HOW TO PROFESSIONALLY FIT A SPLIT CHARGE RELAY KIT TO YOUR CAMPER. ( tips, tricks, & hacks)

In this comprehensive guide, we show you how to professionally install a split charge wiring loom into a VW T5/T6 camper van.
We explain how to route wiring, how to safely connect to the battery and what tools to use!
BUY THE PRODUCTS AND TOOLS USED IN THIS VIDEO HERE: www.combevalleycampers.co.uk/...
COMBE VALLEY CAMPERS MERCHANDISE: www.combevalleycampers.co.uk/...
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The van in this episode is a long-wheelbase VW T5 transporter but the methods used can be applied to any vehicle/motor caravan.
The video is not sponsored or endorsed Rayne Automotive, we just love their products and wanted to share them with you.
Rayne Automotive offer a range of designs to suit your budget and needs, and you can find a link to thier website on our products page.
Feel free to ask any questions down below and don't forget to give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel!
To see more of our projects and services, please visit
WEB: www.combevalleycampers.com
FACEBOOK: / combevalleycampers
INSTAGRAM: / combe_valley_campers
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Combe Valley Campers Ltd assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Combe Valley Campers Ltd recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Combe Valley Campers.

[@SuperLewis05]

Fantastic. You're the only person I found on KZbin that showed me in clear terns how to find an earthing point. I had thought the side of the van but wasn't 100%. So found continuity on it and happy days 😁. Thanks

[@colin7919]

I'm an avid KZbin watcher and lets face it, there is some really great videos on the web, but also, there are lots of useless ones as well. These videos made by Combe Valley are all excellent. Well filmed, well explained and very informative. Thank you so much.

[@davidburns5027]

Fitted my split charge kit this morning exactly as you showed in your video - all went perfectly, not in the least bit scary or stressful. Thank you!

[@geezus1201]

You are the first person to use dirty tools and I'm very proud of you for that. Most videos the tools look brand new with no marks or dirt on them. Great video and I just became a subscriber

[@tarquinfintim5910]

Great video. Just on the point about your spanner arcing to the car body ... always disconnect the negative first and this will never be a problem.

[@alunowen9288]

I really can't get over how good these video's are, I'm learning so much !!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Alun I have only just found Lee and your right his videos are top notch. So much so I will get rid of the others I have book marked,

[@tommydargydarg1775]

Great video, thank you. PS thr “star” shaped tools are called torx 😉

[@lifegpt]

Lee your videos are spot on am just onto sorting out a t4 for summer n all your vids are just what am after. spot on, clear, straitfoward👍👍👍👍👍😎

[@tomo1312]

Cheers Lee 👍🏼 I’ve already started converting my T5.1 after watching your videos 🚐#vanlife

[@redlightbulb]

Thanks lads, I just brought one of these to do.

[@nickpmoody]

Loved the trick about removing the Plenum cover :-) My T6 Caravelle has a sunroof and discovered the grommet was used as the sun roof drain. There is another 20mm grommet on the passenger side just above the wheel arch.

[@robwainwright5387]

Thanks, very interesting. Just one comment, I was taught as a earth moving plant mechanic to always disconnect the negative terminal first. The plant we work on is mostly 24 volt. If you accidentally touch the tool from the positive you're in for a serious burn. Therefore it is safest to first disconnect the negative terminal. Sorry, not criticizing just trying to be of help.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Agreed, I lost my head a little during filming!

[@KT.459]

Great install video, very informative, also very nice hats, love the logo design in burgundy looks very smart 👍

[@richardfearn2723]

Great video very professional

[@oliverpocket1540]

Great video, it has really helped me to do mine! Please do a video showing how you’d advise to mount a battery under the drivers seat!

[@kes5755]

Excellent video thanks for putting such high quality content out there. Just a quick question: if you could remove the passenger seats where would you have run the cable?

