buying the product and having to make do with a "work around" before they "updated" it, I'm not impressed. The Ring on the other hand has been thought about, might be late, but appears to be more feature packed and "developed" for its intended application, and is not just a box that "will do the job sir" .

I think that the other "affordable's" should take note, and consider that not one charge regime suits all battery types to the optimum. But just my opinion

 

[superflyguy]

Seeing as I started the thread, just like to say thanks for all the input,
Its worrying even some of the conversion company's I've asked about this don't have the knowledge some of you guys have, insinuating bluemotion is no different when wanting to split charge.

Ok im liking the Ring you've spoke about. I'm a total novice but would maybe have a go at fitting myself, just wanting a supply for sockets etc in the back so no heavy use, am I better trying to find a local auto electrician ?
Is it possible for leisure battery and ring charger to be fitted under the drivers seat, or would it be a tight squeeze, my twin passenger seat has a swivel fitted so im guessing that cant be used now to fit the battery etc.

thanks.

 

[travelvolts]

It has always worried me about the standard of electrics in most conversions. There are a lot of companies out there who do brilliant work when it comes to lining, furniture etc but they don't have a clue when it comes to electrics. It seems like they have had a look inside an old caravan and decided Yep, that's what we need for this job. I have been banging my head on this desk for years!
You can fit the Ring and a battery under the drivers seat and if you are not happy about the wiring you can buy a pre made loom from my website for £27.50 + VAT and delivery. You can also buy a complete socket kit to suit your needs. Have a go, you can always ask if you get stuck. Download my free fitting instructions and see how you feel about what's involved travelvolts.com - Downloads

 

[superflyguy]

Thanks @travelvolts ill have a look through the downloads and your web site later, its a bit of a minefield for us not familiar with this sort of thing, but I believe in trying first and if I fail at least I've give it a go.

 

[T6 Dave]

@travelvolts , it's good to see some professionals are down to earth, and give good advice without the usual bollox. @superflyguy , I would say that you couldn't go far wrong giving it a go with the aid of the downloads and advice on offer, as unless you have an idea of what your looking at, you could be paying someone to do an ok(ish) job, or a shoddy job and not be aware. That's the good thing about this place, you get the help of some decent folks.

 

[Pauly]

Agree with the above, if properly informed and with the right kit dont see why you couldnt do it
One of the main problems is getting good connections when putting everything together, being a sparky i have seen countless horrors over the years of badly connected things burning out and its not pretty
@travelvolts kit looks good as cable are terminated for you so no connections to crimp just a case of screwing the lugs on so no specialist tools required to make a good job it

 

[superflyguy]

I'm going to have a look at what I need this weekend, layout etc and then get some gear ordered, thanks.

 

[T6 Dave]

Good on you @superflyguy Don't be afraid to ask qustions! The only daft question is no question when you have a doubt!

 

[Rossco2608]

All being well @travelvolts will be wiring up my leisure battery / inverter with the Elogic charger next week
Its only to be able to charge my Makita batteries etc on the go so not full conversion but will post pics up after the install

 

[Vinci]

VWt this month has an article related to this thread, with a 15% discount and free postage on a Sterling smart thingy plug and play.

 

[Plumb]

I have 204 blue motion with factory fit slave battery and find the head lights are pathetic as they appear to run at 12volts, I have fitted California units and 120 % bulbs if you don't put voltage in you don't get the brightness out. factory fit head lights should be out lawed. to date I've had 2 new battery's fitted and a new alternator, blue motion wont work (voltage to low) just done 2000 miles

 

[T6 Dave]

@Plumb , been thinking ref your post.. If I understand you correctly, you have had 2 new batteries on a new vehicle, with a new replacement alternator and you are only getting 12 volts, so the stop start won't work due to too low a voltage being available?

If all the above is correct, I would suspect a control module is dicky, presume you are getting VW tech involved through your dealer, don't give up as is covered under the manufacturers warranty! Your right ref headlight voltage, but this in your case points to another brain having gone south.

Please let us know how you get on.