How-To install DC-DC charger to replace VW Split Charge relay

[akprincehbd]

Basically where the N162 shunt is for T6.1 ocean ...

 

[jaydisc]

I have a T6.1 Beach with only one leisure battery under the left seat, and the upper display monitor shunt is attached to the negative terminal of that battery. I had a Victron SmartShunt installed right before the factory shunt under the passenger seat next to the battery. They were also able to fit the 100/20 SmartSolar controller under there too. It’s tight, but it all fit.

 

[akprincehbd]

I have a T6.1 Beach with only one leisure battery under the left seat, and the upper display monitor shunt is attached to the negative terminal of that battery. I had a Victron SmartShunt installed right before the factory shunt under the passenger seat next to the battery. They were also able to fit the 100/20 SmartSolar controller under there too. It’s tight, but it all fit.

Thanks, yes I noticed that yesterday, the new vw shunt is so compact and they are like "built-in" into each battery and they do a SUM inside the control unit.

I'm using 75/15 victron MPPT to handle 300w solar it's even more compact. Also I replaced both 75AH leisure batt with 2x 314ah 12v EVE batt, they fit perfectly in both original location. now 8x usable capacity than original VW leisure batt

 

[Paolo69]

Thanks for the post Loz! Great information.

I have a 2018 T6 California ocean with duo leisure batteries that are not performing. My plan is to install a Victron DC to DC charger and upgrade both battery to Victron 60ah Lithium Superpack.

Since I will need to remove the factory split charge relay. If i just leave the signal cable (circled in red) hanging, would it trigger a error code?


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I would be interested too. Did you have a return?

 

[Shadrack]

I would be interested too. Did you have a return?

I removed the split charge relay and fitted Victron a couple of years back and the cable you mention is still just hanging about, no errors.

I also have to thank Loz again for his great write up, a real help at the time.

 

[Paolo69]

Thanks you very much!
On a t6.1?
Orion XS?

 

[Shadrack]

Thanks you very much!
On a t6.1?
Orion XS?

I have a T6, I don’t think there’s much difference. That cable circled is the pick for the relay. Goes high when engine is running. It still goes high if not plugged into anything.
My Victron dc-dc is the 12-12 smart.
The cable can be used to control the smart via the link connections but I found the engine detect within the Victron to work fine without this wire.

 

[Paolo69]

For Victron I have to wait for warranty expires (march 2029...). I have another idea on my t6.1 ocean, what annoys is that before DPF regen starts for 20 to 45mins apple a deep discharge (about -30A In the control panel) as in next phase (fase2 of dpf regen when makes post injections) makes a strong recharge (until +60A in control panel). This discharge phase override the "max charge" function of t6.1. No way to avoid. So I'm thinking to put a switch one those wires in order to open relay and isolate the leisure batteries when dpf regen is approching.
If I find same conectors I can make an extension with switch without modifing wires

 

[Shadrack]

I have a T6, I don’t think there’s much difference. That cable circled is the pick for the relay. Goes high when engine is running. It still goes high if not plugged into anything.
My Victron dc-dc is the 12-12 smart.
The cable can be used to control the smart via the link connections but I found the engine detect within the Victron to work fine without this wire.

For Victron I have to wait for warranty expires (march 2029...). I have another idea on my t6.1 ocean, what annoys is that before DPF regen starts for 20 to 45mins apple a deep discharge (about -30A In the control panel) as in next phase (fase2 of dpf regen when makes post injections) makes a strong recharge (until +60A in control panel). This discharge phase override the "max charge" function of t6.1. No way to avoid. So I'm thinking to put a switch one those wires in order to open relay and isolate the leisure batteries when dpf regen is approching.
If I find same conectors I can make an extension with switch without modifing wires

Having a T6, I don’t know the 6.1 too well, but I can’t think there would be any difference in the way leisure’s charge.
Disconnecting the relay will certainly stop any charge to leisure. Maybe you could just try unplugging and see if it gives desired results first?
I appreciate your comments on warranty, when my Cali was new in 2016 I was just like yourself.

 

[Paolo69]

Having a T6, I don’t know the 6.1 too well, but I can’t think there would be any difference in the way leisure’s charge.
Disconnecting the relay will certainly stop any charge to leisure. Maybe you could just try unplugging and see if it gives desired results first?
I appreciate your comments on warranty, when my Cali was new in 2016 I was just like yourself.

I will try, I think I have only to pull that small cylinder part where the 2 small wire go into, right?

 

[Shadrack]

I will try, I think I have only to pull that small cylinder part where the 2 small wire go into, right?

I can’t see my plug now to confirm, but I do think the other part is part of the plug too, not just the round bit.
When investigating be careful as both of the other connections in picture are the positive to leisure and engine battery.
If still suck tomorrow I can have a go at finding my plug under the seat and take a picture for you.

 

[Shadrack]

I can’t see my plug now to confirm, but I do think the other part is part of the plug too, not just the round bit.
When investigating be careful as both of the other connections in picture are the positive to leisure and engine battery.
If still suck tomorrow I can have a go at finding my plug under the seat and take a picture for you.

Look at pictures on first page of this thread, post #4 Loz explains it well.

 

[Paolo69]

I can’t see my plug now to confirm, but I do think the other part is part of the plug too, not just the round bit.
When investigating be careful as both of the other connections in picture are the positive to leisure and engine battery.
If still suck tomorrow I can have a go at finding my plug under the seat and take a picture for you.

No problem I will investigate in mine
Yes I know big red wire are.."dangerous"

 

[andybeary]

Hey Guys i am also in the middle of looking to upgrade my T6.1 from AGM to 2x Lithium from ecotree hope they fit under seat and in back, does show same dimensions. I have bought an orion XS DC2DC, Cerbo GX, vicstron screen and shunt and hopefully all the necessary cables and bits. My plan is to follow most of the instructions here around bypass the split charge relay and into the orion DCDC. Wish me luck lol (job for the weekend now i have all the parts)