Another newby question: Split charge relay and dynamo?

[71Westy]

At risk of annoying everyone with dumb questions, here's another....

I have looked back in the posts and seen one or two posts about issues using a split charge relay and a leisure battery with a dynamo. So what is the conclusion? I want to add a leisure battery. Will the dynamo cope (I am also planning on a mains hookup with charger)?

When my recon engine arrives, I'll have the opportunity to convert easily, but yet another £130 for an alternator kit is daunting....

Thanks,
Nick

 

[wilgartw]

yes it will.

the issue with a dynamo is when you try to drag more than it can kick out. this is usually when you are running a couple of amplifiers and a fridge.

 

[birchyman]

leave the dynamo alone they cope no problem

 

[71Westy]

Thanks folks - dynamo it is then

 

[james_stan]

And get one of these..

http://www.towsure.com/product/1828-Self-Switching_Combination_Relay" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

a voltage sensitive relay - above a preset level (you can set this) say 13V it
switches to allow charge to Leisure battery and/or ancillaries. Much easier than all
that other split-charge cobblers..

Cheers


James

 

[71Westy]

Hmm. Mixed views on this - if you look a few posts down, seems they can be troublesome....

I might go the traditional way with a simple relay.

Nick

 

[james_stan]

Take as you find I say.

Read that other post, One guy adjusted his => no problem.
One guy just said 'Busted' (no explaination how or why)
and the other guy wasn't sure if it was even the same unit.

Hmm..

If you can get hold of a Voltmeter to check your output from Dynamo at tickover and then
higher up the rev range you'll get an idea of the spread of output voltage(eg 12.5 => 14.5V). If you can then beg borrow or steal a variable DC PSU (power supply) you can adjust your trim until you hear it click at say mid-way voltage spread.

Of course it's your choice but at a tenner it's cheaper than most conventional split charge 'kits' so maybe worth a punt.

Cheers

James

 

[birchyman]

good advice james exept i wouldnt call it a punt
every towbar pulling a caravan uses these, people wouldnt fit em if they wasnt reliable
there is nothing wrong with the old trigger relays but they are still electronics which have to be fitted in the engine bay or pull a trigger wire into the bus which i wouldnt recommend
each to his own but for a tenner ease of fitment and the benefits i know what id do