Leisure Battery Install

[Zimm]

the only charging port that appears future proof is the cigarette lighter style. usb's will change yet again, and everything on the planet has an adapter for the ol' cigarette port. I just use those.

 

[IneosGrenadierTech]

That's true indeed. The future proofing is more intended for the fuse and power design. I've allowed for expansion on my behalf too, the wiring and fuse set up allows for a significant amount of consumers to be added without needing to swap for larger amperage cables etc. The USB C etc are easily replaced with 12v sockets within a few minutes if necessary.

 

[CloudVisual]

Very much appreciated.

Yes, the button is a very nice little touch from Titan. But, again, customer specified for a mechanical switch mounted in plain sight.

Did you mount the button? I noticed there is no securing tabs or back nut to locate it neatly onto a panel.

You have to unscrew it really carefully. The top ring around the button needs holding and turning. I got mine off with a couple of scratches.

The biggest issue was that the switch mechanism inside is incredibly fragile, it's like a reed switch in there. Slip a two large washers over the button thread and reinstall as a surface mount.

Also Titan do sell one which is easier to surface mount, but is made for parallel batteries. I called them up about taking the switch to pieces and they said they had something which would surface mount better, but I wanted to try my way.

 

[IneosGrenadierTech]

You have to unscrew it really carefully. The top ring around the button needs holding and turning. I got mine off with a couple of scratches.

The biggest issue was that the switch mechanism inside is incredibly fragile, it's like a reed switch in there. Slip a two large washers over the button thread and reinstall as a surface mount.

Also Titan do sell one which is easier to surface mount, but is made for parallel batteries. I called them up about taking the switch to pieces and they said they had something which would surface mount better, but I wanted to try my way.

Thank you!

I may enquire as I have some installs booked in, a neater way to fit this switch is certainly needed. If I find anything out, I shall surely let you know. How did you find the install? Was it for your own vehicle, if so, how do you find the systems day to day useability?

 

[CloudVisual]

Thank you!

I may enquire as I have some installs booked in, a neater way to fit this switch is certainly needed. If I find anything out, I shall surely let you know. How did you find the install? Was it for your own vehicle, if so, how do you find the systems day to day useability?

It's my vehicle and I found it relatively easy. In all honesty, I'm waiting on the aux battery holder to arrive from the dealer, so it's all held in there temporarily until that arrives and I can reinstall it properly.

I originally went for a Renogy DCDC charger, (which for anyone reading this) DO NOT use. The Renogy ignition sensing was unreliable and had a cooling down period where it would only stop charging the aux when the starter dropped to 11.4v. I even bought the Bluetooth adapter to make sure there wasn't a setting in there. It would keep charging the aux at 500w and I ended up with a starter battery at <50%, which isn't ideal.

Victron was a dream. Voltage sensing rather than ignition sensing allows for greater control. I would suggest plugging your Victron settings into ChatGPT and optimising them, as they are slightly off and you will find your Titan showing a lot of cell overvoltage protections. Whilst not a bad thing, you really don't want it always being in a protection mode. Further to this, if you don't want to leave the Titan at 100% you can change the values to slightly under charge the battery to 95% to help with longevity. Again, Chat will help you with these settings and appears to know the Victron and Titan systems - just screenshot the settings pages and tell it your install and you'll get the correct values. (example, the default absorption for Lipo by Victron is 2 hours. This should be 30 mins).

I also spoke to Titan about any settings to stop charging at 95% and they said it was one of their most common questions, but sadly not something they are able to implement.

My install purpose was for an inverter, so went with a Renogy 1000w with external control and two gang sockets where you've installed your voltmeter. Plan is to power some low voltage stuff from the aux. I bought the OEM second row overhead switch panel and exterior grab handle power out boxes, so I'll use that for those. (Bought my car S/H, so had to make do with what I got!)

I am tempted to install a second DCDC to return power back to the starter battery from the aux when the car is off, as it drives me insane that the car, for emissions purposes, won't charge the starter beyond 80%, so I'll just override that with another DCDC.

In terms of day to day, it's fantastic now. Was running it yesterday on a job and everything charging and working nicely.