A beginners guide to leisure battery charging and wiring.

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Thank you for doing this on a table. I have a helluva time understanding it when people are jumping all around a vehicle.

[@newnew5194]

Hey everyone, the best success that I have had was by following the Gregs Electro Blog (i found it on google) definately the most helpful info that I've tried.

[@project-overland]

100% agree

[@haroldhirhalin1493]

@@newnew5194 will this system charge two auxiliary batteries??

[@itslloyd123]

Exactly this!

[@sinetwo]

For sure. Honestly most campervan videos where some guy is just filming off his phone taking and pointing at stuff just makes me annoyed (and nautious)

[@gemma3924]

Oh my god, thank you! I have been so worried about this and was debating paying an auto-electrician £150 to fit it, I feel like I can actually tackle this myself now, this is the best break down I've seen. Thank you!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Glad we could help!

[@montistiltskin7594]

Bloody hell, didn't realise the split charger system was that easy! We've recently bought ourselves a T4 and it needs a bit of love, which is gonna be happening over the winter months. Knowing a lot of things really isn't rocket science now, really does help! Cheers man!

[@willsgetoff1157]

Nice to see a simple explanation for the split charge kit, see so many people on chat groups struggling with this and others who think they should know so making complex answers. Thanks for giving us somewhere to point them that gives a concise explanation.

[@jackcochran6670]

You've literally made me so much more chill in relation to the electric side of my self build. Cheers dude!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Im so glad Jack. It is why we make the videos. Leigh

[@donner101]

@@CombeValleyCampers I have bought a van with a leisure battery connected via relay to the van battery alternator etc. Its is also connected to a 1000w inverter. The leisure battery is located under the passenger seat. If I want to charge it from the mains can I just put my ac charger clips onto the pos and neg while the battery is still connected to the van battery set up or do I have to disconnect the terminals. Also can I use the leisure battery for lights and other 12v stuff etc when it is still charging via the mains. Thanks

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Donner. Yes you can connect the clips for a temporary set up, however if the charger will be living in the van I would for a permanent termination for the leads on the battery terminals. Yes you can use the battery as normal whilst being charged via mains. Hope that helps, Leigh

[@bardothodol4472]

Saving money for this! Looks easy!

[@sammm7ykjbkjbkjbkjb403]

This is the best explanation I could find. Thanks. Doing it on my boat.

[@daisyclelland9492]

I've just bought a new van and this video is so helpful! Thank you!

[@lindadouglas5972]

This is by far the best video I've listened to so far for a complete beginner like me to understand, I shall be following your videos throughout this process, Thank you

[@stephenross1581]

Love these tutorials, well explained in simple and easy to grasp ❤

[@Madders23]

You are a diamond. I want to go round Europe in a motor home but not knowing how the electrics work has me scared but I love how you make it so clear, for us laymen. Thank you soooo much. Keep doing these videos and I’ll keep saving them for when I need them x

[@KerstieForsyth]

Novice campervan owner of already converted camper…so your video is super helpful!

[@itslloyd123]

Man this video is perfect, great visual with the parts laid on. Just bought a 2002 chevy express and it has solar charging only so upgrading the system with this! Super informative, thank you.

[@baggsofadventures2838]

Probably the best video I’ve seen on KZbin well explained for the for the everyday man 👍

[@CamperVanya]

I'm not fitting one but am in the market for a camper and wanted to understand the split charging system. This video did the job. Thanks!

[@Moz2407]

Just starting my journey in converting my Skoda Yeti into a mini camper and was clueless about how I would get myself a leisure battery installed. This video has really helped simplified the whole process. Thank you

[@jamescampbell379]

Doing the same with a Fabia estate. Just created the sleeping area and was looking for a way to set up a leisure battery.

[@UnrestrictedIsle]

Simply put - Thankyou! Currently trying to figure out what system is in my ambulance - it’s not closing the circuit to charge the leisure battery. Now I understand what should be happening 😁

[@hisclarkyness]

Well, that was time well spent. Appreciated and subscribed. Now to learn how best to monitor each battery's voltage and display in a Defender.

[@stuartmills299]

What a bloody great video....made it easy!!

