Batteries doubts

[NicF]

Hi all,
I am waiting for the t5 beach (produced in 2010) delivery. I have some doubts about the batteries, may you help me, please?
I am not sure if the previuos owner modified the electrical connections on the van, so if we consider the VW original installation, what will I find abuot the batteries connection? Let me try to explain: the main battery (i.e. the one that is used for the engine start) is connected in some way at the service battery? What about the charge of the two batteries? The main will be charged by the engine for sure, but for the service one?

I am thinking to buy a compressor fridge in order to save cosumption (but this is not the only reason), which is the best way to measure or evaluate the service battery level?

Thank you in advance!
n

 

[owen_h]

In the Uk market VW only started selling the Beach 2011 or 2012 I think but there was a left hand drive version sold in the rest of Europe so I’m guessing you are getting one of these. The rest of my post is under the assumption that the electrical systems didn’t change between 2010 and 2012 but I cannot be certain of this.
There should be 2 batteries, 1 in the engine bay and one under the left hand seat. Both are charged via the engine alternator using a split charge relay.
The 2 batteries are only connected together for charging, the leisure can’t start the car or the other way round.
General rule is sockets and lights in the cab area are engine battery and in the living area are leisure battery.
The voltage of the service (we call it leisure) battery can be measured in any of the sockets behind the front seats. Ie the sockets on the b Pilar, in the boot or near the c pillar/ sliding door.
Something like this should do the job https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007FW9HFK/?tag=eliteelect-21

Hope you enjoy the Beach when it arrives
Owen

 

[NicF]

Owen, yhank you very much for your answer. Sure, my van is left hand drive, it comes from Germany.

I will check at the t5 delivery if the previous owner changed something. Then probably I will come back with some other doubts

Bye,
n

 

[MattBW]

The beach generally doesnt have way to check the service/leisure battery but you can get an idea with a cheap 12v volt meter.

If you want more detail you can get something with a "shunt" which measure amps in and out of the battery too. I think the Victron BMV 700 or 702 (702 = two batteries) are very good but expensive.

Examples of battery monitors

NASA BM 1 - I use this and works well with a phone.
https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/nasa-bm-1-bluetooth-review.20041/

Victron Bmv 700 another option but not cheap. Victron do an add on bluetooth option too.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=a9_asc_1?rh=i:diy,k:BMV+700&keywords=BMV+700&ie=UTF8&qid=1517225188

12v Socket:
Cheapest option is volt only but you can plug it into the leisure socket. You can only see volts but this is often enough to tell if the battery is ok.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01F4RNAK0/?tag=eliteelect-21

 

[NicF]

Thank's Matt. I am thinking that the best way for my use is the cheaper one. Actually the only device I am thinking to use is the compressor fridge and it has an internal battery check. If the baterry goes down under a certain value the fridge disconnect itself from the battery.
Reading an italian forum I found this meter: https://www.ebay.de/itm/222657255287?ul_noapp=true
the price is really interesting.

Thank's,
n