HOW TO WIRE UP A SPLIT CHARGE RELAY, VSR VOLTAGE SENSITIVE RELAY IN YOUR SELF BUILD CAMPER VAN

IN THIS VANLIFE VIDEO WE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO WIRE UP A SPLIT CHAREG RELAY KIT TO INSTALL IT INTO YUR SELF BUILD CAMPER VAN. WE WILL ALSO EXPLAIN IF A SPLIT CHARGE RELAY IS THE CORRECT CHARGING UNIT FOR YOUR CAMPER VAN.
A split charge relay is a unit that will allow you to charge your camper van leisure battery from your alternator while you drive. Using a split charge relay you will be able to top up your leisure batteries every time you turn the key.
A split charge relay is a great charging option for your camper van and is relatively easy to install. We would always encourage to add solar as well a s a split charge relay as they both have their uses. A split charge relay will give you power between park ups and when there is no sun, where as a solar set up will give you power when the van is stationary, providing the sun is shining.
Thank you for watching this video on how to wire up a split charge relay kit. If you have any questions are you’re stuck on a part of your build we haven’t covered then please drop us a comment and we would love to help.
Follow us on TikTok
vm.tiktok.com/ZMdcvhFwC/
Our Facebook page link is below
simplycampervanconversions/
Our Raptor Paint Group link is below
groups/1767391910109260/
Join our community page to chat and share your vans and adventures.
groups/645621446281167/?ref=share_group_link
Buy Stearmans on Tour Merch at out Etsy Store
etsy.me/2XJpc2P
Subscribe to our van build channel here
kzbin.info/door/49Wu_vONkraUX0nIiIBZiQ

[@beemawootton7947]

NO one mentions the size of the fuses added in line.. Could you let viewers know the size??? Many thanks Roger

[@darrentaff8374]

Nicely done now I understand how it works . I'm converting my Mk6 so older van . Low miles tho lol not smart alternator. Plenty of us on a low budget but want to be confident with the electrics . Thanks

[@simplycampervanconversions]

If you’re struggling with anything give me a shout. If I can I’d happily make a video. Mk6s have a brilliant engine. Just keep on top of rust maintenance and she will be good for years.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

is there something like this where i can charge from the alternator when i'm driving, and from solar when not driving? i was thinking a 5 pin relay would be what i need, with the switch being activated by an ignition wire.

[@simplycampervanconversions]

No need just connect both this and your solar controller to your battery. They will charge simultaneously no problem.

[@user-mj4xp7wi3p]

can this go direct after a battery so pos to pos with the realy in the middle.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

That is it. The relay is to connect main battery positive to leisure battery positive only when the engine is running (Charging). Negative goes to the bodywork.

[@vincentsconcertina]

Hi thanks for this. I have cargo split charge relay on my vwT5 . When charging the leisure battery from a hard wired 5 amp Optimate, ( which I’m using as a temporary charger) all is fine for a while them the relay starts chattering open/closed rapidly as leisure battery voltage reaches 12.8 volts.. and it just keeps on doing that. Is that normal.. will it damage the relay? Would fitting a Victron 15 amp charger solve the issue do you think.. or would you suspect another issue. Have checked the whole system through and leisure battery charging well from alternator.( 14.3 V) Thanks

[@simplycampervanconversions]

So the relay is set to close the circuit and allow power through at a certain voltage, they vary slightly it sounds like yours is 12.8v. This will work from both sides so if your leisure battery reaches the set voltage it will close the circuit and engage the relay. Mine does it when it’s sunny and my solar takes the leisure battery over 13.2v. It does seem strange however that it goes on and off as your charger should be putting on the same voltage all the time.

[@vincentsconcertina]

Thanks.. yes I’d have expected it perhaps to open/close maybe a few times when the voltage first reaches 12.8 and the relay closes.. but the chattering is a mystery.. I replaced the relay when I first noticed the problem.. so it’s a new relay. Perhaps replace the charger is the next step as I’ve checked all connections, earths etc. Thanks very much anyway.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

My friends chatters like that, the whole kit is overkill. You don't need such thick cable - look at the cable from the alternator!

[@ewanbaxter9199]

@@vincentsconcertina Late reply but this is the whole point of my posting - they do chatter so a waste of money.

[@vincentsconcertina]

Actually it turned out that the problem was not the relay, but the charger.. insufficient amperage. Installed VictronConnect ip65 15amp charger.. problem solved. But thanks for responding.

[@JouniKyyronen-nv1ep]

so it allways charges starter battery even it is full and drain water

[@ewanbaxter9199]

The alternator has a charge control built in so shuts off any charge when the battery is full - this is why there is surplus charge to use on a second battery.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

THESE KITS ARE A BIG CON, TOTALLY OVER ENGINEERED AND THEY CAN CHATTER WHEN THE LEISURE BATTERY NEARLY FULLY CHARGED. You could just use a standard 30 amp (Headlight) relay, connected as in my video 4 years ago. There is NO NEED for the heavy duty wires, check out the alternator wires, they are not that thick, you are only charging the battery, not starting the vehicle. I used standard 13 amp 240 volt extension lead cable for 4 years with no problems.

[@user-mj4xp7wi3p]

Im looking for something just to wire onto the starter battery then to a spare battery, by passing any alternator. my battery in the foot well had hoped just connect it directly to battery....would this work.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

@@user-mj4xp7wi3p Not really because both batteries are connected together this way - that means when you drain the spare battery you are also draining the main battery. You need the main battery fully charged to crank the engine. Also the cable used to connect both batteries would have to be heavy duty to cope with the high amperage used when cranking the engine.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

UPDATE. I have now replaced two of these Voltage Sensitive Relays with standard 30amp relays due to the VSR chattering, so annoying.

[@user-mj4xp7wi3p]

@@ewanbaxter9199 Couldnt you have a cut of red swutch for once the battery is full from driving.

[@ewanbaxter9199]

@@user-mj4xp7wi3p Hello, yes you could but it is supposed to be automatic - so if having to fit a manual switch you wouldn't need the relay at all.