450 LXi battery bank separation (Lack of it)

[dentmac]

Hi,
The INTENDED battery bank separation by Bluebird for the 450 was with the use of a 24v controller (B.I.R.D) that was to control a Big Boy 200Amp relay which would combine the banks as needed for charging and starting and would separate them for dry camping to prevent the engine batteries from discharging.
Bluebird used the wrong Bigboy relay. They used a Latching relay (Intellitec 00506-120) which cannot be controlled by the BIRD (This relay used is also a 12v instead of 24v).
I believe that all the 450's are the same. The battery banks are permanently combined. ( A couple coaches have installed manual over rides) The relay that Bluebird should have used is a Non latching 24V (Intellitec 90006-240 ). Not a big problem unless shore power dies when you are not around.
My BIRD has shorted and is now disconnected. Not that it did anything anyway.
I thought I would return the system to its designed automatic state but find that the BIRD and the Non latching relays are no longer manufactured.
24 V BIRDS are available (ebay) but not the 24V non latching relay.
SOOO…
There are 2 choices. I don’t understand several areas, so if anyone can help , thank you.
With the BIRD, it monitors both battery banks… but how as there is only a “Coach battery” terminal, not a second one for Engine battery?
1, Use a new BIRD and find a 24 v continuous duty relay. (Higher amperage would be wiser)
http://www.ecovantageenergy.com/catalog/...em1035.htm
2, Replace both with a combined unit. (the BIRD has control wires, ignition, coach (house) battery, solenoid, ground)
http://www.victronenergy.com/upload/docu...00A-EN.pdf
http://www.allbatterysalesandservice.com...T_3103.pdf
and here but I would have to run wires to the dash.
https://www.bluesea.com/products/7623100...%5BBulk%5D

[davidbrady]

Ross,

I like the Blue Sea ML Series. I think they have the best thought out device. It has the capacity and I like it's over voltage and under voltage Lockout features.