Member Since: 16 Apr 2014
Location: Beverley
Posts: 210
Split charge: T-Max or VSR?
I am wanting to install split charging for some boot charging options for leisure needs (fridge, lights etc. Nothing hard core like winching). Just researching the relative merits of these options and have a couple of questions.
- Second battery linked charging only once main battery fully charged.
- When engine off, main battery isolated from leisure battery.
The TMax has the addition of the twin voltage meter and manual battery linking. Am I right that this manual linking will only work if the main battery is not totally flat, as the relay needs power to operate?
I presume with both that if the main battery never fully charges the leisure battery will not charge?
Will both batteries charge if I use a CTEK trickle charger via the towbar electrics?
I am not really wild about having the TMax controller mounted on the dash (have seen posts where it went in the glovebox) unless there are compelling reasons to opt for the TMax.
Many thanks.
19th Jul 2015 11:25 am
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13919
Go for the T-Max. Great bit of kit and easy to install.
I put the led charging status thingy on a Brodit clip on the side of my centre consul. I think there are pictures in my gallery.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
19th Jul 2015 2:06 pm
Iceman08
Member Since: 22 Sep 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 2284
I also installed the T-max kit and I'm very happy with it. I installed the controller inside the upper glovebox as I don't like things on show!
Member Since: 26 Oct 2012
Location: Bristol
Posts: 2020
T-max all the way
Installed the display on the right hand side of the steering wheel above the head light switch
07 Java Black TD V6 D3, EGRs Blanked, Tow bar, Full dog guard & divider, LED Spots , DRLs, GG ATs, RLD Sump guard, RLD Spare Wheel Protector, D4 LED Rear Lights, Limo tints on boot and Midnight tint on rear windows, Kenwood screen with Garmin nav, Rear cameras, D4 Steering wheel with flappy paddles, T-max split charge system, Tree sliders, Prospeed roof rack & Ladder, Alisport fast road inter cooler,
Massey Ferguson 35x
Sankey Narrow Track Camping Trailer (Gone but to a great home)
19th Jul 2015 4:14 pm
Neuon2003
Member Since: 16 Apr 2014
Location: Beverley
Posts: 210
Many thanks all. Confirmation that the TMax is popular .
Can anyone shed light on my questions?
1. Am I right that the TMax manual linking will only work if the main battery is not totally flat, as the relay needs power to operate? I have read elsewhere this is the case and the solution is either jump leads between the batteries or altering the split charge wiring.
2. I presume with all these options that if the main battery never fully charges the leisure battery will not charge?
3. Will both batteries charge if I use a CTEK trickle charger via the towbar electrics?
20th Jul 2015 10:55 am
J@mes
Member Since: 10 Nov 2008
Location: Bomber County
Posts: 4547
1, yes you can activate the split relay by using a small jumper wire from the outgoing terminal to the leisure battery (leisure battery +ve) on to the coil +ve in order to link them together in the event of the main battery being flat.
not sure on others!2014 D4 XS
2005 D3 SE - Gone
20th Jul 2015 11:22 am
sailorboi
Member Since: 26 Oct 2012
Location: Bristol
Posts: 2020
2) the split charge system charges the lesuire battery when the voltage of the main battery is over a certain voltage (not sure on exact number with out looking in the manual). So will only change when the alternator or Ctek is charging the battery.
3) mine does yes 07 Java Black TD V6 D3, EGRs Blanked, Tow bar, Full dog guard & divider, LED Spots , DRLs, GG ATs, RLD Sump guard, RLD Spare Wheel Protector, D4 LED Rear Lights, Limo tints on boot and Midnight tint on rear windows, Kenwood screen with Garmin nav, Rear cameras, D4 Steering wheel with flappy paddles, T-max split charge system, Tree sliders, Prospeed roof rack & Ladder, Alisport fast road inter cooler,
Massey Ferguson 35x
Sankey Narrow Track Camping Trailer (Gone but to a great home)
20th Jul 2015 12:53 pm
Neuon2003
Member Since: 16 Apr 2014
Location: Beverley
Posts: 210
That's excellent. Many thanks
21st Jul 2015 7:54 pm
fino
Member Since: 28 Feb 2014
Location: Middlesex/ Surrey
Posts: 163
Couple of questions on this topic
1) To make use of the leisure battery, sockets etc need to be directly connected to this battery.
2) Letting the kids watch DVDs via factory overhead unit or having the radio on/ door opened with interior light on will use/ run down the main battery (first)
3) TMax can linked the batteries to help the main battery crank if there is enough juice in the leisure battery.
Just wondering whether this would be a worthwhile mod.
13th Dec 2015 4:48 pm
markthegad
Member Since: 06 Sep 2009
Location: Newcastle
Posts: 636
T-Max for me, using Iceman08 post to fit it
13th Dec 2015 8:19 pm
BrianT
Member Since: 17 Nov 2009
Location: Ayrshire
Posts: 2069
+1 for the TMax MY 16 Landmark Santorini Black
MY 05 SE Adriatic Blue (Gone but not forgotten)
13th Dec 2015 9:39 pm
tayaste
Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: Chester
Posts: 7633
Might have a go at fitting my tmax next week, I've got a few days off. Any tips?
13th Dec 2015 9:44 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 13919
Have a look in the galleries of those that have fitted it, take your time and follow the instructions. It's really easy and a great bit of kit.New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
13th Dec 2015 11:40 pm
Iceman08
Member Since: 22 Sep 2014
Location: Hereford
Posts: 2284
fino wrote:
Couple of questions on this topic
1) To make use of the leisure battery, sockets etc need to be directly connected to this battery.
2) Letting the kids watch DVDs via factory overhead unit or having the radio on/ door opened with interior light on will use/ run down the main battery (first)
3) TMax can linked the batteries to help the main battery crank if there is enough juice in the leisure battery.
Just wondering whether this would be a worthwhile mod.
1 - Yes, they need to be off the auxiliary battery.
2 - The main battery and auxiliary battery discharge separately when the engine isn't running. So yes you will be lowering the voltage in the main starter battery and not at all discharging the auxiliary battery.
3 - Correct, you can manually link the two batteries to use the auxiliary battery to aid starting.
Do it
Last edited by Iceman08 on 14th Dec 2015 12:58 pm. Edited 1 time in total
14th Dec 2015 12:06 am
fino
Member Since: 28 Feb 2014
Location: Middlesex/ Surrey
Posts: 163
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
