Hi all, first post here and just looking for some advice before I get stuck into pulling my van apart. Done some research already, just need someone to tell me if I’m doing it all wrong or some reassurance from someone who has already done it.
I have a T6 conversion by Redline, and recently started to learn the VSR under the seat is not ideal and I need a DC-DC charger to get the most out of the leisure battery. The leisure battery is lead-acid.
Been through several posts on here so have already come to the conclusion it needs to be replaced, and the Ctek D250SE looks to be a popular option. I understand the Ctek would be a good choice for adding solar down the line too.
I have a Sargent EC160 so concerns me that may complicate matters. From the wiring diagram supplied the VSR runs a signal to the EC160 to enable the split charger of the Sargent. However, I checked the back of the EC160 and there is no cable running to this connection point so I assume the VSR must connect straight to the battery, and not via the split charger in the EC160 so the wiring diagram attached is not 100% accurate.
My assumption would be the Ctek connects directly to the leisure battery in place of the VSR. The EC160 is isolated by a signal cable so will need to maintain that going forwards (white one in the picture I believe, not sure yet of the source). And I need to maintain the 240V charger to the leisure battery when on EHU.
As the VSR is not running to the EC160 as the circuit diagram suggests then this may not be too difficult. Would be handy if someone else has already done this with a similar setup?
Added couple of pictures, best I could do without taking the seat out, but may do that next weekend to get a better idea of what is happening.
I think these are the outstanding questions I need to answer initially if anyone has any advice or I need to start pulling the van apart…
Any advice or tips appreciated
I have a T6 conversion by Redline, and recently started to learn the VSR under the seat is not ideal and I need a DC-DC charger to get the most out of the leisure battery. The leisure battery is lead-acid.
Been through several posts on here so have already come to the conclusion it needs to be replaced, and the Ctek D250SE looks to be a popular option. I understand the Ctek would be a good choice for adding solar down the line too.
I have a Sargent EC160 so concerns me that may complicate matters. From the wiring diagram supplied the VSR runs a signal to the EC160 to enable the split charger of the Sargent. However, I checked the back of the EC160 and there is no cable running to this connection point so I assume the VSR must connect straight to the battery, and not via the split charger in the EC160 so the wiring diagram attached is not 100% accurate.
My assumption would be the Ctek connects directly to the leisure battery in place of the VSR. The EC160 is isolated by a signal cable so will need to maintain that going forwards (white one in the picture I believe, not sure yet of the source). And I need to maintain the 240V charger to the leisure battery when on EHU.
As the VSR is not running to the EC160 as the circuit diagram suggests then this may not be too difficult. Would be handy if someone else has already done this with a similar setup?
Added couple of pictures, best I could do without taking the seat out, but may do that next weekend to get a better idea of what is happening.
I think these are the outstanding questions I need to answer initially if anyone has any advice or I need to start pulling the van apart…
- The VSR appears to have 5 cables, and 3 is standard so need to identify the purpose of the other 2?
- Where is the source for the EMC, is it likely this will be one of the cables from the VSR?
- Once I understand the actual wiring under the seat then the Ctek output to the battery would simply replace the VSR output to the battery?
- The Ctek looks suitable, or should I be looking at something else similar? For now, I am sticking with the current leisure battery and looking to add100W solar later in the year.
Any advice or tips appreciated
. The diagram is only good if it was followed, think I need to pull some bits apart and see exactly what is going on. I'll share anything I find that might be useful. I'll go back through that thread 
