Camper auto-electrician

[DaveN]

Hi All
Could anyone suggest an Auto-Electrician fairly local to Guildford Surrey?
I’m not so great with electrics, I’ve read various posts on the forum but I’m not understanding some of the techie speak!!
I’ve bought a Victron smart charger but thinking I also need a Dc-Dc charger? Is this correct?.
I know electrics can be very subjective, part of finding someone local would also be to check over all the electrics on my van.
The van does have a solar panel fitted, reading through threads, am I right in thinking this will keep the leisure battery topped up?

Please be gentle

Thanks
Dave

 

[DaveN]

Hi All
Could anyone suggest an Auto-Electrician fairly local to Guildford Surrey?
I’m not so great with electrics, I’ve read various posts on the forum but I’m not understanding some of the techie speak!!
I’ve bought a Victron smart charger but thinking I also need a Dc-Dc charger? Is this correct?.
I know electrics can be very subjective, part of finding someone local would also be to check over all the electrics on my van.
The van does have a solar panel fitted, reading through threads, am I right in thinking this will keep the leisure battery topped up?

Please be gentle

Thanks
Dave

Bump

 

[Ricardo T]

Hi All
Could anyone suggest an Auto-Electrician fairly local to Guildford Surrey?
I’m not so great with electrics, I’ve read various posts on the forum but I’m not understanding some of the techie speak!!
I’ve bought a Victron smart charger but thinking I also need a Dc-Dc charger? Is this correct?.
I know electrics can be very subjective, part of finding someone local would also be to check over all the electrics on my van.
The van does have a solar panel fitted, reading through threads, am I right in thinking this will keep the leisure battery topped up?

Please be gentle

Thanks
Dave

Hey Dave, I’m sure the team at Bognor Motors could help you out if it’s not too far for you.

 

[ginkster]

Can’t recommend someone I’m afraid. Put up some pics of what you already have fitted (batteries, switches, fuse boxes, chargers etc) and have bought to help us identify them. It’s also useful to understand what you are using the van for and what kit you want to power (fridge, usb chargers, induction hob, lights ….. etc). Will you be off-grid or hooked up to electric on a site? How many days at a time? Will you be driving each day or static for multiple days?

Setups vary depending on use/needs but the basics are:

DC-DC charger to charge the leisure battery from the engine via the starter battery (you may hear the term split charger but these are unsuitable for a T6 due to the smart alternator).

Mains charger (possibly the smart charger you refer to?) to charge the leisure battery from a site hook-up or at home from a socket.

Solar charger to charge the leisure battery from the solar panel. MPPT is a specific charging technology and is recommended to get the best efficiency.

Inverter to provide 230v from your leisure battery for off-grid use when not on hook-up. Very power hungry and a big cost driver so only needed if you must have 230v when off-grid.

 

[DaveN]

Hey Dave, I’m sure the team at Bognor Motors could help you out if it’s not too far for you.

Thank you @Ricardo T
I’ll give them a call.
Appreciate your reply.
Dave

 

[DaveN]

Can’t recommend someone I’m afraid. Put up some pics of what you already have fitted (batteries, switches, fuse boxes, chargers etc) and have bought to help us identify them. It’s also useful to understand what you are using the van for and what kit you want to power (fridge, usb chargers, induction hob, lights ….. etc). Will you be off-grid or hooked up to electric on a site? How many days at a time? Will you be driving each day or static for multiple days?

Setups vary depending on use/needs but the basics are:

DC-DC charger to charge the leisure battery from the engine via the starter battery (you may hear the term split charger but these are unsuitable for a T6 due to the smart alternator).

Mains charger (possibly the smart charger you refer to?) to charge the leisure battery from a site hook-up or at home from a socket.

Solar charger to charge the leisure battery from the solar panel. MPPT is a specific charging technology and is recommended to get the best efficiency.

Inverter to provide 230v from your leisure battery for off-grid use when not on hook-up. Very power hungry and a big cost driver so only needed if you must have 230v when off-grid.

Probably didn’t explain my post that well, the van has been converted by the previous owner, through a company but I’m not sure what the system or in fact how it all works, I have read through numerous threads, I’m not that aufait with vehicle electrics and all the terminology.
I’ll post some photos of my set-up and maybe some light can be shed.

Thanks
Dave