[@seanhood980]

Really good explainer. I bought this kit years ago, it was shocking (heh) quality, same for the fuse box. BlueSea systems fusebox that I did get is great. Battery terminal clamps are really cheap and nasty too. In any future vans I'll likely just buy the cable on it's own. Only good bit was the VSR. Another thing I'd like do is take the positive feed from the van's fuse (Fuse holder A) under the battery. Looked to be a few spare ways, takes 100A+ fuses and keeps the extra cable out of the way.

[@garystewart6093]

Honest and useful.

[@lordfingerdirt844]

Great video ✌️👏👏

[@cwoollett100]

Loving your videos. I want to fit the battery under drivers seat in my T5 but not sure how’s best to do it, are you planning a video on that at all?

[@dronecapture8791]

Flipping brilliant 👌

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

Thank you. First video of how to for split charger. Wish the lighting was better especially when attaching to both batteries

[@melfimoo]

Brilliant videos! I managed the upgrade my T3 head lights thanks to your tutorial video. I am struggling a bit with my 12 volt circuits. Can you do a video explaining how to wire 2 eisure batteries up and add a volt meter?! Thanks 👍

[@andyjohnson6161]

When sealing wiring grommets I find a glue gun is great when using flexible glue sticks plus it's neat and fast

[@bensmith4838]

Really informative and helpful, thank yiu. How would this system work with a vehicle that has two batteries?

[@James-uw8cm]

Your videos are ace and will defo help me with my conversion. I’d still probably bring it to you for the electrics though 😅 Got to have the pros sort that one for me.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thanks :)

[@lisamoran7846]

I love your videos!!! thank you so much!! however when I follow the link for the Split relay Rayne Automotives say this item is no longer available, so are there any more recommendations or product? many thanks

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I am looking for more information on multiple power sources in combination (this plus solar plus shore), on batteries in parallel, and something a little more comprehensive about power distribution than just the simple LED lights. I checked for, and did not find, a relevant playlist. Thanks for your videos so far.

[@Errol1972]

Awesome videos. Looking at adding solar panel, antenna, wifi so I can work remotely. Any tips etc. would be awesome.

[@urbanarkoverland]

Hi mate. Is the older sprinter 16 plate, a smart alternator do you know. Was looking at a sterling b2b. But pricey and in fact.... would it harmful to use something like that if it isn’t a smart alternator. Thanks

[@keeprollingcyclingservices9916]

Hi, a really useful video. can you please supply the details from where the wiring kit was purchased. Cheers

[@seamusmcnally577]

One thing I haven't got my head around is wiring the neutral circuit in 12 volt system, both leisure battery from main battery, and circuits within the van.

[@keezy10]

Hi, Great vid! Helped me a lot! If my leisure battery is fully charged but when driving the voltage sense relay still kicks in, is this a problem for overcharging and should I disconnect the leisure battery? Or is this normal? Thanks mate

[@giovannidangelo8344]

Great video ! I have a couple of questions :) where could I buy this kit, in the link is not longer available. How can I connect a fridge to the second battery? thanks !

[@monkeybusiness1559]

Smashing

[@brokenrat2176]

Sure you know your job, but it is safer to remove the earth from the battery 1st, then remove the live. Dodgy practice to leave the earth connected.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thank you for highlighting this. You are correct

[@brokenrat2176]

@@CombeValleyCampers I didn't want to disrespect your efforts, and your vids are really informative. Just don't want any one to accidentally earth out that live terminal with a screwdriver or something. Had a mate short his wedding ring on one, can you imagine? Great work sir.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thank you sir. I appreciate it.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@CombeValleyCampers I would have thought you only need remove the earth. If you remove the earth, there is no risk of shorts from mishandled tools, once it's disconnected there is no longer any risk of shorts.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@brokenrat2176 I have head of that happening. Your mate should not have been wearing that (or any) ring, or any metal object capable of receiving 12V such as a gold chain around the neck.