[@LuluH-dq7jv]

OMG, thank you! I'm completely new to all this and the electrics make me really nervous!! Lol but you make it so much clearer. Thanks for doing videos for ultra beginners 👍😁

[@Rich-ls5mm]

Thanks! This will help me to get to this stage and feel like i could get the leisure battery set up. Could you please now explain how you then would wire parts in for e.g little led spotlights, plugs, usb ports As i don't know how you would then connect these parts to the leisure battery?

[@khiggins7231]

Turns out you are a good teacher as well👍

[@jabbadal1507]

Brilliant. Thank you for this. Clear simple explanation without being patronising and exactly what I needed! Will check out your videos now. Thanks! 🤗😊

[@richardharris2162]

I'm at the very start of my T5 conversion journey. Your videos are REALLY helping me! Sometimes we need things explaining in very basic terms! I'd love to see a video on how to fabric cover (not carpet) ceiling and side panels. I've got the most amazing 1970's fabric and plan on using that in place of auto carpet for my camper ceiling - Think *really* groovy!

[@krismalde7994]

Excellent video. I don't have a campervan but looking to get power into the back of a Suzuki Supercarry for surveillance equipment. Very informative, thanks

[@bdeithrick]

Wanted to know for so long. Being an electrician. My brain superseded it’s simplicity.

[@jonathantaylor6125]

You are an absolute master at explaining in a simple and informative fashion the workings of this. Electrics is what is holding me back from camper conversion. You have explained everything so well. I now hope you make a video showing how you connect the various electric appliances to the leisure battery. I am already liked and subscribed. But thank you for taking the time to post this video. Also, is there any book/links or advice in terms of the training you underwent for electric installation that I would find useful? Kind regards John

[@huckleberryfinn9675]

Absolutely the best explanation I've seen and kept it very simple at that ,awesome job THANK YOU

[@colewallace2970]

Great vid thanks. Have you managed to do a video on the 2nd option? Just to be able to charge it off mains/from at home without vehicle battery/ split system

[@claredougan8481]

Thank you so much, your explanation makes total sense and I’m confident enough to have a go at fitting this myself now!

[@andyhart9238]

hi just started watching your channel after deciding to convert a ford transit custom, I'm going to get as much info as possible and collect a lot of the materials before hand but one thing that im still a little confused about is the smart battery 2 battery and how that links in with the rest of the wiring for everything else, would really appreciate an explanation or clip on how this is achieved. have to say your videos are spot on and have given me much more confidence to do my own van knowing I can just pick up my laptop and have a look at how its done, cheers great job.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

We shall cover smart battery chargers in a future channel. Thanks for watching :)

[@susanlewis5340]

Thanks guys just aimed at my level. Excellent

[@valbristowe2222]

Very good at explaining, and straight to the point.Thank you.

[@davidtunnicliff5442]

well, I have just watched about 15 of your videos and I have to say 'well done' . Easy to follow and you talk nice and slowly. Im still looking for a van, hopefully in next month or two I shall find something suitable to start to convert. Thanks again.

[@julessenior924]

Thank you! Do you do a video to cover setting up lights / connections from this leisure battery set up?

[@colauty2598]

Simple and informative, doing the table with batt's on display is easy to follow, oh and thanks for not using 12 words when 3 will do, so not boring and not fed up listening, well done fella 😉

[@patrickpirelli7897]

I fitted a manual split charger where i flick the switch when i want it to charge and run it through a big fuse, works great

[@paulfallon181]

That explains how its done easily. Gonna do this myself now 😊

[@peterbiggadike8068]

You’re doing a great job with these videos. Well done. They’re all really informative, simple to follow and quite inspiring! I’d like to see a full wiring vid if possible. How do I fit the split charge to a T5. How does the 240v plug in work, how do I add solar , how does it switch between the three, how do I wire the roof lights before I put the roof lining up, And also, do I fit the electrics before I carpet the back? That should keep you busy. I think they call this being a victim of your own success? Keep up the good work!!!!

[@CaffeineJogger]

why is there no replies to your questions Peter?

