One of the final modifications I wish to make to my RRC for it's trip to Morocco later this year is a second battery + split charging system.
Part of the reason for this is to preserve the 'starting' battery as much as possible, but also because we will be taking some camera gear and a fridge with us, and the roof tent also has a light in it and wiring for two cigarette-lighter socket accessories that I want to make use of. So, a couple of questions:
1. Where would I mount the second battery? I seem to remember reading that VM diesel RRC's had two batteries, if this is true where were they mounted? Boot space is limited (LPG tank) so under the bonnet is the only real option.
2. Do you buy a 'split-charging kit' off the shelf, or buy the components to make it work?
3. Mine has the serpentine belt 3.9 V8 engine in it - is it easiest to connect the two battery positives together, and then somehow wire in a switch (+ relay?) to stop the leisure battery draining the car battery when the engine is off? Or take a feed straight from the alternator?
4. Bearing in mind I have limited auto-electrical knowledge and experience, is this something I can DIY or a professional job?
5. Lastly, I need to have a power outlet coming out towards the rear/roof of the car - I was thinking through the soft plastic rear pillar covering rather than bodywork, is this a good idea? Need to run wires for the roof tent and a CB aerial.
Cheers all!
Part of the reason for this is to preserve the 'starting' battery as much as possible, but also because we will be taking some camera gear and a fridge with us, and the roof tent also has a light in it and wiring for two cigarette-lighter socket accessories that I want to make use of. So, a couple of questions:
1. Where would I mount the second battery? I seem to remember reading that VM diesel RRC's had two batteries, if this is true where were they mounted? Boot space is limited (LPG tank) so under the bonnet is the only real option.
2. Do you buy a 'split-charging kit' off the shelf, or buy the components to make it work?
3. Mine has the serpentine belt 3.9 V8 engine in it - is it easiest to connect the two battery positives together, and then somehow wire in a switch (+ relay?) to stop the leisure battery draining the car battery when the engine is off? Or take a feed straight from the alternator?
4. Bearing in mind I have limited auto-electrical knowledge and experience, is this something I can DIY or a professional job?
5. Lastly, I need to have a power outlet coming out towards the rear/roof of the car - I was thinking through the soft plastic rear pillar covering rather than bodywork, is this a good idea? Need to run wires for the roof tent and a CB aerial.
Cheers all!
