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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 21:27:31 GMT
Got myself a Vauxhall Movano ive started to convert...(or semi convert ).. amongst some of the issues ive got.. I,m struggling to find a place for the spare wheel outside the van..(theyre normally inside on these vans) they don't have a carriage under the van,so thought about making one,but looks like it,d end up a bit close to the ground. anyone dealt with this before?..maybe Vernon?
Secondly, on electrics..(not my strong point as youll soon see!)..am thinking a couple of hours use of 2 or 3 two watt lights,a pump to a cold tap,to be able to charge a netbook and phone,and maybe.. a couple of hours tv on a 15" lcd tv on any day.. Ive got a 75 ah leisure battery, tho hope to get a 100ah instead..would that be enough?
If I fit a 60 80 or 100w solar panel to the roof,would either be enough to top up the battery on a dull day?.. Anywhere I could find a simplified wiring diagram for such a set up? hoping to do without charging the leisure battery from the alternator.
Any advice would be mucho appreciated
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Post by Firefox on Mar 4, 2014 21:57:51 GMT
On my Movano, the spare wheel was strapped to the side above the wheel arch boxout in the load bay. Here it would get in the way of my fixed rear transverse bed, so I moved it onto the back door, lowering it in the process. I had to strengthen the back door ply with some metal reinforcing straps. It would be OK for me as only in my storage "garage." I did look below - seemed to be a bit short of space though and I wanted that space for a water tank. 100 ah battery should be enough for that. Maybe even 75 ah in good condition - they do lose capacity over time though so go for 100. I'd go for 100w panel as even that in winter probably wont keep the battery topped up. Wiring is easy. Panel output goes through a regulator and from regulator to battery with fused 30A cables to keep losses down paying attention to positive and negative markings on the panel cables, the regulator, and the battery. You could keep the leisure battery separate, but solar may let you down on a succession of dull days, especially winter or you may be forced to park in shade. I would add a charging option from the engine.(you don't want to leave your battery discharged for any length of time or it will get fubared PDQ ) The engine charge could just be a 50A wire (+ve to +ve on batteries, and earth the leisure battery to chassis) with a 30A fuse and a switch, you don't even need to bother with a relay. Then you throw the switch if you want a charge when touring, and isolate when you park up. But a relays are easy to fit as well, especially the smartcoms.
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Post by n brown on Mar 4, 2014 22:14:31 GMT
blimey Al.sounds a bit big ! you'll be able to walk about inside ! second that,stick the wheel on the passenger side back door with spreader plates. as for the electrics,the bigger the better-wire-battery-solar panel.if you need a heavy duty split charge relay diagram let me know.it really does work better with 10mm wire
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on Mar 4, 2014 22:39:05 GMT
Any pictures chap?
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Post by X on Mar 4, 2014 22:44:14 GMT
Got myself a Vauxhall Movano ive started to convert...(or semi convert ).. amongst some of the issues ive got.. I,m struggling to find a place for the spare wheel outside the van..(theyre normally inside on these vans) they don't have a carriage under the van,so thought about making one,but looks like it,d end up a bit close to the ground. anyone dealt with this before?..maybe Vernon?
Secondly, on electrics..(not my strong point as youll soon see!)..am thinking a couple of hours use of 2 or 3 two watt lights,a pump to a cold tap,to be able to charge a netbook and phone,and maybe.. a couple of hours tv on a 15" lcd tv on any day.. Ive got a 75 ah leisure battery, tho hope to get a 100ah instead..would that be enough?
If I fit a 60 80 or 100w solar panel to the roof,would either be enough to top up the battery on a dull day?.. Anywhere I could find a simplified wiring diagram for such a set up? hoping to do without charging the leisure battery from the alternator.