[@rebeccahare897]

240v needs some sort of charging system (i.e. battery charger). Some battery chargers come with reverse polarity protection, some do not. Check your charger specs, it should say whether it needs to be electrically isolated or not - if it doesn't say, it probably needs isolating. I'm not an expert on solar but I should expect that the controllers are similar to 240v battery chargers in that some will need isolating and others won't - check the specs! The charging system providing the highest voltage will win - though this might not be the charging system with the greatest current - the thing that actually charges batteries. Depends what roof lights you want but it is generally best to fit the wiring first (1st fix) then put the lining up and then attach the lights (2nd fix). It is advisable to run cables through some sort of trunking as this protects the cables, allows them greater heat dissipation (not going to go into why that's important here, just know it is - and that it is a legal requirement), and is easier to fix when (yes, when) something goes wrong or you'd like to upgrade or alter the wiring. Similar things can be said for gas and water pipes too. If the lights are 12v, you only need a positive (red) lead (with a suitable fuse!) connected to the positive battery terminal (or distribution unit) which can then go into a switch and then to the lamps. The negative (black) leads just need terminating and connecting to ground (van chassis). Anything I missed?

[@rebeccahare897]

@@CaffeineJogger Because I only just got here! It's not even my video...

[@allisonreynard7930]

Thank you for explaining that so well, I’m sure I can do this for myself now instead of taking my T2 to the garage yay 🙌

[@romeowhiskey1146]

Great explanation that EVERYBODY can understand.

[@derekfromtauranga6012]

Very informative and simple. Should you still incorporate a kill switch in the circuit and where would you fit it?

[@emmaess9958]

Fantastic, thanks so much. Ive seen several similar videos but this is hands-down the best.

[@MAD_DOG-MUDHOUND]

Best video so easy and not made complicated

[@DonaldTrumpton]

I have a split charge setup from the days of caravan towing, also a permanent 12volt supply for caravan lights. I intend to use the circuit through the relay to charge the leisure battery. Is this in order. I also have a 90 amp alternator.

[@redyellowpink01]

This is a great video. I've been trying to get my head around electrics for ages. For me this is missing 2 crucial pieces of information: fuses (where, what rating...); how to wire stuff to the leisure battery so you can actually use it

[@rebeccahare897]

Fuses - one fuse should be on the primary battery positive lead, one should be on the second battery positive lead. Fuses always go on positive leads, otherwise shorts to ground may bypass them. Good practice also states that it should be as close to the power supply as reasonably possible, as the lead leading to the fuse always has a potential difference and any short to ground along that wire is not protected. As for wiring to a battery, connect the positive lead to the positive terminal and the negative lead to the negative terminal or to the chassis (ensuring a good electrical connection)

[@RuthDerrow]

Thank you! Thank you! makes it much easier the way you discuss it

[@angelairvine4526]

Thanks so much for this. It was really well explained. You had me at one point thinking I might even be able to do this on my own!!!

[@Irelephant]

Thank you so much for making these videos, they are really inspiring. Keep up the great work!

[@alanwootten4942]

Hi thanks for the clear description of the split charge relay system. My camper has a leisure battery which I presume is topped up from the alternator, still looking for the relay or split charge relay!! Question: ( hopefully not a daft one!!) I am putting a solar panel onto my camper for the leisure battery. Do I need to disconnect from the engine battery to charge from the solar or can both sources be used? If so have you got a video showing how this is done please!! Cheers in advance.

[@TheSailorboy74]

Thanks for making it straight forward. now ill get my relay.

[@muukadventures3629]

Simplest and best explanation I’ve heard to date 👏👏👏

[@jeanette6510]

Thank you SO much for this video. I wish you had been my physics teacher 40 years ago!! I finally understand. One request, in the Q&A videos, is it possible to name what you are covering in the title please? I'm a total beginner and get a bit overwhelmed. Thanks

[@TheGazmondo]

Bloody brilliant explanation !!

[@Naksinandi]

Great video, very informative and easy to understand, thank you! Just a question , if i install a 2nd leisure i need to eire them paralel no extra relay or fuse needed between the two? Thank you.

[@allisonreynard7930]

Thanks for the very explanatory guide can you send a link to where I can get the split charge kit from please 🤘🏻

[@Nicos89]

Great video, excellent teaching material, very easy to follow.