[@hukchone4521]

Hi , thank you so much. What will happen if i connect directly into my leisure battery + to my car main battery + to charge my leisure battery. I'm thinking of putting manual cut off switch to control charging while driving and using leisure alone while camping. Please kindly teach me.

[@hrve]

When mounting the battery under either passenger or driver's seat, where do you put the split charge relay switch and the fuse panel... Do you simply mount those to say the seat base? Thanks

[@scopex2749]

HAHAHA I have a nice wet driveway AND im fitting my batteries under the van - this will be great fun! 7:35 as a qualified engineer/ electrician I ALWAYS take the earth off FIRST! I HAVE touched a spanner on the body removing live and Its NOT FUN - I'VE DONE IT!! My old dad was ex REME and he taught me - about the Earth.... REMOVE FIRST - REPLACE LAST. Just to be safe. Not trying to be 'clever' rather dont want someone to get a nasty shock 👍 CRACKING VIDEO 'GROMMIT' 🤣😂👏👏👏 Running my cables under the van in 'Copex' might be easier for me with underslung battery box.

[@amerkhafagiable]

Great video as usual, but I can't find the link for smart spltter, and what shall I use to charge my LFP leasure battery? TIA

[@williambuffalo4795]

Hi, I have noticed that my conversion does not have a fuse breaker connected under the bonnet feeding from the van battery, I have purchased a fuse breaker with 100amp fuses and lugs. Will I need to disconnect the leisure battery before disconnecting the live cable from the van battery ? There is one feeding from the split charger to the leisure battery. Your advice would be much appreciated and you videos are excellent for great advice!

[@michaelknights3232]

Hi there any advice on taking the mini bus seat rails out on a t4

[@roostaraver]

Does the t5.1 have a smart alternator ? also what's the best way to fit the leisure battery under the seat I have a shuttle with black carpet so I have electrics under the passenger seat so will need to route cable to drivers seat is the carpet a pain to remove ? And do I need to bolt battery to van under the seat and earth it to the seat frame ?

[@thomchambers6469]

Do you have a video on where to route the cable to the drivers seat whilst the seats have been removed?

[@waynegledhill228]

I know you need an inline fuse close to the positive terminal on the campervan battery... but do you need an inline fuse close to the relay as well? One inline fuse only? Or a second near the relay? thanks

[@dockersmtb]

If you want to wire the battery under the passenger seat can the wire go under the bottom of the seat and up where the other cables come through or would you put a hole in the metal work of the seat with a gromit? Also on a T5, thanks.

[@mikeb6385]

Is it OK to run the cable, within a sheath, underneath the vehicle to the rear where I intend situating the leisure battery?

[@jasewale]

Brilliant video Lee, could you please do a video on how to wire up 12v fuseboxes, lights and switches?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Yes we shall. One step at a time!

[@jasewale]

Combe Valley Campers Cheers. Would love to see an update on your T25 too dude

[@agreening3]

Can’t wait to see you guys get this vid done, will complete my van conversion

[@percy3815]

So useful thanks man! My leisure battery bank will be at the n/s rear of the van under a bench seat... can I route in from the engine bulkhead, behind the glovebox and up the a pillar?!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Yes, absolutely, there is plenty of room. However, do not disregard routing on the floor.

[@DavidJones-qb1tb]

You keep referring to earth point. A vehicle with rubber tires can't have an 'earth' it's a negative terminal. The van chassis can be used (and is used) as a negative return to the battery. You have positive and negative, no earth. Love the channel

[@conor909]

Would it be easy to connect 2 batteries up to 1 split charge? And could you give an estimate on how long one battery would last, say for example if I worked for 8 hours on a laptop. Would it last days or hours?

[@stevenwilson690]

Hi Lee Thank you for another great video,you spoke about a smart alternator.Would my VW T5 Bus (Transporter) 2009 have this fitted.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Likely not, but if you head to www.rayneautomotive.co.uk there is a blog post explaining how to test for one

[@lusean193]

Can you fit a smart relay to any van or does it have to be a newer type van

[@Edsbar]

Is there a particular reason the relay goes at the leisure battery end, can it go at the vehicle battery end?

