Date:         Mon, 13 Mar 2006 10:15:47 -0800
Reply-To:     TC <trclark@SHAW.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         TC <trclark@SHAW.CA>
Subject:      Re: Sure Power 1315 battery separator
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

> > The 1315 is a nice product that works well with the Vanagon electrical
> > system. RV stores and shops, commercial vehicle auto electric shops, as
> > well as some car stereo shops sell them. Here is an RV place that sells
> > the 100 amp version online. The standard 100 amp version is all you need
> > for the Vanagon charging system. Very simple to install, far superior to
> > the older isolator installation requirements.
> So my old sure power 952-3A just died saturday, it would no longer perform
> it regulating duties so 16+ volts were going straight out
> So i figure no problem just wire the alternator straight to the main batt
> Nope the PO busted the blade in the regulator on Bosh alternator so
> stranded...
> So do i get a new isolator or try find the part for the Bosh alternator
> (or just buy new alt any wasy & keep this for spare)
> and then get the 1315....
> ARE THERE THERE ANY ADVANTAGES TO AN ISOLATOR at all ?
well grinding away here it looks like there are 2 disadvantages
(please correct me if i have this wrong)
1) MTBF-isolators are all solid state(should last longer),
    1315 relay is mechanical life expectancy is 5-8 years
2) Separators charge in parallel so if the 2 battery's are not of the exact
same type/use,
    the recharge is effected by the different battery recharge requirement
   &  the life expectancy could be reduced since the batteries are not
isolated on the recharge
    cycle and 1 or the other maybe be subject to over charge condition
    This is also mitigated because the there is also load on the alternator
so the risk of over charge
     is some what reduced.
   How much is the reduced the life expectancy ???
   Not enuff to worry about ?