Any advice would be mucho appreciated
Suprised a card carrying member has to worry about power you would have thought they would give you a private hook up ? You really do need the charge from engine as well
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 22:47:44 GMT
Great info Vernon and Nigel! The wheel fitted to the inside nearside door is a very decent option,tho will have to look at my "shower tray!..as have fitted a shallow one 70x70cmx4cm deep(home made!) in the centre at the back of van, fitted with a top that is level with the floor.(ply floor is raised on top of 40mm cellotex) Plan is to fit a removable shower curtain,and just fill up a bucket of warm water and drop a pump/shower into it..anyone know if its possible to shower in 10 litres of water!!?lol Not sure if the set up will be successful,imagine I need to be on fairly level ground! Thanks both , seems bigger is better..phew,just as well we,re talking solar panels!! great detailed info Vernon. did see the 100w ones some of you bought from ebay,will take a look at getting one,did anyone buy one of the sub £20 controllers? Suppose I could try the solar panel to charge first..then add engine charging if it starts to let me down. Thanks again
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 22:49:43 GMT
Hiya, will get some sorted soon ..its not high spec tho!
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Post by n brown on Mar 4, 2014 22:55:28 GMT
Al you're back to front ! engine charge first and most important !solar next . I can also show you a lighter duty split charge system-very easy ! and we only use a 10 litre shower set up,it's plenty,just have a switch to the pump above the shower head. on--get wet --off-- soap up--on --rinse off
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 22:58:48 GMT
Cheers Charlie and Sparks too..guess I,ll need to charge both ways,was hoping to get away with just the one option Ha Charlie.. youd think being a full member would mean him upstairs would send see me alright for solar sunshine!
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 23:05:16 GMT
Al you're back to front ! engine charge first and most important !solar next . I can also show you a lighter duty split charge system-very easy ! and we only use a 10 litre shower set up,it's plenty,just have a switch to the pump above the shower head. on--get wet --off-- soap up--on --rinse off Cheers... guess I was hoping solar was the all in one answer..have got a split charge relay that I bought for the T4 and never fitted,could try and get my head around fitting that first,,if I get to a meet before I try,hopfully someone can give me in situ advise
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 23:10:02 GMT
Al you're back to front ! engine charge first and most important !solar next . I can also show you a lighter duty split charge system-very easy ! and we only use a 10 litre shower set up,it's plenty,just have a switch to the pump above the shower head. on--get wet --off-- soap up--on --rinse off Forgot to add...yes a simple split charge system diagram would be really helpful Nigel... And good to know someone whos tried and tested the 10 litre shower!!
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Post by n brown on Mar 4, 2014 23:12:15 GMT
is it a 'Smartcom' or other 'voltage sensing' relay ? these cost about 14 quid and are VERY easy to fit ,other types are quite a lot more difficult.if you have,or buy, a smartcom, you can wire up a simple but very effective split charge relay quite easily,and if you decide to get a bit more sophisticated [not you personally-impossible !] you can use the smartcom as part of it
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Post by al on Mar 4, 2014 23:21:16 GMT
is it a 'Smartcom' or other 'voltage sensing' relay ? these cost about 14 quid and are VERY easy to fit ,other types are quite a lot more difficult.if you have,or buy, a smartcom, you can wire up a simple but very effective split charge relay quite easily,and if you decide to get a bit more sophisticated [not you personally-impossible !] you can use the smartcom as part of it Think its a relay for towing..but the guy who sold it to me said it would do the job?..will dig it out in the next day or two and try and upload a pic so hopefully you or someone can advise...
got to get myself off to bed,as early(for me!) start Thanks again
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Post by brewkit on Mar 5, 2014 3:38:44 GMT
my ldv, the spare is on the passenger side rear door on the outside which is now non moveable, the inside I strengthened to take the weight, and bolts thru all that. the wheel itself is held on with normal nuts then locknuts, so if anybody wants to borrow it, it will take them awhile. 100 watt panel on the roof, 2 leisures, 100 odd amps apiece, we've never had any issues yet running out of leccy, but then led lighting and no interest in telly helps. split charge thru a relay, not sure of ampage, I'd have to pop the lid and have a look.
