Help with 2 battery install needed (1 Viewer)

[Floppsy]

Hello all

I’m new here and hoping to get some help with changing over my one leisure battery to two batteries on a T5.1 transporter conversion.

The current set up, which was like this when I bought the van, uses a single Bosch S5013 100ah battery beneath the drivers seat (no I know it isn't really a leisure battery), that I intend to replace with two Bosch LFD90’s.

Currently there is a 60A split charger beneath the bonnet that does very little as I have discovered I also have a smart alternator and degenerative braking - Presumably the previous owner didn’t realise!

I’m looking within reason to do more off-grid time and unlikely to use hook ups much and hope to get a good recharge from driving.

Additionally I may want to add solar later but would prefer not to decide this yet.

So the help I’m looking for please is:
Once I have got rid of the the Split charging relay what is the best B to B charger for this job?
Will the current Mains charger (CBE CB516 Mains charger) be suitable for these batteries and the system overall?
Is there anything else I have to be aware of?

Thanks you ?

 

[mitzimad]

Have you checked the dimensions of the replacement batteries assume you mean varta ld90s
Charger should be fine if is a 16 amp as the numbers suggest
B2Bseveral good makes victron sterling etc

 

[Floppsy]

Thanks for your time mitzimad

Yes the dimensions are identical to the current one and it is the Bosch LFD90 which is apparently the exact same battery as the Varta LFD90 (made in the same factory no less) and although it is 10 quid more than the Varta example on Alpha batteries has double the warranty at 4 instead of 2 years.

I had always intended to use the Sterling BB1260 but when I tried to get some technical help on the installation from them via email I got one sentence replies that looked like they were written by a teenager on their mobile, but most of what I asked was ignored. I don't accept unprofessional and sloppy business practice like this in any way if I'm spending my money with a company, and even if their product was plated in gold wouldn't buy one now through principle. Presumably yet another of these companies who so much business they just don't need any more!

Anyway rant over therefore I'm looking for an alternative.

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[rosalan]

Van Bitz Battery Master was not only easy to fit but kept the batteries charged as I would have wished.
I would still urge you to get a solar panel fitted if you want to go off grid.
If you weigh up the cost of electricity on hook-up, three weeks will just about pay for the panel.

 

[pappajohn]

Van Bitz Battery Master was not only easy to fit but kept the batteries charged as I would have wished.
I would still urge you to get a solar panel fitted if you want to go off grid.
If you weigh up the cost of electricity on hook-up, three weeks will just about pay for the panel.

Wrong way round.... Battery master trickle charges engine battery from leisure battery when correct conditions are met.
OP needs to charge leisure from engine.

 

[HandyAndy]

Take your pick..
Probably the best on the market.

DC-DC converters - Victron Energy

Victron Energy's DC-DC converters are useful if you do not have a suitable voltage device. Ensure that voltage is converted now.

www.victronenergy.com

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[HandyAndy]

Most likely this one

Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger Isolated - Victron Energy

The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger is a professional DC to DC adaptive 3-stage charger with built-in Bluetooth. For use in dual battery systems in...

www.victronenergy.com

 

[autorouter]

I had always intended to use the Sterling BB1260

For flooded lead-acid batteries, the usual rule of thumb is to not exceed a charging current of C/5, where C is the battery capacity. So for two 90Ah batteries, keep the current below 180/5 = 36 amps. A 40 amp B2B you could probably get away with, but a 60 amp might be too much.

 

[rod_vw]

I would suggest that you talk to Martin @ Travel Volts, he is the acknowled expert in the VW world on this subject. https://www.travelvolts.net/ Especially vehicles with smart alternators.

Otherwise visit the T6 (OK for T5 info) for help https://www.t6forum.com/

Rod

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[Floppsy]

Many thanks HandyAndy, Do you agree with Autorouter that I should limit this to 30A?

Most likely this one

Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC Charger Isolated - Victron Energy

The Orion-Tr Smart DC-DC charger is a professional DC to DC adaptive 3-stage charger with built-in Bluetooth. For use in dual battery systems in...

www.victronenergy.com

 

[Floppsy]

Thanks Autorouter, I wasn't aware of this. In fact even though I have lost trust in them Sterling suggested using a 60A unit in lieu of the 30A would double the input to the leisure batteries!

For flooded lead-acid batteries, the usual rule of thumb is to not exceed a charging current of C/5, where C is the battery capacity. So for two 90Ah batteries, keep the current below 180/5 = 36 amps. A 40 amp B2B you could probably get away with, but a 60 amp might be too much.

 

[HandyAndy]

Many thanks HandyAndy, Do you agree with Autorouter that I should limit this to 30A?

I certainly wouldn't disregard what he says (i've seen him give solid advice in the past) but when vehicles are fitted with 120 amp alternators and in a flat or discharged state that could well be be putting half of that amperage into the battery to recharge and that will be on single battery banks!
Lead acid batteries tend to be self limiting by design. The more you try to shove amps into them, the higher the resistance becomes, so they basically only take on board the charge that they want to take.
So it's not so much a 60 amp B2B charger will throw 60 amps at the battery but the B2B charger CAN throw 60 amps at the battery if it wants to accept it..

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