[@nicklucas2386]

Just brought this split charge kit will it work on a smart alternator

[@wahahey]

Another helpful video with tips I've not seen elsewhere - thanks. I'm left wondering how you would have routed the cable if you had had access to the passenger seat base. Can you explain?

[@tomdaniel2957]

What size/thickness of wire do you use for a split charge relay (140 amp)?

[@HELVIS.]

hi will this also fit a ford transit custom 2015 ?

[@karlchadwick9595]

Rayne automotive or BusBoy has had many issues . Used to omit the fuse of the LB end of the SC kit and have a 1.5m run to the distribution fuse box. I removed one from a Mazda Bongo about 18 months ago, as it shorted behind the dash end panel and melted the loom back to the battery, That distribution fuse box still has no main fuse close to the battery. When will James (Busboy) learn?

[@handyandy4x4]

If you switch the negative on the relay then will it disconnects the charge when running ?

[@MarkN67]

This is a great video. Would you be interested in fitting a split charge system in my L200 truck please? I’m thinking of putting a second battery in the truck bed to power a fridge etc. also thinking of installing a solar panel on the truck canopy roof. Thank you.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Mark. Please feel free to email [e-mail] and we can provide an estimation

[@simonroberts4403]

Hi could you take the wiring across the bulkhead and through the grommet on the drivers side into the seatbox cheers Simon

[@CombeValleyCampers]

You can route the wiring in whichever or way suits best for you and your build. This is a suggested method :)

[@aaronmaloney8]

I fitted one of these and it doesn't seem to be charging my leisure battery, any ideas , 58 plate transit , thx

[@gordonluff6389]

Hi Lee, I have a 2004 Abbey Impression 500 Caravan. My Main Isolator is an ESM2004. I have always been confused as to where the Car / Van rocker switch should be positioned. I think I may have been doing it wrong all these years. We have always used sites that had electric hook up and the rocker switch has been in the central position, which was advice from many of our caravan friends who do similar. However, we have always needed to have the battery charger on to make everything work. I am just about to have a mover fitted which has brought up the whole battery question. Please can you tell me where the switch should be and if the charger should be on permanently. I seem to get mixed opinions elsewhere and am encouraged by your no-nonsense easy to understand explanations. Thanks

[@joeyallcock1011]

did you find out correct way please

[@GL-oo9kc]

IG and FB links aren't working (at least for me) Perfect timing for the video too, due to do this job in a week or two

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Thanks for the heads up. Ive edited the description now and they should be working fine :)

[@robertbowen2075]

Can I use my leisure battery to power things in the van whilst also driving and charging off an alternator? Should I turn off my van electrics whilst charging or can I charge and discharge at the same time?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

You can keep everything on with no worries. It's the same as turning your headlights on when your driving. Your alternator is charging the car battery whilst you're driving too :)

[@ZenMasterPhil]

Could this system charge an LiFePo4 battery?

[@ryankirk4257]

I don’t seem to be getting charge the power is at the cable but not charging battery. The only difference is I wired the leisure batt earth to chassis and the earth from relay to chassis as it doesn’t turn the relay on if I wire the small earth wire from relay to leisure battery. It cuts the relay in as it should but it’s not charging at all ? 😩

[@tomjoyce7302]

Hi Lee, great videos and love your style. You could not remove the seat on this van, if you could, how would you route the cable please? Thanks,

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I would have lifted the mat, and followed the factory cable route on the cab floor. I would have then brought the lead out under the driver seat

[@tomjoyce7302]

@@CombeValleyCampers Perfect, thanks Lee. As I am lifting the cab floor, are replacements available as it is pretty tired and grotty? Thanks,

[@CombeValleyCampers]

@@tomjoyce7302 yup,we have a video on the t5 replacement carpet available from heritage. Makes a world of difference and fits on top of your rubber mat