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Post by brewkit on Mar 5, 2014 3:59:39 GMT
type split charge diagram in google and you'll get zillions of pictures, basically use the charge (battery) warning lamp wire, usually thin wire off alternator to energise the coil of the relay. for battery to battery and to ground use the heaviest cable you can, or double it up, ie two lengths of 5mm squared twisted together equals 10mm squared , same for solar connections. also get a multimeter and learn how to use it if you see a self built camper, knock on the door, most of us are more than willing to show what we've done. good luck with the build and let's have some piccies.
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on Mar 5, 2014 7:04:16 GMT
If you use the smartcom and additional 100 amp relay ( Mr Browns method ) ,then you don't need to touch the alternater at all.All the connections are made to the starter batt.Its very simple ( I managed it! ).
Stephen.
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Post by al on Mar 5, 2014 20:00:30 GMT
i1071.photobucket.com/albums/u520/algi1/SDC18220.jpgi1071.photobucket.com/albums/u520/algi1/SDC18209.jpgi1071.photobucket.com/albums/u520/algi1/SDC18211.jpgThanks Brewkit an Ellisboy...Nice idea,have seen your van at the Haloween meet..admired the setup inside..you got a great deal! Did consider bolting spare wheel to the outside of back door..But have bought a SH fiamma bike rack(picking it up at the weekend) that,ll be fixed to the back door,and doubt there,ll be room for a spare. The inside of the back door is still a possible,tho will need to alter the carcass ive made..tho wheel will incroach over the shower tray a bit(see pics)..have already cut hole for the waste otherwise would move forward it a few inches..will try it with the back door open to have a better idea tomorrow. The other pic is the relay..not sure if its right for the job?..the wire I have is up to 4mm thick across..(Copper part)..others are about 3mm..are they usable?
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Post by n brown on Mar 5, 2014 20:19:55 GMT
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Post by n brown on Mar 5, 2014 20:28:09 GMT
www.psb-towing.com/shop/pdf/TEC3M_Fitting_Diagram.pdf the 3 terminals on the right are probably = one for the fridge which only has power when the engine is running,one permanent in case you want to draw power from the van battery,and the other ,only powered when the engine is on,to charge the leisure battery
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Post by al on Mar 5, 2014 20:41:54 GMT
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Post by stonedaddy on Mar 5, 2014 22:52:30 GMT
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Post by ross on Mar 7, 2014 21:31:34 GMT
Hi. On my Renault Master I got a second hand basic carrier cage & put the wheel underneath at the rear of the van. Needed to get some welding done for a fixing plate. Positioned it right up tight to the inside edge of the plastic bumper. Plenty of clearance - it is doable, but did take a while to source the carrier. If I was doing it again I'd use a cable wind up carrier (from Ford Galaxy's) with a winder hole in the floor of the van. Or, if your overall length isn't an issue then you could consider mounting to the outside of a rear door, using a carrier plate from a 4x4. But with a rear door fitting, or storing on the roof you would need a cover to protect against UV degradation etc.
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Post by al on Mar 10, 2014 19:41:05 GMT
Cheers Tom..think the relay I have will do.. I,ll give it a go first,if it doesn't work will look at the one you've found Thanks Ross,The ford Galaxy wind up carrier sounds good,tho have a feeling the shower tray ive built it at the back will be in the way. Have decided after seeing vernons..to go with mounting it on the inside of the nearside rear door for the time being and see how it works ..have made room for it just need to make a fixing to hold it in place ,cheers
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Post by arthurc604 on Mar 10, 2014 22:41:28 GMT
Don't know if it's any better than other voltage sensing relays but another alternative to consider: Cyrix-i Battery Combiner
Added one to my van to replace a Zig charging circuit. Would have preferred a Sterling C8424 but just couldn't justify the cost at the moment. One person's review: www.motorhomeplanet.co.uk/archives/3620
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