Hi guys, had an idea about charging my spare leisure battery & as auto electrics is not my strong point thought i'd run it past you guys first to get some advice.
300 tdi, have recently fitted 12s towing socket. The idea is to fit a cigar lighter socket in the back by drivers side rear light ( next to split load charger) take a positive feed from battery charger terminal with an in-line fuse, negative to a convenient ground near by, with cigar plug on one end of lead & croc clips on other end this would be used to charge my spare leisure battery for my caravan if required. This would only be done while driving solo & NOT whilst towing.
Thanks guys for any comments received.

Better off with much higher current cable and connectors , have a look at automotive wiring products website for some ideas . Dont use croc clips , they have a lousy connection , use the lever on caravan battery clips . In fact , better still , use a cheap coolbox to make a battery box . Polystyrene pieces to hold it secure inside . Clip on terminals to socket through box side . Socket fixed to vehicle interior . Cable with plugs both ends to link box to supply . Thus battery safe in easy to lift protective case and nothing hanging when not in use .

Myself , to charge caravan liesure batteries (even when running through 12S) , I run a new heavy live and neg supply down the drivers side under the step trims to the bootspace along with a trigger wire from the alternator warning light terminal to a dedicated relay of min 60a .

example of batt clamps -

CARAVAN CAMPER LIFT-OFF QUICK RELEASE BATTERY CLAMPS | eBay

This bit of kit also seems a good idea:X-eng High Performance Off-Road Engineering

Thinking of fitting one to mine at some point

Discodave2011 said:

Hi guys, had an idea about charging my spare leisure battery & as auto electrics is not my strong point thought i'd run it past you guys first to get some advice.
300 tdi, have recently fitted 12s towing socket. The idea is to fit a cigar lighter socket in the back by drivers side rear light ( next to split load charger) take a positive feed from battery charger terminal with an in-line fuse, negative to a convenient ground near by, with cigar plug on one end of lead & croc clips on other end this would be used to charge my spare leisure battery for my caravan if required. This would only be done while driving solo & NOT whilst towing.
Thanks guys for any comments received.

Click to expand...

How often do you plan on doing this?
If thats all you want to do with it... then an longer lead to fit into the front cigar socket with your crock clips on it seems the simplest solution.

Except not with croc clips - they are truly ****e .

Hi guys, thanks for your replies, on 2nd thoughts totally agree with Shocker regarding croc clips so will use quick release battery clamps.
It is'nt something I plan on using regularly, we sometimes go away on holiday caravan rallies for up to 2 weeks with no electric hook up so just wanted to be able to charge spare battery if required while driving around. Also could connect inverter so wifey can do her hair without all the nag pie.

Done the same , the same way for the same reasons in several different trucks over the years ! It helps to have that second battery option , especially as when on site you can take a battery off on a day out with you and get some charge as you go . I also use a small cheapo solar panel to keep my caravan battery going .

I've got a 40w solar panel for main caravan battery, wifey & son do'nt quiet understand the concept of being sensible with battery use when it comes to hair dryers, straighteners & tv/dvd so thought it a good idea to have a back up plan.