Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
split charge system split charge system
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
split charge system
Hello,

Can anyone clarify / explain 2 things about / to split charge systems for me please?

Do they prevent one battery running down whilst using ancillaries with the engine turned off? Do they prevent the voltage equalisation that occurs when connecting two batteries together, for example while starting?

If I run the low voltage feed to the relay from the charge warning light in the dash, then this connects the two batteries when the light is on, i.e. the instant the ignition is turned on, which is bad because the voltages will then equalise with the possibility of leaving me with not enough volts to start.

I know i'm getting confused, but can someone help??

Cheers,
George
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Jul 2004
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Nomadic Man
Posts: 40
have a look here for some info on dual battery setups and battery isolators.
I have the BIC 85300A on my 4x4 van and it has been great.
http://www.hellroaring.com/

Basically, all acessories are connected to my main battery that is charged by the alternator when the engine is running. The auxillary battery is connected to the isolator/ combiner and also gets charged by the alternator when the engine is running so it stays always fully charged. When my main engine battery gets drained, I switch on the isolator to restart the van to get going and can also combine both batteries when using the electric winch for better pulling power.
__________________
Safe Travels

Jay
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
<font face="" size="2">Do they prevent one battery running down whilst using ancillaries with the engine turned off? </font>
Yes
====
Quote:
<font face="" size="2"> Do they prevent the voltage equalisation that occurs when connecting two batteries together, for example while starting?[/B]</font>
Yes

N.B. If split charging could be achieved with five quid relay, there would be no market for electronic gadgets costing 100 quid, such as Hellroaring. The Hellroaring BIC, being an isolator/combiner, also allows you to switch between two modes, with current flowing either towards the isolated battery (only after the main battery has been brought up to full charge), or current flowing both ways, when you need to boost the main battery from the second battery.



------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 258
Hi,

I have an IBS dual battery system with a battery monitor: http://www.ibs-tech.ch/dbs_e.html

With such a device you can connect/disconnect batteries, when using whinch, fridge, and other electric devices, and at the same time, monitor the both battery levels. It also indicates the charging level produced by the alternator, when the car is moving.

Until, I consider it very reliable and easy to use. The downside is the price....

Cheers,
José
__________________
Desert Crocodiles of Mauritania: http://cibio.up.pt/crocodilos/en
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I have a split-charge system, but don't trust it when solo in the middle of nowhere.

On my 'starting' battery, I have a big switch on the earth. Once stopped, I turn 'clunk' the switch and no matter what, it's going to be good when I want to start the engine again.

Simple works...

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 16
Sam,

that is along my lines of thinking. is your split charge system one of the expensive packages that the other posters are discussing? I can't afford one of these and am trying to come up with a good, simple alternative that i understand and can fix / alter as i see fit.

The simplest would be to have 2 isolator switches - one on each earth and then swap the batteries over as you like for charging / draining but this is too prone to human error for me, the chances of accidentally connecting the 2 batteries and draining the starting one is too high.

i've tried to find a big on-on switch so the 2 can never be connected at the same time, but to no avail. does anyone know where i might find one of these rated to the required curent (300A? i have no winches or anything else that draws massive current).

Failing that, a smaller on-on switch (5-10A) and 2 relays would do the job but the relays still need to be rated high. What is the best relay to use for this? I was thinking maybe a pair of remote start solenoids like the ones originally used on series landie engines..
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
georgeh,

"...but this is too prone to human error for me, the chances of accidentally connecting the 2 batteries and draining the starting one is too high."

Well, the expensive packages are there to save you from exactly the problem you mention. If you want a simple A - B - A+B switch, you can get them from boat chandlers. An ON-OFF switch can be of the type used to disconnect batteries in emergency. Any car accessory shop shuld have them. Also, you can use an 70amp+ relay. Check the Vehicle Wiring Products website.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
For no winches...

I have a 75amp relais switched by the alternator. As soon as the alternator starts delivering current (i.e. the engine is running) the batteries are connected. Easy, simple and cheap, but not up to winching.

Rob
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 12 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Quote:
Originally posted by Robbert:
Easy, simple and cheap, but not up to winching.Rob
Robbert,

If you configure the circuit as for Starter/House batteeries, the switch is for charging, not winching. The winch and any other auxilliary loads need to be connected directly to the second battery. You don't want to combine two batteries for winching and drain both, do you?

In the Main/Backup configuration the main battery is used for all jobs and only when it becomes drained, you combine two batteries to boost the current needed for starting. A 75-100A rated switch should suffice, as the backup battery is not expected to supply all the current required, and in any case only for a short time.


------------------
Roman (UK)
www.overlandcruiser.info

[This message has been edited by Roman (edited 12 July 2004).]
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
In reply to the earlier questions.

It's a relatively cheap electonic system - hence the lack of confidence.

I also have a 4 way switch from a Boat Chandlers, to allow more control both for discharge and charge. Regardless though, is the 'big switch' for the main battery. When I'm stopped, it goes off. No matter what else happens, the engine will start again when I switch on and turn the key.

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Jul 2004
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
Roman,

I never considered a winch, so didn't realy look into it, but, when winching with the engine running, both batteries will be connected and when the aux batterie is getting low, the current trough the relais might get to high. I can imagine other switches controlled by the winch braking the connection etc... . Way to complex to run a fridge....

Rob
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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 15:30.

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