Leisure battery charging question?

[Stu]

Am I understanding this right: there are two(ish) methods of charging a leisure battery (in-situ of the vehicle)?

One is a split relay and the other is a voltage sensing relay, yes? From what I can glean from the 'net, the split relay method is better (?), older tech, more difficult to fit(than volt sensing set ups); and that voltage sensing relays are newer tech, easier to fit (relative to switch relays - no wiring onto ignition/alternator etc), have drawbacks that split relays don't.

Views?

I'd like a leisure battery and prefer not to have to keep whipping it out to charge. My needs would be (of an evening when not mobile): charging a mobile phone, charging battery packs for caving lights, occasional viewing of films on a 12v Asus eee pc.

I realise some of this could be done when mobile but for arguments sake I want a leisure battery.

Cheers

Stuart

 

[JRL]

I've just fitted a split charge to a van. Really simple and about ?160 for the kit & battery.

www.travelvolts.com

Mail order, arrived the next day with instructions.

JRL.

 

[nickwilliams]

Split charge = complicated connection to oil pressure or ignition circuit to detect when engine is running

Voltage sensing relay = automatic detection of when engine is running

Both = fully charged battery when required. I don't know of any drawbacks to a VSR.

I've used these successfully:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-70-AMP-VOLTAGE-SENSITIVE-VOLT-SENSING-SPLIT-CHARGE-RELAY-/231081512124?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35cd880cbc

 

[JRL]

Should've said, the thing I fitted was a relay unit &  leisure battery. No wiring into the loom, just onto the van battery with all clips & clamps supplied.

 

[Stu]

Thanks guys. Good to hear from first hand experience.

Stuart