Charging leisure battery through hook up

My 1991 VW T4 was not fitted with the gizmo that charges the leisure battery while on electric hook up. My current leisure battery goes flat if we don't drive the van for 2 weeks, so I think we need 2 new batteries anyway, but I'd like to be able to keep a trickle charge on hook up so its always ready to go, and will last for days rather than hours if we're not on hook-up.

Anyone have any idea the best way to achieve this, and, as a long shot, does anyone know where in the south Hampshire area I can get it done? (unless its a simple DIY job, although I'm useless!)

Cheers All

To be honest, retro-fitting a power distribution unit isn't something that comes up a lot here, because most AS conversions made in the last 20+ years had one fitted from the factory.

Your options range from the very simple (a CTEK or similar charger which only trickle charges and won't fully supply any connected 12V appliances) through to something similar to the full blown control units in a current AS model.

It may be easiest to take a look on the UK T4 forum [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] and see what they typically fit, as there are companies that specialise in that specific market - both supply and installation.

Are you sure that you don't have one? when we had a clubman based on the vw the switch was in the side of the passenger seat, we had the van from new and I had no idea what the switch was for until I asked the dealer we had the van about 3 years by then.
The switch was just a tiny rocker switch, got to be worth a look.
Pete

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Have a good look at the two threads above. The second one contains a link to a diagram that shows the additional circuitry required.

If you show the diagram to any proficient auto-electrician he should be able to do something similar depending on exactly how your van is currently configured.

Peter

Peter

I have a 2003 Trident & there is a power switch for the battery charger located behind a plastic cover located at the bottom of the 'food store' between the drainer & wardrobe. Worth having a good hunt around for a 3" dia white cover. Good luck.