Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Durban, South Africa
Posts: 40
Auxiliary Power Distribution

Hi there,

I have installed an auxiliary battery in my defender. I have connected the fridge directly to it through a fuse but now want to take a second feed of the battery for lights, water pump, etc etc. What is the best way to do this? I guess that taking a feed off and then just splicing additional feeds into that is not the best way forward.

I am rubbish at electrics so aAppreciate your help!

Bruce:confused1:
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 28 Oct 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
I don't know the best way to do it, but what I have is a nice thick cable from the battery to a '10 fuse box' from where various cables run over the landy to where they are required.

I think the shorter the thick cable is the better (ie: don't put the fuse box down the back of your vehicle on the sun porch)
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
My auxilliary battery is in a box (fed with very oversized welding cable) in the box I have a feed for the fridge (with a ten amp circuit breaker) and then routed via another circuit breaker I have 12v sockets for lights, etc... I went for circuit breakers so that I can switch stuff off easily, and you don't need to change them if they trip. I also am no electrician, but what I do know is everything should be fused or have circuit breakers. Also watch out for high currents and too thin cables!
Gil
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ripley, Derbyshire
Posts: 373
As the above post says Circuit breakers are a MUST, and I'd look at getting an electrical engineer to look at it once your done, explain to him/her what trip your going to be doing and they shouldn't take any money off you for a 10 minute inspection if they are nic people.

I'm Commenting as YOUR insurance company WILL disallow ANY claims if you don't tell them about your modifications in case of fire/theft and you will also need an engineers note of inspection.
I know this because my mate Paul burnt out his tricked out blinged up Clio when his Xbox Power supply caught fire (it was funny as hell), once the insurance accessor looked at it and found the changes to his wiring they didn't pay up.

It will only cost pennies on your insurance when you explain to them the required mods, so in this case be honest.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
Have a look here S.B.M.C.C. Forum check out all the old posts, or just ask a question


Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Durban, South Africa
Posts: 40
Thanks Guys,

Appreciate the input. I will look into both the circuit breakers and the fuse box options. Any ideas on where I would be able to purchase one or the other in the UK?

Bruce
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally Posted by ghenk View Post
Appreciate the input. I will look into both the circuit breakers and the fuse box options. Any ideas on where I would be able to purchase one or the other in the UK?
You should find all you need at Vehicle Wiring Products Ltd. Suppliers of auto electrical parts. and a lot more ;-)
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
Quote:
Originally Posted by JulianVoelcker View Post
You should find all you need at Vehicle Wiring Products Ltd. Suppliers of auto electrical parts. and a lot more ;-)


^^^^^^ Just what he said... definately a thumbs up for VWP.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Oct 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
NO! They are really expensive!

Just find a normal electrical company, not one catering for vehicles. When I did mine I used a company in Leeds and they were always a third the price.
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 Oct 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org View Post
NO! They are really expensive!
They are great because they have so much under one roof, but I agree they are on the expensive side.

I am slowly starting to find alternative and cheaper suppliers, but am finding that I am having to look in several places for the same sort of kit - for the time and effort involved in this if you have a one off job VWP should be OK.

Beal UK (0113 253 8888) are cheaper for some stuff and so are RS Components (http://rswww.com).
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 222
I used a smartcom split charge relay (£8 from towsure) which charges the second battery and then connected a second small fusebox from the second battery. Fridge/electrical outputs for lighting etc run from this so I don't have to worry about flattening the main battery.
the smartcom box is good because it won't start charging the second battery until the main one reaches a certain voltage, and it also has an additional couple of power outlets which will allow devices to be run from the main battery, but will then cut them off when voltage dips.
__________________
www.simba4x4.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Oct 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
"Beal UK (0113 253 8888)".

Yes, thats who I used - they had everything I needed, but then old Land Rovers aren't the electrical nightmare that is the modern cruiser ;-). It's much cheaper to buy a whole reel of cable etc than a few feet. Get the thickest most coated wires possible as something somewhere will start rubbing on one of them at some stage.

fyi, here is my system: 7 years ago I bought a National Luna system directly from National Luna in SA - £90 including delivery. Then red top and yellow top Optima batteries. I have a Shell/Siemens 40W Solar panel going through a regulator (from A B Butt at their special Billing price) to charge when not on the move and about 10 DIN sockets around the vehicle to plug in fans, lights and sex toys. These all route through 2 ten fuse boxes bought from Beal. A few normal cigi lighter plugs are a good idea as well.

