DEBATE: Can LB be charged using 240v charger working off SB

[Alison01326]

It's taking a while, Kirsty, but I'm getting the hang of Mike's hypothetical situations to get the experts out of their labs

On a more serious note, folks, while we all debate about the degrees of success, and the amount of charge going to the LB, from various sources; as many of us have Willinton kits, I wonder whether it would be worth contacting Martin who makes said kits and asking for his opinion on the discussion of how "well" the leisure battery charges with his particular kit.

Just a thought - and this is an interesting topic, I just keep getting lost. I do know, however, that like Shaun E my LB can't manage from Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime with the compressor cooler and the heater both being used (the latter being on and off, mostly off, of course).

[maxi_77]

It's taking a while, Kirsty, but I'm getting the hang of Mike's hypothetical situations to get the experts out of their labs

On a more serious note, folks, while we all debate about the degrees of success, and the amount of charge going to the LB, from various sources; as many of us have Willinton kits, I wonder whether it would be worth contacting Martin who makes said kits and asking for his opinion on the discussion of how "well" the leisure battery charges with his particular kit.

Just a thought - and this is an interesting topic, I just keep getting lost. I do know, however, that like Shaun E my LB can't manage from Friday afternoon to Sunday lunchtime with the compressor cooler and the heater both being used (the latter being on and off, mostly off, of course).

The Willington kit smart though it is, is as far as I am aware just a smart switch and in no way alters the charging ability of the alternator and it,s regulator, which are compared to smart chargers two short planks. As a general rule automotive alternator controllers are very poor at getting charge into a battery, but quite good at ensuring you do not boil away all the electrolite.

There are available devices which overide the alternator controller and give you the benefits of a smart charger whilst on the move. Whether these are suitable for Bongo alternators I do not know.

[mikeonb4c]

It's taking a while, Kirsty, but I'm getting the hang of Mike's hypothetical situations to get the experts out of their labs

Curses, I've been rumbled. Actually I'm glad and I wish more people would rumble me as it would save so many oh so clever but off the mark replies

This particular hypothetical one may become a practical reality for me though if/when I end up living somewhere where I can't park up and charge. Solar panels seem to be the likely solution I think.

[Jaws]

Solar is definitely the way to go IMHO although it is still rather pricey.

To fully charge the LB you need (1) a voltage higher than that usually produced by the alternator and (2) a means of regulating this to suit the battery being charged and the state of charge.

Get a solar panel and suitable control unit and voila I fitted a 70w semi flexible panel (output about 20v) at the rear of the AFT linked via a controller to the Zig CF9. This keeps everything nicely charged including the SB via a two way VSR. Several days camping with the fridge running is no problem but park up facing North for best results

Solar panel controllers are designed to charge batteries as standard. And the energy is free. Of course if you keep the vehicle in a garage when not in use it's less effective...

Interesting post Jaws. What did your setup cost and do you have a link(s) to where to buy the stuff? I was particularly interested in you mentioning semi-flexible - is this a consideration if fitting to a car (Bongo) roof and if so, why?

Hi. Sorry for the delayed reply. Semi flexible panels are preferable because the AFT roof is slightly curved and a rigid panel would be at risk of cracking. Also rigid panels are generally mounted in a protective aluminium frame about 30-40cm deep. Mounting this on the roof would (a) be noisy on the move and (b) risk being scraped off in a multi story car park, not to mention vibration damage etc . Semi fexible panels are only 3-4mm thick (excluding connectors). There are quite a few available as they are popular with the yachting fraternity: Ellen McArthur's boat was plastered in them for her round the world trip. Once bonded down they can even be walked on and are pretty much impossible to steal.

Which is just as well when you consider the price I used a GB Sol 70w panel about 2ft X 2ft in size, linked to a Steca 6amp controller. I don't have a link to the store I bought from but a couple of links provided below for interest. This cost just about £500. Pricey, like I said. There again the panels are expected to last 20 years plus. The cost can be brought down using less powerful panels but I chose this one assuming it would be only around 50% efficient in UK summer weather but still provide useful power.

Rigid panels are less expensive and a lower powered version similarly: one to fit in the sky light opening is an alterative to consider perhaps?

Hope that helps.

http://www.gb-sol.co.uk/images/products ... exi-70.pdf
http://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/khxc/gbu ... ECA10.html