Rotronics dual-battery and camper trailers...

[Grizzly_Adams]

G'day All,

Just got meself a TVAN camper trailer - unfortunately no pictures possible as all my stuff is still in storage at the moment 8O Currently even using a computer at a mates place to get online :roll:

Anyways I will be picking her up on the 27th of April, and one of the things they are offering me is an anderson plug setup and installed for $375.

Apart form wondering if these are reasonable prices, I was wondering how the anderson plug setup would go with the Rotronics dual-battery setup I have at the moment. Would it work? Would I need to move to something like the SC80 system?

Cheers all.

P.S. My internet access is patchy at best at the moment, I may not respond for a few days.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">i would say if you already have a dual battery setup.....
all you need is an SC40 for the trailer.......


it will only work when the trailer is hooked up......
and the way it works(from my understanding) it should put some charge
back into the trailer battery even without the engine running......
(assuming that the batteries in the vehicle are fully charged......)


but if you want to know 100%.....you will need to wait for an answer from drivesafe.....</span>

[weeds]

yep should do, just need to run the cabling for your anderson plug to your existing aux battery. a mate of mine has the three way rotronics isolator/charging system which i guess is the ideal setup if you can afford.

drive will have some other ideas as well

[seqfisho]

I think you will find the best way to charge two aux batteries is the SC80 unit from Traxide Tronics (a sponsor/advertiser here), it is designed to do just the task you want, but I'm sure Tim (drivesafe) will confirm.

I run a SC40 as do many on this board and they are fantastic.

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">i only suggested he fit an SC40 as he already has the rotronics one fitted
and running the batteries in the vehicle......

to switch to an SC80 he would not need the current rotronics as the SC80 does the lot....
but since its already fitted and paid for.......</span>

[seqfisho]

[quote=DEFENDERZOOK]<span style="color:blue">i only suggested he fit an SC40 as he already has the rotronics one fitted
and running the batteries in the vehicle......

to switch to an SC80 he would not need the current rotronics as the SC80 does the lot....
but since its already fitted and paid for.......</span>

Good point ZOOK, didn't read properly before typing a reply :oops:

Yes just a SC40 added to the existing rotronics would do the same as a SC80 :wink:

[DEFENDERZOOK]

<span style="color:blue">and a lot cheaper too......this is good ...no?</span>

[Grizzly_Adams]

yes cheaper is good 8)

Thanks for the responses guys, now just need some (more) money, someone with wiring expertise (guess a trip to the auto-electricians is coming up), and some time.... 8)

[drivesafe]

Hi Grizzly, not sure what they are offering you for $375, do you have any more details.

As to whether you can use it with the Rotronics gear, because there are a number of different models that work in different ways, I would strongly suggest that you contact Rotronics.

If you damage what you already have, it could be expensive to repair, so play it safe.

If you are told you have to upgrade your existing system to do what you want, get a quote and then post it here and we will see what can be done.

Cheers.

[Grizzly_Adams]

When I spoke with the caravan place, they were originally quoting the $375 for laying the cable from the back of the truck to the battery and wiring it up (i doubt they realised I had a dual battery setup anyway).

I'll take your advise drivesafe and contact rotronics, though when I had a look inside the battery compartment the other day I noticed the rotronics unit I had only had 2 terminals - 1 for main and 1 for aux battery. I strongly suspect they will suggest I go for an upgrade or some such in order to support the 3rd battery in the trailer.

We shall see anyway. As I won't be using the trailer for any long distance work immediately, there is no rush to get the anderson plug setup installed straight away.

I will keep you informed (though please excuse any lag in replies).

Cheers,


Glenn.

[Grizzly_Adams]

G'day All. I'm still waiting on a response from Rotronics, haven't received one yet so please bare with me :-)

Since I last posted I've driven up to Bundy and down to Sydney, then out to Cowra and back to Sydney then back up to Brissie.

So if any of you have seen a blue Defender 110 Station Wagon give you a wave, that would be me :-)

[Grizzly_Adams]

ok got a response from Rotronics. As expected I'll have to purchase a new system that can handle the battery in the camper trailer as well.

drivesafe you have a PM... well you will have, as soon as I finish writing it 8)