2nd alternator

Hi all, am thinking of fitting a 2nd alternator instead of a split charge set up I can get the mounting plate from glynn lewis, they also do a wiring kit but its £100. I can get the bits off ebay for less but not sure which relay I would need, does anyone know whish relay would be suitable ?
cheers Ian

If you want to start the car of either battery then thats a bit more difficult as you'll need a switch to select either manually or automatically. Or do you just want to power a AUX battery? With a AUX battery, just wire the 2nd alternator to battery bascially. Looking at the product on their wesbite - you don't need that relay and dash light for the system to work, just to tell you if the alternator has failed. If you're running a dual system, surely you have battery monitors and you can keep an eye on things that way.

I've never understood 'split charging' system and the cost. I come from a marine background and use something like this...

http://www.go2marine.com/product/15...eries-battery-switch-selector-4-position.html - give me manual control to start the engine or either battery, charge either one, or both. Also when parked I select which battery (or both) to connect to my solar panel.

Well worth searching on the canal boat forums as theres some seriously clever electric gurus who will have done what you are after.

Cheers both, yes Niall just want to use it to charge an aux battery. Have put some extras on my rebuild and as I work shifts and it's not a long journey to work in winter with all the heater bits on and lights and such thought the better option would be a 2nd alternator more reliable also would like to fit a fridge at a latter date for when I go fishing to keep my bait fresh. Yes got a switch monitor which tells the state of each battery.

Cheers Ian

IMHO split charging is really more suitable for a single alternator/twin battery setup. Not what you are doing - should be simple to wire up.

You could use a spare lamp position on the dash for the charging light - you'll need to have one for the energiser circuit. Basically wire it up the same as the existing alternator.