[@matthewkendall5056]

You used 100amp in line fuses between batteries and vsr. How did you figure out the amp rating for these?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

The kit came with the fuses from Rayne Automotive

[@AllanLaal]

you disconnect the negative terminal first. voila, no spark :o

[@nayyyythan]

When you disconnect the battery, if you take the negative off first, then the dangers of your spanner touching the metal of the body is less present

[@jackbennett2183]

Came to the comments just to say this 😂

[@amacmedia3221]

So if I was hooking up my solar panel to my 2 leisure batteries, and then connecting my split charge relay to both my leisure and van(transit) battery, connect up to the leisure(positive & negative), and then remove the fuse in my split charge relay before connecting to the positive and negative on my transit battery?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Ive read this three times and im still not up to speed with what you mean. Sorry @amacmedia

[@amacmedia3221]

Combe Valley Campers apologies, basically I was just double checking that you disconnect the negative then positive from the main van battery first, then remove the fuse from the split charge relay before connecting to the van battery? Then reconnect positive and negative to van battery?

[@Kedlestone09]

I may have missed the video but if you have the passengers seat removed what is the path you take from the firewall to the battery? My passenger seat is a twin seat that rotates FYI. Great videos btw, currently building mine using your guides.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

If the mat is up, and you've full access, I like to follow the route of the factory wiring as its within the troughs of the cab floor prssings

[@Kedlestone09]

@@CombeValleyCampers Thanks, sounds good. Is there also a better way of tidying the existing factory looms that used to be located in the oem twin seat base? Because I’m using a swivel base the advise was to just tuck them under the kombi cab matting, but the plugs are fairly chunky. Currently they a tucked in a dip in the flooring.

[@jaakkokorhonen]

What's that nice thick white insulation material you have in the walls?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

That is thermo fleece. Take a look at the products page at www.combevalleycampers.com and you will find it under insulation and sound deadening.

[@markbygrave9099]

Hi guys at coombe valley, i have purchased and fitted a towbar for a t5 with no electrics. Towbar brilliant. But its to transport bikes so when bikes loaded, reg of van and a tail light covered. So need electrics for a light and reg bar. Does your electrical supplier do an easy fit kit? Look forward to your response. Luv the vids.. and yes im a subscriber.

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi Mark, thanks for your comment and support. Modern Van's such as T5s and T6s have Canbus electrics system which is something I have little knowledge of but i do know that towbar electrics may affect them. Please seek the advice of a specialist towbar fitter in this case

[@markbygrave9099]

@@CombeValleyCampers ok thanx guys

[@hornet1068]

Probably a stupid question! but if i have a van with a separate leisure battery charged via a split-charge system and i inadvertantly leave something switched on that drains my vehicles battery does that also drain the leisure battery? also if the leisure battery were to remain fully charged at the expense of my vehicles battery could i utilise the power of the leisure battery to start my vehicle somehow?

[@tomjoyce7302]

The Voltage Sensor Relay(VSR) will disconnect the Vehicle and Leisure battery when the voltage from the alternator falls below about 12.8v, so neither can drain the other with the engine stopped. If you wanted to link them to boost the vehicle battery, you would need a separate circuit with a manual isolator switch to bypass the VSR which will be doing its job by keeping them seperate when one is at low charge. Hope this helps

[@888johnmac]

spooky .. i was just watching the video where you had the 2 batteries & VSR/ SCR laid out on a table

[@888johnmac]

oh, and love the MCM chopped fingers flag in background

[@CombeValleyCampers]

MCM = my inspiration

[@mikefandango2296]

Having watched a lot of your videos, you didn’t have to state that haven’t done anything else to the vehicle! I can definitely tell you didn’t do the carpet lining 😬😂

[@MyBarryboy]

I spent all afternoon installing my spliy charge system. It then didn't work. My kit is from Rayne. Everything I've done matches what your video shows. The only thing I didn't do was connect the main black earth lead to chassis or seat bolt. I thought I could check incoming charge without earthing?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Please connect the earth from the split charge, and also check the fuse from the battery feed cable

[@roostaraver]

What dimensions does the battery need to be to fit inder the single seat with a tray

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I dont have the dimensions to hand but a quick google search for t5 low height leisure battery should provide results

[@k.w.lwildlifephotography9091]

Whats a rough cost of fitting this?

