Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
2nd battery charging 2nd battery charging
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2005
longroadtrip's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: England
Posts: 36
2nd battery charging
We are planning to fit a second battery to our land rover for our drive through africa. I see you can either spend £40 on a basic diode or £200 on a 'battery management system'. can anyone tell me which is better?
Is it a case that the diode just splits the charge and isolates the batteries and the managment system directs the charge more effectivly?
Thanks
rob


------------------
www.longroadtripnorth.com
__________________
www.longroadtripsouth.com
UK to SA in our 110
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Leicestershire,UK, or in my Iveco Daily 4x4
Posts: 474
Or a split charge relay at about 20 quid

Or a boat switch at about 40 quid

From memory the diode system create quite a large loss

For cheap battery management systems start your trip in south africa (wonder how much you would save by shipping the vehicle to SA, buying all the gear and then driving back to the UK - probabily enough to pay for the shipping)



------------------
Rich
LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
__________________
Rich

Iveco Turbo Daily 4x4 40-10
Ex Owner LR101 300Tdi Ambi 'Tiggurr'
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
I have 4 batteries (24 volt Toyota) with a "basic" diode block. Works perfectly fine. Solid state, cheap (30 euro), rugged, made for the purpose. The diode block looses 0.7 volt over the diodes causing some warmth but it has cooling fins for that. No worries maintenance free etc. Install and never have to look at it again! All the fancy stuff breaks down.

Cheers,

Noel

[This message has been edited by noel di pietro (edited 25 July 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Hello Noel,

There's plenty of info on the web about split charging, also on the drawbacks of diode based circuits. Because the diode drops charging current, the battery is never fully charged and works below its full capacity. All it means means is that you carry around a piece of equipment that weights a lot yet doesn't serve its purpose. If that doesn't bother you, fine. If not, I'd recommend more refined solutions. You can find out more here: http://www.hellroaring.com/nodiode.htm

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Jul 2005
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
I still prefer a relais that switches as soon is the alternator kicks in (cause I will forget the manual switch).

The diode indeed takes 0.7 volts, what in 12V set up is considerable if you ask me (in a 24V set up that's only 0.35V a battery...)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Robbert,

This is precisely why commercial/utility vehicles are fitted with 24V circuitry. If you take good care of your truck, it may live long enough to be rewired for 48V.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
on my 300Tdi 90 i have twin alternators and twin batteries.

This works perfectly, one battery and alternator runs the vehicle, whist the other does the winch.

this way, if either alternator packs up, i can switch the link switch and join botehr batteries together and carry on.

The only down side is that you can't easily fit anything else on the engine, like AC or air compressors (like i've got waiting in the garage), so i might well be converting to the diode type splitter soon!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
Hi Roman,

Theory and practice! I have dual voltage indicators and while the motor is running they always indicate between 28 and 30 Volts charging voltage. Seems enough to me! What is 0.7 V on that! And the TLC only has a 30 Amp alternator! Never had any problem with insufficiently charged batteries. I run a compressor fridge, lights, laptop, 500 watt 24V/220V converter etc. No problemo todo !!

Cheers,

Noel

Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
We shipped my Toyota over from the UK last July and within 2 months the Lucas split charge solenoid had packed up and I was unable to get a replacement.

I have since reused the wiring and just installed a simple manual switch to separate the two batteries when I've parked up for the night.

Its simple to close the switch at the end of day vehicle check and open it again in the morning's pre-drive check. Simple.

If you buy any other sort of "device", buy two and the bring the second unit as a spare. It's a real pain in the arse to find both batteries flat in the morning and you're not parked on enough of a slope to bump start the vehicle.
__________________
Enzo
Last edited by Bundubasher; 17 Sep 2013 at 15:34.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Jul 2005
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
@Roman,

On 48V I'd better drive my truck (Lada 2104) electrically. Can get rid of the engin, throw a solar panel (with charge mgt off course) on the roof, and just avoid those winters at +60°N.

Sounds like a good id, but first that trip around the Caspian. I heard petrol is cheap there anyway.

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
That is what I mean, what Bundabasher said! Solenoids are no good, they have moving parts and burn their contacts. A diode block as no moving parts. My diode block can handle 70 amp and the alternator supplies max. 30 amp. So it is heavily oversized and therefore as reliable as the Toyota itself!

cheers,
Noel
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 52
Noel,

Are you sure the alternator on your TLC only produces 30 Amps? The specifications on mine says it is "rated at" 80 Amps. I'm not completely sure whether that means it actually pumps out 80 but it might.
__________________
Cheers!
Michiel.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Aug 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
I agree Redhouse,the TLC alternator should be 80 amps as standard(maybe it looks like 30 when covered in muck!).
And Dieseljim's dual alternator setup is really the tops when it comes to reliability and having a backup charging system.If you've got room,i'd certainly reccomend shoe-horning a small Jap alternator in there.If you go along to your local scrappy and have a look at some of the small hatchback Jap cars,you should find a tiny alternator that'll do the job.Don't be put off by how small they are,the rating is usually very good as these cars are designed for lots of short journeys so need to be able to keep their batteries charged.If i had room on my camper i'd have one,but as it's so tight i've rigged up a 40amp relay on a manual switch that's only energized by having the ignition key turned on.That way it does'nt matter if i forget to turn it off! Well it's simple and works,and best bit of all is the cost...£2.10p

------------------
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Aug 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
My Iveco has a bank of relays activated by the little wire coming off the alternator that heads off into the dashboard for the charge light. The relays activate things like the spots, aux batteries, fridge, power ampli (before it got nicked)

The system's only weak point seems to be corrosion in the push on connections.

A second alternator looks like a good idea, particularly on 24v vehicles, preferably with an independant drive belt.

For those who only have one accessory mount or one spare groove on the drive pulley, Magnetti Marelli make a few models of alternator with an aircon compressor integrated in the same casing (mounted on the smaller Fiats, Renaults and Citroens)

Happy scrapyard hunting!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Aug 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 456
Luke, that sounds like an interesting option - any idea what models to target at the scrappie ?
__________________
Pictures, Mauritania 2011
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:08.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top