Leisure Battery size and location?

[Tappers]

I’m looking to enhance the electrics in my van so that we can run some electrical items when we are parked up. We largely use an electric hookup when camping but we’re going to a couple of places this year where there’s no hook up facility.

We are looking to run a small fridge, currently we’ve a 240v one but we could replace that with a 12v one, boil a kettle every now and again and charge a couple of phones or iPads at a time. Perhaps also looking at a few LED spots for the back of the van as well.

I have a basic understanding of electrics, but my mate who’s a master tech for Ford will help me with installation. My question is where have you put your batteries in you van and how many do you have? I’m not sure what batteries I may need to run the sort of things we are looking at, and then ultimately where they go depends on the physical size I guess. I’ve been looking at options but having start/stop seems to potentially add to the complexity, or is that a red herring?

I’ve searched the forum and can see lots of references to batteries but nothing that seems to give me any confidence in making a decision.

 

[Loz]

Martyn @travelvolts can supply you all the kit you need for this project.

Most install a battery under the passenger seat. if you want 2 you can also squeeze another under the driver's seat. If you have more fitted cupboards etc, you can put another there if either of the seats is unavailable due to other kit.
You will also need a DC-DC charger as a simple split charge relay will not be compatible with the smart alternator and regenerative charging profile.

 

[Jason Stancliffe]

Hi
I’m no auto electrician, but I did this job myself. My van being a kombi highline had a thick red cable spare under drivers seat , ( not sure if your van will have one)
This I connected to a dc to dc charger which you need on a t6.
If no cable then you have to go to main battery
I also added an inveter for 240 v
Easy enough
You will see travelvolts guy on here to advise you what best kit to get etc

Ps
Was too slow at typing !
I second what Loz said above !

 

[Tappers]

Thanks guys. I am next to useless at anything practical like this but my mate will be able to fit it all. Will wait and see what @travelvolts recommends. What DC to DC chargers do you use out of interest?

I did already buy a split charge kit and an inverter, but if they’re not up to the job they can be returned.

 

[andys]

Boiling water is very battery hungry, if you don't have gas in the van I'd suggest getting something like a Jetboil for that.

 

[Tappers]

To be fair we have a portable gas stove we use normally. Our van isn’t a camper, we tent it. We are just thinking about convenience first thing in the morning for that first brew, rather than it being the norm so kettle usage would be very occasional.

What DC to DC charger are people using?

 

[Jason Stancliffe]

I’m using a sterling 30a battery to battery charger.
It is a basic unit compared to some but works for me

Also I use a low wattage kettle, 800w and a toaster 700w
No probs with inverter I use

Just been in garage to check wattage!

 

[Loz]

To be fair we have a portable gas stove we use normally. Our van isn’t a camper, we tent it. We are just thinking about convenience first thing in the morning for that first brew, rather than it being the norm so kettle usage would be very occasional.

What DC to DC charger are people using?

I have a Redarc, but the Ablemail is also very popular