Factory fitted internal battery charger

[Little owl1963]

Will this charge leisure batterys while off grid ? Vehicle standing and just on tick over ???
Can T6.1 owners give me some examples of times and battery indicator levels .
E.g. battery indicator half full , how long would this take to fully charge on tick over stationary ??

 

[Wildcamper]

I am sure others with more knowledge than I, eg WG, will comment. But as far as I know running a diesel at tick over for lengthy periods of time is bad for the engine and environment. Causes increased engine ware, is more polluting and wastes fuel. Would the alternator at tick over provide sufficient power to charge a battery, maybe but only very slowly I suspect. In my view not a good idea.

 

[B J G]

Alternators usually need the engine to be running at 1200rpm+ to give a good charging output.
I'd suggest that you simply try it for yourself by watching the displayed battery charge level.

A 2ltr diesel isn't a good method of charging batteries for various reasons.
Solar charging or a small portable generator would provide better results.

 

[WelshGas]

Will this charge leisure batterys while off grid ? Vehicle standing and just on tick over ???
Can T6.1 owners give me some examples of times and battery indicator levels .
E.g. battery indicator half full , how long would this take to fully charge on tick over stationary ??

Will the engine/alternator charging system recharge the Leisure Batteries on tickover, Yes, the T6.1 has a Boost charge system for this purpose.
Is it a good idea to use it regularly, No.
The engine/alternator system is designed to charge the Leisure batteries whilst driving. Prolonged / frequent use will clog up the DPF and EGR valve which can be very problematic.
Solar panels are the way to go for prolonged off-grid usage with no driving for prolonged periods.

 

[andyinluton]

I am sure others with more knowledge than I, eg WG, will comment. But as far as I know running a diesel at tick over for lengthy periods of time is bad for the engine and environment. Causes increased engine ware, is more polluting and wastes fuel. Would the alternator at tick over provide sufficient power to charge a battery, maybe but only very slowly I suspect. In my view not a good idea.

The boost function on a T6.1 is designed exactly for this function, it raises the idle speed to about 1100rpm.

Also lets you use the dashboard heating / aircon while the engine is running, lets you charge up stuff via the dash USBs. Lets you use the Rest mode on the dash for warming the van for an hour or so after turning the engine off.

Our site vans sometimes sit for hours with the engine Idling to keep aircon or heating running while someone is using the laptop via the inverter. Most have done well over 100k, some are up to 200k with no ill effects.


As for "more polluting and wastes fuel" Do you think a petrol generator creates no pollution & uses no fuel?

 

[WelshGas]

The boost function on a T6.1 is designed exactly for this function, it raises the idle speed to about 1100rpm.

Also lets you use the dashboard heating / aircon while the engine is running, lets you charge up stuff via the dash USBs. Lets you use the Rest mode on the dash for warming the van for an hour or so after turning the engine off.

Our site vans sometimes sit for hours with the engine Idling to keep aircon or heating running while someone is using the laptop via the inverter. Most have done well over 100k, some are up to 200k with no ill effects.


As for "more polluting and wastes fuel" Do you think a petrol generator creates no pollution & uses no fuel?

I bet your vans do a lot more than 5,000 miles/Yr so have a good chance to burn off/clear out the DPF and EGR valve unlike, it would seem, many of the Californias.

 

[andyinluton]

I bet your vans do a lot more than 5,000 miles/Yr so have a good chance to burn off/clear out the DPF and EGR valve unlike, it would seem, many of the Californias.

But if you are going out camping somewhere surely you are driving there? so welly down for an Italian tune up on the way home.

I would have thought most low mileage campers do infrequent but longer trips, which is perfect for clearing out the DPF & EGR.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Will this charge leisure batterys while off grid ? Vehicle standing and just on tick over ???
Can T6.1 owners give me some examples of times and battery indicator levels .
E.g. battery indicator half full , how long would this take to fully charge on tick over stationary ??

Can you not just fit some solar panels?

 

[WelshGas]

But if you are going out camping somewhere surely you are driving there? so welly down for an Italian tune up on the way home.

I would have thought most low mileage campers do infrequent but longer trips, which is perfect for clearing out the DPF & EGR.

One would think so.

 

[Wildcamper]

The boost function on a T6.1 is designed exactly for this function, it raises the idle speed to about 1100rpm.

Also lets you use the dashboard heating / aircon while the engine is running, lets you charge up stuff via the dash USBs. Lets you use the Rest mode on the dash for warming the van for an hour or so after turning the engine off.

Our site vans sometimes sit for hours with the engine Idling to keep aircon or heating running while someone is using the laptop via the inverter. Most have done well over 100k, some are up to 200k with no ill effects.


As for "more polluting and wastes fuel" Do you think a petrol generator creates no pollution & uses no fuel?

Never claimed no pollution or uses no fuel. Read what was written.

 

[Little owl1963]

Will the engine/alternator charging system recharge the Leisure Batteries on tickover, Yes, the T6.1 has a Boost charge system for this purpose.
Is it a good idea to use it regularly, No.
The engine/alternator system is designed to charge the Leisure batteries whilst driving. Prolonged / frequent use will clog up the DPF and EGR valve which can be very problematic.
Solar panels are the way to go for prolonged off-grid usage with no driving for prolonged periods.

