saxo1, I'm not sure that your car fire experience is strictly relevant - as a competent radio fitter would have run the cable through a grommet in the bulkhead to avoid chafing.
If what you intended to suggest was that electrical installations in caravans, as elsewhere, should be carried out competently then I cannot disagree. I do not, however, had any idea whether digisatman is able to do that.
Whilst I cannot quite match your 40 years in the electricity supply industry (32 years before taking early retirement - and I still pay membership subs to the IET!!), I do feel a little uncomfortable about paralleling batteries in a caravan.
Yes, Yes & Yes to your questions, Both battery's are in tip top condition & are checked on a regular schedule & will only be connected in parallel for charging / towing & whilst on site.
In answer to the solar side, which I have looked at, why should I go to the expense when I have the necessary equipment sitting on the work bench doing nothing with NO extra cost,
Also if you looked at my earlier link I'm also going to swap the lights over to LEDs other Thread
Saxo1
I to spent my apprentice in the aircraft/ship industry. I will be using the last dwg I posted with all 4 fuse's in place & of course the correct size wiring.
I use 2 batteries wired together and protected by a fuse on the positive side of both batteries. Also have an 85 watt solar panel on the roof of the van, The cabling I have used is 40amp truck wire from a local garage. The second battery is connected via crocodile clips which have insualtion tape on to stop them coming loose in transit. Both batteries are of the same capacity and are brand new. Only thing I can think of to watch is make sure you mark up which is negative and which is positive as If you wire it wrong you will end up sending 24V through the system and causing damage. I know plenty of ralliers who have done this.
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Topic: Adding a 2nd Battery