[@sambutler2678]

Where can I earth my leisure battery? It’s under the drivers seat

[@FromMetayou]

Can I fit a solar panel and a split charger to charge same battery ?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Yes indeed

[@mikethompson3265]

Hi Guys. With a split charge relay what is stopping you overcharging the leisure battery?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

The voltage regulator in the vehicles alternator. It works the same when your vehicle battery is charging

[@samriley155]

How do you secure the battery under the seat?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

There are a manner of methods used. We make a steel bracket to hold it down but i believe modified seat bases are now commercially available

[@welditmick]

Ummm, why is the split charge relay not as near as possible to the starter battery? Why the use of black cable instead of red?

[@safehousewdcltd]

Where do you get your parts from I couldnt understand the name of the company

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Www.rayneautomotive.co.uk

[@robspence4283]

Is there much difference in this process with a van that has a smart alternator?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

There are slight differences and we will feature these in an up and coming video. Leigh

[@robspence4283]

@@CombeValleyCampers thanks for the reply, looking forward to the video! I've just bought a 2016 vivaro and can't wait to start the conversation. Your videos are great and delivered brilliantly 😀

[@peach5277]

Looks like the wiring kit is no longer available on the website 🤷‍♂️

[@carplineout]

Will that work for a vw t5.1

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Yes

[@gordsjackson8109]

When are the hats back in stock ?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Hi. We've been told since restrictions have been lifted there is a three week back log. Keep your eyes peeled, as soon as we have them, you will :)

[@petelattimer6808]

im pretty sure those are 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch drive ratchets, not 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4. 3/4 would be overkill for anything electrical related or removing seats etc.

[@JouniKyyronen-nv1ep]

boils starter battery water

[@ewanbaxter9199]

I don't understand with all these kits, why such a heavy duty charging cable. If you are just charging the leisure battery and NOT using it to start the engine you only need cable the same size as the vehicle manufacturer uses from the alternator to original battery, they don't use a cable this size because you don't need to.

[@skisunshine]

What do you do if it doesn’t turn off when the engine is off? 🤔

[@CombeValleyCampers]

They are a 'normally open' switch, so if they do break they break open and charge will not transfer

[@skisunshine]

@@CombeValleyCampers Literally just installed it..main battery charge dropped below 11v and the VSR was still on. hmmm What would you recommend?

[@skisunshine]

thanks for the reply btw :)

[@CombeValleyCampers]

@@skisunshine I would disconnect the unit from both batteries and check all connections are correct. It may be a faulty unit indeed. I would enquire with the company you purchased it from

[@roostaraver]

Do you not sell these kits anymore?

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Head to www.rayneautomotive.co.uk and fill out their contact form they will be very happy to assist. Leigh

[@roostaraver]

@@CombeValleyCampers thanks bud I will do that now

[@roygardiner4002]

They are TORX bits ! your viewers will get some funny looks when they ask for "star shaped thingy"

[@CombeValleyCampers]

Sometimes you just cant thinknof the right terminology! Can you tell we dont script it!

[@roygardiner4002]

Oh yes! Although the tv maxim still works - "Engage brain before operating mouth" !! Good vids though ta.

[@mcjjordan]

Torx 30

[@tonyreno2727]

Disconnect the Negative terminal first not the positive 🙄 and remove the battery…

[@johneaston1215]

Discontect negative first.never postative first.!!

[@CombeValleyCampers]

I think i know what you're trying to type sir, and yes, i agree.