[@haroldhirhalin1493]

Will this system charge two auxiliary batteries that are hooked in parallel please reply love your videos they’re simple into the point

[@dougiereid4493]

I probably know the answer but just to confirm please...it’s possible to have all three methods going to one leisure battery yeah. So, split charger whilst travelling, plug in charger when home/camping, solar on the roof working when sunny 👍. Superb videos, looking to buy & concert my first van soon

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Dougie, yes it is. As long as its wired up correctly and safely.

[@iannicholls2343]

Just watched split charger video, thanks for explaining the system . I do have a question.,when Red light is on what stage is it at ,if that makes sense regards lan

[@zolmajor]

Hi. Thanks for this vid. I want to find out is there a way to have solar charge as well as split charge. I am new to this, just planning to convert a van to a camper. Thanks

[@jackwarren1989]

Hiya, thankyou for the video. What amp fuses do you need or does the kit come with them? Also will the relay shut off when the lesiure battery is fully changed? Thanks.

[@CaffeineJogger]

Hei Matey, I second Peter Biggadike. This would be sensational . Thanks.

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Thanks. I'm working on a split-charge for my minivan

[@trevorthet5]

What a brilliant video! Thank you :-)

[@markstephens3510]

Great video guys. I’ve seen people add another fuse from the split charger to the positive terminal on the leisure battery. Is this necessary as I only thought you needed one from the main battery to the split charger relay

[@barricksman]

very informative. I had a problem with a split charge relay and a solar panel when the sun cam up and the engine battery charged, there are two leisure batteries the split charge relay would open, and click, the leisure batteries would draw charge bringing the engine battery voltage back and the split charge relay would close. it was an ongoing clicking motion that forced me to get up and leave the van or start the engine. should the solar panel only be for the leisure batteries or both the leisure batteries and engine battery?

[@ThatsWasson]

if I added this exact setup to my van, but wanted to add additional charge via a mains plug in when parked, where does that come into the setup? thanks, great vid

[@onroutetonowhere]

Hey thanks for your vid! Does this all still apply with lithium ion batteries?? Thanks!

[@ronzomass]

Enjoying all your video's and the very clear comments, guides and demonstrations. Great work as ever

[@milanstefanovic3854]

Very good explanation. Especially with open and closed relay contacts. Funny, but, very informative. Thanks.

[@1Grogey]

Hi Great video. What amperage rating is the cable in the kit you demonstrated?

[@robertlange5346]

Spectacular introduction... thanks!

[@leeevans1914]

Thanks for this it is really helpful, I have an issue with my LB not charging, all is fine on hook up but as soon as I switch off I loose power to fridge etc, I have a question I think you can answer... how does hook up work? when on hook up does this just supply power via the the LB or is it also charging the LB, for example if I have been on Hook up for 24 hours should this have charged the LB in the same way the van main battery does? Great video, thanks for the back to basics explanation it really does help...

[@kayone8571]

4:47 I’ve subscribed I’ve got exactly that set up but question. Is I have another two battery’s so that’s 3 in boot will I need another split charge for leasure battery’s in boot

[@LA-Creative]

Such a great video! This makes me wonder, is there a way to use split relay in a solar only charge setup where once your panels are at full voltage you cam charge a secondary battery? I have a small, portable (for tent camping) Renogy 10A controller + power bank. When not camping, I set it up in my home office window and charge all my devices from it. I’m don’t come close to draining it but I’m thinking it would be nice to capture the excess power from it to a bigger battery (either attached to my tent camer solar bank or attached to an identical set up I have in my suv). Do you have any videos on secondary / leisure batteries charged by solar?

[@grahamfrear9270]

Thank you I'm sure you've helped a lot of other people two complicated for me thank you anyway

[@NickDunne-xl7ck]

Once I’ve connected the leisure battery do you have a video of how I then can wire plugs to it

[@bostedsprocket6708]

great video, i just bought a t4 and feel like a rabbit in the head lights when it comes to the conversion but i want to do it myself and im trying to learn as much as i can so thank you for this.

[@martinahardaker8739]

If you have a smart alternator would you need a dc to dc 12v 30a charger?