Good point welsh gas clogging of filters .
Seems good in theory , to use idle speed to charge batterys , but not if causes additional issues .
Is it much of a disruption to fit solar panels ? How much would a full install cost ???
An can anyone recommend some good companys ???

 

[WelshGas]

Good point welsh gas clogging of filters .
Seems good in theory , to use idle speed to charge batterys , but not if causes additional issues .
Is it much of a disruption to fit solar panels ? How much would a full install cost ???
An can anyone recommend some good companys ???

Solar Camper Solutions - Home

Solar Panel Kits for Mazda Bongo & VW T4 / T5 /T6 and California camper vans.

www.solarcampersolutions.co.uk

Used by many Forum members. Roger Donahugh, the owner, is a Forum Member.

If your usage is mainly summer, then 1 panel would do, but if all year round then consider 2 + panels.

If you can wire a plug then you can fit the kit yourself.

If you use the Search function you will find lots of Threads relating to Solar panels and many How to Posts regarding fitting these kits etc:

 

[Little owl1963]

Will the engine/alternator charging system recharge the Leisure Batteries on tickover, Yes, the T6.1 has a Boost charge system for this purpose.
Is it a good idea to use it regularly, No.
The engine/alternator system is designed to charge the Leisure batteries whilst driving. Prolonged / frequent use will clog up the DPF and EGR valve which can be very problematic.
Solar panels are the way to go for prolonged off-grid usage with no driving for prolonged periods.

Welsh gas seems no his stuff very well , what would you opinion be using a generator connected to side of van hook up connection?
Off grid would be mainly for some winter fishing by side bala lake ,usually up to 7 days max around 4 times a year

 

[andyinluton]

Off grid would be mainly for some winter fishing by side bala lake ,usually up to 7 days max around 4 times a year

Using the boost function for an hour x 3 days ( after the batteries have used their initial charge) x 4 times a year =12 hours a year.


My van used to spend that long idling in a week just driving around London....

You are over thinking it.

 

[Little owl1963]

Welsh gas seems no his stuff very well , what would you opinion be using a generator connected to side of van hook up connection?
Off grid would be mainly for some winter fishing by side bala lake ,usually up to 7 days max around 4 times a year

What is your opion on using a generator to hook up ???

 

[Little owl1963]

Using the boost function for an hour x 3 days ( after the batteries have used their initial charge) x 4 times a year =12 hours a year.


My van used to spend that long idling in a week just driving around London....

You are over thinking it.

Alternators usually need the engine to be running at 1200rpm+ to give a good charging output.
I'd suggest that you simply try it for yourself by watching the displayed battery charge level.

A 2ltr diesel isn't a good method of charging batteries for various reasons.
Solar charging or a small portable generator would provide better results.

IMPORTANT info found out today off volkswagen technician .
Apparently the seperate leisure battery charger is at rear and only works off mains hook up .

When vehicle is running said charges off alternator only off engine.

Also said the charger at rear has a split charge relay to trickle charge engine battery.

Usefull info to no

 

[Wesel]

What is your opion on using a generator to hook up ???

The noise of the generator is very unpleasant for the whole neighborhood, if any. Definitely not the best way to make friends.

 

[Little owl1963]

The noise of the generator is very unpleasant for the whole neighborhood, if any. Definitely not the best way to make friends.

We're I go no neighbours not on campsite more farmers field by lake

 

[Little owl1963]

While the vehicle is standing , and mains hook-up plugged into household mains .

When both leisure batteries are fully charged , does the charger then charge the engine battery ??

If so at what charge rate ? an does it fully charge engine battery ?? , if not what percentage does it charge it too ??

An if leaving the vehicle standing for month at time during wintertime , would it be better to use a auto mains battery charger straight connected to engine battery ??

 

[sidepod]

I’d be more concerned about wanting to spend 7 days fishing!!!

 

[B J G]

While the vehicle is standing , and mains hook-up plugged into household mains .

When both leisure batteries are fully charged , does the charger then charge the engine battery ??

If so at what charge rate ? an does it fully charge engine battery ?? , if not what percentage does it charge it too ??

An if leaving the vehicle standing for month at time during wintertime , would it be better to use a auto mains battery charger straight connected to engine battery ??

T6 did charge engine battery but have read on here that the T6.1 doesn't.

Either periodic engine battery charge needed or a Smart Charger left connected (CTEK)

 

[Little owl1963]

Seems bit of a grey area this one ?
Nothing in manual about it , an california time WILL reckons keeps his topped up ??

But as you say , some on here saying it does not .

In theory you would think it would, as there is a split relay charger , thanks for your input into this .

 

[andyinluton]

Seems bit of a grey area this one ?
Nothing in manual about it , an california time WILL reckons keeps his topped up ??

But as you say , some on here saying it does not .

In theory you would think it would, as there is a split relay charger , thanks for your input into this .

There is something in the T6.1 manual & it is clear........

 

[Little owl1963]

Well spotted Andy , just found it in the California supplement slim manual , thanks again .
does not say what level would charge up too ? an at what amps ??
But would presume up to 80% charge at probably 1 amp trickle charge ?
Any one any ideas ??