For things like your GPS, permanently wire in the 12 volt charger and have it pop up in the dashboard if you can (ie: tidy up as much of your normal cabling as possible)

When drilling a hole for the cable from the solar panel to the battery I also put in an extra wire that runs to three DIN sockets in a little box. This I tucked into my Eezi Awn tent (still for sale!) so that I could have a light, laptop or fan on up there. Also I externally mounted 2 DIN sockets, one by the passenger door and one by the rear door. These all run through a switch which I leave turned off. These have all proved quite handy at times. My 12 volt compressor has been converted (snip, rewire) to use a DIN socket which is handy.

As I use loads of battery time when stationary (Football Manager 2007 helps pass those lonely nights ;-) I will upgrade the Yellow Top Optima to a bigger battery from A B Butts at some stage. About £150 for twice the capacity of the Yellow Top (AGM130 Battery, will fit in a normal Defender battery box with another battery)

Hope that helps!
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ghana
Posts: 289
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org View Post

but then old Land Rovers aren't the electrical nightmare that is the modern cruiser ;-).
HZJ78 is less of an electrical mystery than my old defender <BG>. In my Defender I had a battery blow up under the seat while driving, handbrake cable thought it was an earth strap and caught fire after attempting to take some winch current :confused1: often it wouldn't switch off and had to be stalled, lights had a totally unique 'ghost in the machine' which also three times went into the alternator and caused mayhem...

But seriously, my set up is very similar with slightly less plugs! and the second battery charging managed by a sterling battery to battery charger to be able to quickly charge up a normal wet cell battery as fast as possible, while still leaving the main vehicle charging system alone. While the charger is expensive it works well and I cannot get fancy agm/deep cycle batteries where I am. But as a 100a.h. battery costs about 50 euros it works okay for me - say it lasts two years it is fine!

So while the charger was expensive, the battery was cheap, old welding cable was cheap, for the fridge I used a duraplug rubberised connector like you would use in the garden with a electric lawnmower, battery box I made myself from finest wood, a few extra power sockets (cigarrete type) cost a few quid. I managed to blag an old 30w solar panel which works okay (currently experimenting with it). Circuit breakers I used household ones (kloeckner Mueller) again cause I could get them cheap. Nothing in the car (except the hard wired GPS power cable and the original lighter PTO) is set up to deal with any less than 10 amps, so hopefully things won't start melting - barring some lunatic trying to plug a microwave into my dinky lap-top inverter!

Darrin, a quick question: how long do you find you need for the panel to put back a charge into a fairly depleted battery? (super-rough figures are fine!)

Gil
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Oct 2007
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
I was just winding up Julian about the cruisers ;-)

"how long do you find you need for the panel to put back a charge into a fairly depleted battery"

If I use the Yellow Top Optima (deep cycle) battery at night (stereo, lights and 17"powerbook for about 4 hours) until the battery alert comes on and then leave the solar panel in the (African) sun all day it would charge back about 1/2 to 3/4 I would say.

On a cruiser/landy a 40watt panel is about as big as your going to bolt on somewhere(?) - so a bigger battery in the first place is the way to go (for me and if you have a fridge which I don't) imho
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 29 Oct 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Ledbury, Herefordshire, UK
Posts: 324
Quote:
Originally Posted by roamingyak.org View Post
but then old Land Rovers aren't the electrical nightmare that is the modern cruiser ;-)
What do you mean - ok an 80 series does have more electrics, but at least they always work ;-)
__________________
Cheers,

Julian Voelcker
Overland Cruisers - Specialising in Land Cruiser preparation and servicing.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
BMW, power socket, cigarette socket size ghaaaaa!!!! maria41 Communications 14 25 Apr 2013 06:05
Anyone had power problems with TT Garmin Quest mounts? MikeS Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 6 5 Jun 2007 07:47
Garmin Quest 1, TT mount and TT power cable MikeS Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 29 May 2006 12:36
1st power loss underload, now running badly? nickc BMW Tech 9 5 Mar 2006 05:58
Special tools for White Power shock needed? Lars BMW Tech 8 18 Oct 2005 16:44

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:27.