Part time Dual Battery - Portable & Redarc Query
Submitted: Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 14:36
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amcjavelinsst
Hey Guys n Gals,
Have read all the Dual Battery threads, have sussed out what I want - now down to one not so minor detail.
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokke WG (2000) with no room under the bonnet for a second battery for fridge etc. No biggie - will knock up a plywood box to fit the 120 A/h AGM - am aware of all the cable requirements etc.
Tricky part is this, my current cig lighters (front & in rear cargo) operate when ignition is off - suggests straight to main battery. Which is good for charging mobile phones etc. Now if I were to have a Redarc installed for the second battery, and bearing in mind that the second battery wil only be a part time thing, if the second battery is removed, I assume that the Redarc will look for the starting battery volts when switching off the ignition and then switch over to a battery that is not there?
Am sure that this is the case, so how best am I to wire things up, so that I can have the ease of the use of a Redarc (or similar) when I need it, and also have things back as they were without the second battery. I prefer not to use a manual switch as the primary source of control - maybe manually switch over to a solenoid one day and then switch back a few weeks later when solenoid not wanted anymore, type of thing.
May not have done a flash job of explaining, but essentially the fridge wont always be in the car - want the Explorer DC75 at 850x520x520 and couple that with the second battery in the rear - would rather have the room than carry around all the time - even just the second battery is not a small thing hence why I dont want it permanent - I work away so would rather chuck my gear in the rear cargo as opposed to have stuff on rear
seat.
Any thoughts and help is greatly appreciated.
Cheers All
Graeme
Reply By: SCUBADOO - Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:28
Sunday, Feb 04, 2007 at 18:28
Graeme
In my campervan, I have my "second battery" (Gel 150AH), 230V inverter, smart battery charger, solar charger , fuseblock, extra DC outlets, battery monitor and Voltage Controlled Relay (similar to your Redarc) all in the same ventilated padded "plywood box" with carry handles. Doubles as an extra
seat.
The entire setup can be disconnected, unlatched and removed when not required.
It sits in my garage connected to 230VAC, charging ready for my next trip.
Neville
NZ
AnswerID:
219716
Reply By: Muzzgit [WA] - Monday, Feb 05, 2007 at 00:10
Monday, Feb 05, 2007 at 00:10
Graeme, yes what you are asking is true. As long as the connections are there then you will have power to the back of the car until you stop and the solenoid drops out.
I had a drama with my aux battery a few weeks back ( it died a messy death ) and the Redarc was continually clicking in,out,in,out,in,out,in,out as we drove along. I simply moved the connection on the redarc so everything was connected to the starting battery side. I took the terminal off the aux battery and taped it up with heaps of insulation tape so I had power to the camper and the fridge until we got to a town to get a new battery.
You just have to remember you have no flat battery protection.
AnswerID:
219794