2022 Cali Beach Tour - battery isolation?

[stevo1979]

Hi all!
Last year I purchased a 2022 Cali Beach Tour which lives on my parents drive.
It gets used sporadically throughout the year (one month maybe 30km, next month maybe none). The bulk of its usage is during summer months when we visit, so we'll use it most days.
The point is - what do people recommend regarding maintaining charge on the starter and leisure batteries throughout the year when they know the vehicle isn't going to be used much.
Has anyone explored the option of installing an isolation switch (or simply disconnecting battery), or is that overkill.
Thanks

 

[colintfcolintf]

To be honest, the best thing to do is to take it on a decent drive once a month.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Fit a solar panel. This will trickle charge the battery.

 

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Fit a solar panel. This will trickle charge the battery.

Solar is normally only to the leisure battery. It is possible to also have to the starter battery but this is more complicated/involved.

The easiest thing to do is to actually drive it, standing still is never good for a vehicle.

 

[pchmlk]

Could you not just leave it plugged in?
You could add a Tapo plug to the outlet and then set a schedule if you weren’t comfortable leaving it on 247.

 

[HugoFar]

If the OP Beach Tour has two sliding doors, then it may not have an equal for hooking up?

 

[HugoFar]

Ehu was auto corrected (wrongly) to 'equal'

 

[Danish_David_T5]

Hi all!
Last year I purchased a 2022 Cali Beach Tour which lives on my parents drive.
It gets used sporadically throughout the year (one month maybe 30km, next month maybe none). The bulk of its usage is during summer months when we visit, so we'll use it most days.
The point is - what do people recommend regarding maintaining charge on the starter and leisure batteries throughout the year when they know the vehicle isn't going to be used much.
Has anyone explored the option of installing an isolation switch (or simply disconnecting battery), or is that overkill.
Thanks

Hi Steve, There are multiple options available as already listed. 1. Drive in once per fortnight. 2. Fit a solar panel ( but this will normally only charge the leisure battery, but you can get a system to do both leisure and starter) - if you go down this route I can give you some links. 3. Plug in charging.
For (3) you should remember that the leisure and starter batteries are already isolated from each other when the vehicle is switched off at the ignition. So, to charge or maintain the two types of battery you need to plug in an EHU for the leisure batteries and a normal car battery charger for the starter battery. It might be a good idea to test the batteries first to be sure they are in good condition and able to hold charge and deliver when required. You can either leave them on permanently and the batteries will take current as they need it, or you can put them on a timer using a Tapo or similar or just ask you parents to turn it on/off. Putting it on one day per week would normally be enough.
Hope this helps.

 

[Woody76]

Hi Steve, I have a Beach Tour and went the solar panel option as my leisure battery was draining during the winter as I didn't drive it often enough to keep the leisure battery charged, but frequent enough to keep the starter battery charged. My solar panel is set up for just the leisure battery; it keeps it charged all year round as well as serving the purpose of powering a Dometic fridge and the diesel heater. With the absence of the EHU on the Tour models, I would definitely recommend solar.

 

[Juzza]

What solar panel did you get installed. Presumably no problem with opening and closing the roof. And how much did it cot?
Thanks

 

[WelshGas]

What solar panel did you get installed. Presumably no problem with opening and closing the roof. And how much did it cot?
Thanks

Many Forum members use this company run by Roger Donahugh, a Forum Trade member. Easy DIY fitting or he can fit it for you.

Solar Panels for VW California and Mercedes Marco Polo Camper Vans

DIY easy to install Solar panel kits for VW California / Transporter and Mercedes Marco Polo camper vans. Zero drilling or gluing.

www.solarcampersolutions.com

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Solar is normally only to the leisure battery. It is possible to also have to the starter battery but this is more complicated/involved.

One of these will keep the main battery trickle charged. One end plugs into main battery cigarette lighter, the other into leisure battery cigarette lighter:

Streetwize Charge and Go-Car to Car Starter | Euro Car Parts

Streetwize Charge and Go-Car to Car Starter at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.

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