I don't understand leisure batteries.

[Wilson]

Or indeed much else about the electrics of the van.

So the leisure battery works independently of the van battery, as proven by the interior lights working with the van battery is off. But the leisure battery somehow links into the van electrics so it can charge when the van's engine is running. So why doesn't the stereo work when the van is off? And if I use the stereo with the van battery on (but not the engine) is it draining the van battery, or the leisure battery?

Understanding this camper van is becoming an obsession.

 

[rickyrooo1]

is the stereo wired off the leisure or the main battery? the leisure battery probably charges via a split charge relay off your alternator

 

[simo]

If the stereo only works when the ignition is on then its prob wired up to the main battery!
You could re-wire it to the leasure bat then it should work when ignition is off and wont be draining the main battery when parked up.

 

[davechorlton]

^^^WHS^^^

the original wiring will be off the fusebox to the stereo. How easy to accomplish will depend on where your Leisure battery fusebox is. Some fit them next to original fusebox so you can just swap wires over, some lazy people like me have it behind the rear seat and haven't got round to extending yet so I have same thing as you and just use an ipod dock :lol:

 

[rickyrooo1]

seperate wiring of anything not needed on the van (exterior lights etc to be kept) is the best idea, i've got everything including the courtesy light on my leisure side, that way we have the stereo and lights on all night and if on hook up it's charging too (c-tek unit)

 

[Wilson]

yes - so i've got the fusebox identified. It is indeed right next to the original fusebox. Thanks for that. Next problem is not knowing which of the wires are the stereo in the original fusebox. Following them from the stereo doesn't help as I think they link in with the main wiring, so I don't think it's as simple as unplugging anything from the original fusebox and moving it over to the leisure box, or is it?

 

[davechorlton]

Could well be that simple.....Trace the cable back. If it goes into another wiring run you cold pull it out and run a short cable across to meet it. Just be careful if parked up for long while as it may drain the leisure battery if permanently connected (most stereos use a small amount of power to maintain settings and clock etc). I would suggest a dis-car-nect or similar on battery if not used for a long while. I definitely recommend the ctek chargers as above for charging leisure batteries or to use on hook-up as a supply (higher models).

Dave

 

[jonboylaw]

I would be very careful about messing with the wiring until you have thought this through.
Get a sheet of paper.
Write down ALL the electric circuits you have and those you plan to install
In two columns labeled "Main" and "Leisure" put the circuits you want to install.
Those that need transferring from the OG box, check the circuits at least 3 times and label them with Secure tags and then take lots of photos.
Use a continuity or volt meter to check connections.
Use correctly rated Thin Walled Automotive wire.
Ensure you use the correctly rated fuses.
Before connection to the Battery Terminals, CHECK ALL WIRING AGAIN.
Have a dry powder fire extinguisher available