There were many times when I found that I needed an exterior point to which I could couple up various types of equipment and I have surprised myself on how versatile it can be after my latest trip to the Connondales.
The first thing I had done was connect a twin 6mm cable across the battery terminals in my van. Penguin battery is under bed and is a hassle to access especially if "the boss" wants to have a lie down! This cable is connected to a 50A Anderson plug on the outside. Positive line is protected with a 40A inline fuse.
At first I just used it for connecting up my "smart charger" at home with the 240V supply to get faster and better power into my 120ah AGM battery. Very successful too.
I can also use this outlet to operate high load equipment without it going through the SETEC distribution panel with its lower fuse ratings. (only 10A)
Just recently, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a 12 month old AGM (75ah) which was part of a bank (for starting fire pumps) which are required by law to be changed every 12 months. So instead of being distributed around to staff or taken to the recycling point, I managed to snaffle one for myself. Just as a matter of chance, I placed this extra battery in my tug before going away. I did so as not to increase weight in van and be over the GMV limit. This battery came in mighty handy as I was able to plug this fully charged AGM into the Anderson plug at side of van to supplement my battery storage. This connection is in parallel with the van battery and effectively gave me 195ah capacity.
A further advantage with this connection, my MPPT solar controller was also now putting power into the new battery outside, so both batteries were being charged at the same time and same rate according to voltage state. The connecting lead has Anderson plug on one end and alligator clips on other for connection to any similar battery.
This system can be used to charge any AGM battery (or Gel if same as van battery - capacity not critical) with the solar power output, regardless of the state of the battery.
Note: The Tech Heads will say (correctly too) that the charged van battery will be dragged down to the mean voltage of both batteries, but that would not be a problem if there is plenty of solar generation coming in.
I could also be a "kindly neighbour camper" if their van battery was low/flat. I could charge his/her van battery by using the extended lead to their battery and use the alligator clips for their connection if they are close enough. One never knows when off the grid what rewards are offered for services rendered !! Maybe a cold beer or glass of wine while charging takes place??? Fantasizing again!!! We campers are a friendly mob and always help one another out if in trouble.
So some points to offer: An easy way to increase your battery storage and be able to charge it on the spot. You don't carry it/them in your van if extra weight could be a factor. Carry it/them in your tug. Yes, you may have to transfer the bloody heavy thing/s to a convenient point nearer to the connection or just use a lead from van to your battery in back of tug. Remember that both batteries MUST be of the same chemistry as different charging voltages are applicable.
The good thing is that both batteries will get charged as necessary and if the smaller/weaker battery gets lower, the stronger battery will carry more load and voltage should even out the difference. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I have attached several to give you some idea.
Tech Heads will probably say "so what", but a lot of other members with less technical knowledge might get some value out of it or at least get them to thinking. I hope so. Cheers.
.
The first thing I had done was connect a twin 6mm cable across the battery terminals in my van. Penguin battery is under bed and is a hassle to access especially if "the boss" wants to have a lie down! This cable is connected to a 50A Anderson plug on the outside. Positive line is protected with a 40A inline fuse.
At first I just used it for connecting up my "smart charger" at home with the 240V supply to get faster and better power into my 120ah AGM battery. Very successful too.
I can also use this outlet to operate high load equipment without it going through the SETEC distribution panel with its lower fuse ratings. (only 10A)
Just recently, I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a 12 month old AGM (75ah) which was part of a bank (for starting fire pumps) which are required by law to be changed every 12 months. So instead of being distributed around to staff or taken to the recycling point, I managed to snaffle one for myself. Just as a matter of chance, I placed this extra battery in my tug before going away. I did so as not to increase weight in van and be over the GMV limit. This battery came in mighty handy as I was able to plug this fully charged AGM into the Anderson plug at side of van to supplement my battery storage. This connection is in parallel with the van battery and effectively gave me 195ah capacity.
A further advantage with this connection, my MPPT solar controller was also now putting power into the new battery outside, so both batteries were being charged at the same time and same rate according to voltage state. The connecting lead has Anderson plug on one end and alligator clips on other for connection to any similar battery.
This system can be used to charge any AGM battery (or Gel if same as van battery - capacity not critical) with the solar power output, regardless of the state of the battery.
Note: The Tech Heads will say (correctly too) that the charged van battery will be dragged down to the mean voltage of both batteries, but that would not be a problem if there is plenty of solar generation coming in.
I could also be a "kindly neighbour camper" if their van battery was low/flat. I could charge his/her van battery by using the extended lead to their battery and use the alligator clips for their connection if they are close enough. One never knows when off the grid what rewards are offered for services rendered !! Maybe a cold beer or glass of wine while charging takes place??? Fantasizing again!!! We campers are a friendly mob and always help one another out if in trouble.
So some points to offer: An easy way to increase your battery storage and be able to charge it on the spot. You don't carry it/them in your van if extra weight could be a factor. Carry it/them in your tug. Yes, you may have to transfer the bloody heavy thing/s to a convenient point nearer to the connection or just use a lead from van to your battery in back of tug. Remember that both batteries MUST be of the same chemistry as different charging voltages are applicable.
The good thing is that both batteries will get charged as necessary and if the smaller/weaker battery gets lower, the stronger battery will carry more load and voltage should even out the difference. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I have attached several to give you some idea.
Tech Heads will probably say "so what", but a lot of other members with less technical knowledge might get some value out of it or at least get them to thinking. I hope so. Cheers.
.