intelligent split charge possible?

[ijmorrison]

Thinking about an easy way to split charge a second battery in the boot .. occasionally for cooler boxes, etc but more often for jbl amp, etc ...

Would it work if I connected an intelligent splitcharge relay unit to my ciggy lighter in the console then ran back through into the boot ? Obviously there's a voltage drop through the loom and the connector .. but would it still be ok ? If worse came to worse i guess i could rewire the lighter socket to the second battery ....

The socket is only really used for usb charging and occassionaly i run a 300w power invertor from it .. though that could be hard wired to second battery i guess ...

Iain

[steve_earwig]

Split chargers? That's more caravan-type stuff isn't it? I think I'd be off scouring caravan forums...

[DaiRees]

...or 4X4 forums, they often use split charge systems to power winches and air compressors and the like, but having never done one myself I've no idea how they work, sorry!

Can't remember if you have a D8 or a D9 fella? If it's a D9 (with the sensitive electronics) I'd be very careful!

[ijmorrison]

Yeah its a D9 .. traditional split charge tie into the alternator directly and I can imagine what the pug's computer(s) would make of that

These things effectively charge one battery from another without flattening the first one .. thought it might be safer option with a D9 ... also if worst come to worst you can jump your own car with 1 jump lead

I have a deep distrust of running high drain stuff from the main battery .. not that i've ever left myself stranded in the middle of nowhere of course while listening to the stereo ...

[wiggybum]

I'd keep the second battery separate and just wire in a 12V solar charger from the rear parcel shelf.

Maplins do a good one which I've used for a few years:

[ijmorrison]

Yes i use the same one ..very very good

I don't think it will be able to keep up with the demand though so i will need some way of keeping it charged .....

[steve_earwig]

Solar panel, England? Hur hur hur hur etc.

[ECA]

I know this is an old thread and you've probably sorted it by now but you can get a split charge relay that takes its trigger direct from the bettery (rather than the alternator) so all you have is a decent sized cable to run from front battery to relay and relay to rear battery then a trigger cable that goes onto the front battery terminal and earth the other terminal - the relay only kicks in when there is enough juice in the front battery so when it does it then charges the rear battery - I have the same system in my van and it works a treat I run my inverter charging drills, Laptop etc and have the work lights on in the van and a lead light and am still able to start the van and drive home - if you need info on the relay let me know and i'll dig out where I got it from