After some thoughts on setting up a multiple battery system on the petrol 100 series. Have been doing heaps of reading so thought it time to
check with the experts.
Things to charge/run while driving will be a couple of iPods, couple of phones, GPS, iPad, small laptop, couple of yet to be determined screens of some sort for the kids AND (my main concern) our 3 way fridge (Dometic F400).
The fridge isn't efficient on 12V and will draw 10amp/120w all the time, i.e. the dial does not work when on 12V. It does go very
well on gas.
Initial thoughts are to get a Century N70ZZ4WD (starter) connect to a Century N70ZM (aux.) using a Redarc SBI12, Sidewinder DBi-100 or similar. Both these batteries will be in the engine bay.
Plan to run the fridge and some of the other devices from the N70M from an outlet in the back which is yet to be installed. Other devices will also be charged from the existing power sockets which will remain connected to the starter as standard.
Also, have been thinking of putting a smaller portable battery box with battery (not determined size yet) Initial thoughts are this will only run a handful of LED strips in the camper trailer) This will either be in the back of the car or in the trailer and have not worked out how this should be charged.
Connecting the 2 main batteries together via one of the above devices seems logical however after some reading, it looks like it's worthwhile running some decent sized dedicated cables (from aux.) just for the fridge alone as have seen some talk about cable heat and the like running 10amps continuously and trying to charge/run other small devices from this might not work so
well.
Q1) In the above para, what are the thoughts on this dedicated cable? If I wanted to run other devices, would I just run more cables from the aux. and install some sockets or USB connections?
Q2) If I then wanted to charge another battery in the back (or in the camper), could I just use that second set of cables? Would I need to install a DC-DC charger?
I have a friend who has offered me his thumper while we are away however, it is very big and heavy and I had thought I wouldn't need anything too large to run the LEDs for a few days although I guess it does give me options to charge other gear while parked up.
Anyway, apologies if it's not clear as it's late and I'm trying to get it out of my head into this post.
Thanks, Richard