Auxiliary Battery advice

[Shifter]

I would like to re open this old post with a question.

I have just taken deliery of a T5 dual cab tray - a slide on camper fits on the tray. There are pics elsewhere on this site.

My question is: There is a second battery under the front pax seat. I can see it, it has a rubberised cover over it and it looks as if it's sealed type. I have tried to move the seat right forward and right aft to get access to it, to no avail. Do I have to completly remove the front pax seat to gain access to it?? There is also a heavy array of electrical plugs and wires in way of the front of the seat. Not a clue what they all do??

I think it doubles up with the camper battery, but until I can get access, to do some checks I am unsure. If it is for the camper then it would be in parrallel with the camper battery - makes sence.

Thanks in anticipation.

[Transporter]

Yes, that's right you have to remove the seat to get access to the second battery. If you have third battery connected to second battery in parallel, make sure you don't overload the alternator.

[Shifter]

Thanks for the reply - bugger nothing is easy. They should put it under the rear bench seat, would make it much esier to get at. I'll unbolt the seat and take a look. There is a solar panel which looks after the house battery (Camper) and I guess if they are in parallel they will both benefit, whilst connected.


Any idea what the alternator rating is??

[DutchAussie]

VW Caddy Aux. Battery

Have a look at my Websites:

http://vw-caddy.synthasite.com/modifications.php

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~avdw

It shows you how I fitted my battery.

[Shifter]

Thanks DA - great site, very well put together.

[Transporter]

Wiring up second battery (Aux. batt.) onto T5.

I know that there is "RedArc SBI 12" or other options, but I'd like to wire it up as it is originally, if possible.

Originally it goes like that:
The "J519 power controller" switches the J7 relay to connect the main and leisure batteries together. This is switched off when the engine is cranking or the ignition is switched off, the relay will only connect the two batteries for charging when motor is running and alternator is supplying charging current.

SO, IMO... the difference between VW relay setup and "RedArc SBI 12" is that ECM knows about the second battery via J519 power controller and when you use RedArc or similar ECM doesn't know about the second battery.

I just wander, if anybody has wiring diagram (section) for factory dual battery setup on T5?

Or how anybody else wired up second battery for charging from the engine's alternator?
All I can find on net is the wiring for the 87 Vanagon. This one:

[Shortbus]

Reviving an old thread!

Sorry, but has anyone got any new info on hooking up a second battery? Looks like it will fit under my passenger seat no worries, just wondering if people have advice on the best way to wire it so it doesn't hurt the alternator or anything else electrical. So, suggestions on smart chargers, best way to wire up from alternator/fuse box, possibility of using it as backup starting battery etc greatly appreciated. I want to get an inverter too, so advice on that more than welcome too!

[Transporter]

Check up the "How to do this and that" stickie.
The best way to connect your second battery is using 12V to 12V charger. I would go with the RED ARC or CTEK. Both are multistage charger better suited for charging sealed, deep cycle, GEL or AGM batteries.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f136/how-do-32769-2.html#post619575

[Shortbus]

Thanks Transporter, I had a vague recolection I had seen it mentioned somewhere, and even checked that thread, but somehow missed the second page.

---------- Post added at 06:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:40 PM ----------

Actually, still a few questions if anyone has added an aux battery? Looks like the average 120ah battery is too long to fit under the seat. Thinking of maybe going two 80ah batts, maybe one in each compartment under the passenger seat. Anyone done similar or found a particular battery that fits good?

[Transporter]

Actually, still a few questions if anyone has added an aux battery? Looks like the average 120ah battery is too long to fit under the seat. Thinking of maybe going two 80ah batts, maybe one in each compartment under the passenger seat. Anyone done similar or found a particular battery that fits good?

I had to modify the under the seat battery plate to fit taller battery and bolt it from the top as you can see in that DIY. Now when I'm dealing with the Century/GS/Yuasa Batteries, I can see in their range that they have 65AH deep cycle GEL battery that is 183mm tall 350mm long and 167mm wide and it should fit in there without cutting and re-welding that plate, but you still need to clamp it down from the top; the p/n is 142104. Or you could go for 2x 40AH batteries p/n 142102 198mm long 166mm wide and 171mm tall. All measurments are to the top terminal.

[Skoda VW]

I installed a small SLA battery (26AH) under the passenger seat.

Used a smart relay for charging and a LVD (Low Volt Disconnect) relay to the loads. That way aux battery will disconnect before it is discharged to far. Made my own battery bracket and power distribution box for under seat. As only small battery ran 8B&S (100amp rated at 60% duty cycle for 5mins) cable from main to aux.

Only use aux battery to provide power to mid/rear cig sockets, trailer socket (ign switched 12V) and roof DVD.

Get about 4 hours of power to my 14 litre Waeco cooler before LVD kicks in. I only wanted something that was good for a couple of hours.

BAINTECH Low Voltage Cut Out 40Amp
Low Voltage Sensitive Relay - 140Amp, 12V | Matson

[surf70]

Hi,

I've fitted an auxiliary battery system under the passenger 2 bench seat in the front. It's only a small system I use camping on surf trips to provide light, cooking facilities and I can't go anywhere without the mozzie zapper. I don't really need a fridge.
I ran a 6AWG cable from the battery to the under seat compartment. I have a solenoid, AGM deep cell battery (a small one 33Ah) and a 2000W 8zed inverter. The inverter has a USB port to charge via USB as well. During the week I use it to charge my laptop and other electronic instruments on the run for work. As it's only a small system, I start the van to use a 2000W electric frypan.
I'll post some photos up soon.
It doesn't affect the electrical system of the van at all. It is useful and very effective, allows me to camp in semi remote areas of the coastline and saves getting a powered campsite!
I soon plan to wire it up to plug in solar panels for charging while i've set up camp.
Go for it and good luck.

[Shortbus]

Spoke to a bloke at the 12v shop. As I want to run an engel, he reckons ~100AH should be good for 2 or so days. The river 105 is 31cm long, and if I make a holder that sits up off the floor, and put it on its side, should fit under the seat ok. Then I can put the charger and maybe inverter underneath the bracket. Will post up some pics when I eventually get it all done.

[surf70]

yeah cool, deep cell AGM batteries can go on their side.

[tapsy]

I replaced my original Varta battery with a Varta 80Ah DEEP CYCLE for $330 from Battery World it bolted in original spot and it is slightly smaller than the original
I will see how it performs compared to the original.