[@samfletcher222]

hi regarding terminals how do you connect the extra wires to the existing wires on the car ive a peugeot tepee iff that helps thanks sam

[@garger22]

Hi. Thanks for the vid, I'm looking for an answer if it's necessary to disconnect split relay from leisure battery if I decide to charge leisure battery using mains just to charge at home or campsite. I already have switched spur fitted to disconnect all 12v circuits with just one switch so I can leave battery terminals connected to the battery but I'm not sure how about split relay - can I also keep it connected as it won't be passing any current the other way or I need to disconnect it prior to charging from mains. If you could let me know I would really appreciate it.

[@amooxo7466]

Hi - I've just seen this video and like others have said, it's brilliant how you've brought things back down to basics. Question - If you have this split-charge system connected to your leisure battery, can you also have an inverter and charge the leisure battery from the EHU? If so should there be x2 leads on the live and negative connections of the leisure battery (one each from both systems) or is that all sorted/ hidden behind my panelling. We have a 1994 T4 high top VW camper

[@bellecasa9748]

Finally a simplified explanation of how this works.

[@Goffic]

Is it the case then that the 12v connection to a 3-way fridge comes off of the split-charge relay?

[@Diaryplan]

Brilliant video. Makes it clear. Thank you

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thanks for the feedback

[@user-charlieccchong]

Excellent presentation

[@peacebeuntoyou8934]

Hi, would this setup work, or would be suitable, for charging power tool batteries in a small work van? Thanks.

[@captango]

I have the mvm charger installed but I don't think it's working as the little red light don't come on. Do I need a charger relay fitted as well.

[@HelenBradley]

Thanks for this! I keep hearing people talking about spirit charge relays and I’ve just gotten no freaking clue as to what they’re talking about. Any chance you can cover DC to DC chargers at some stage? Cheers!

[@Window-cleaning-london]

Hi just got my one fitted ans when the van is off the red light is staying on how do I fix this problem

[@yousseff7308]

Excellent video... In my van I have the old 13am relay connected to the main battery charging the leisure one,would you recommend to replace it with the new one ? Thanks very much

[@glenhall7776]

Hi, I have a split charger the same type as what's on the video, can I also hard wire a smart 240v battery charger to the leasure battery at the same time without damaging the split charger. Thanks Ben

[@sayton131985]

If I want to remove the leisure battery. What would be the best way to disconnect it? I was thinking of using an isolator switch before the VSR?

[@vincentchu48]

So if I want to install the battery charge for my leisure battery I would need to unplug the relay that’s on the circuit board in my van?

[@mikerogers2319]

Hey great video! I have a '93 VW T4 Westfalia with a factory leisure battery system. Can you or anyone tell me where the VSR is actually located on the vehicle?

[@greyrider7507]

Wow, Great info. Can we use a power point to connect the two batteries together? I am worried about over powering the points wiring. If that is an issue can we hook a trickle charger between the split charger and the battery and if so will that work? Thanks

[@koalafan1576]

So to dumb it down, the negative on the relay goes to the negative on the Aux battery? The ground on the relay also goes to the negative on the 2nd battery as well as the chassis connected with a wire also from the negative on the battery? Can I put a 12v on/off switch between the vehicle battery and the relay for extended periods of time when I won’t be using the aux system?

[@in-the-vanpeter5157]

Solar please I don’t use fixed panels because of the following, they are redundant when travelling cause the split charger, on the roof they get dirty and the angles are wrong for optimum charge so I find portable ones in the screen when parked or facing the sun when at the van. I get a better charge quicker but am limited to 100w what’s the best ones to get to improve my system? Thank you 😊

[@derekbrown7848]

I have 2 fixed panels on the roof and more than enough power even with the not so good angles and they were a fraction of the price of separate portable ones which are not so secure (ie someone can just pick them up and walk off with them). Up to 600w and less than £200. Not had a problem with getting dirty.

[@izma4322]

Hey mate, that was an awesome video tutorial!!! I just want to ask, if my split relay does have a led light, how do I know it’s charging? Any way I can test it while the engine is on ? Thanks ! !

[@romakayak]

Can the leasure battery have the return direct to the neutral on the main battery? It's for my steel hull boat and I can't have current going through the steel because it will course electrolysis.