Can anyone recommend a good trickle charger?

[nasman]

Also - how long do you need to leave it on for? I'm thinking of putting it on when I get to the office as its a bit difficult outside my house..

Thanks in Advance!

 

[2b1ask1]

If it is only possible to leave it on the road I would seriously recommend a solar panel left on the parcel shelf plugged into the aux system I kept my old Mercedes going this way through all conditions... Doesn't need to be massive, this is perfect:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-powered-12v-2.4w-battery-trickle-charger-223251

 

[nasman]

Will that work? Charging through the aux socket when the car is off?

 

[rossyl]

If you are driving to and from work, and if the journey is of reasonable time/distance (30+mins), then I wouldn't worry about a battery charger/conditioner. You generally only need one if you are driving the car once every fortnight.

If you just want to make sure the battery is kept tip top, then when you get home overnight, or on the weekends when it is not being used, plug the battery onto a CTEK charger. The CTEK 3.6 will do you fine but the 5.0 model is better. CTEK is the brand handed out with Aston, Ferrari etc... thought they generally only supply the base model which i below the specs of the 3.6 model. Also have a search for AutoExpress best battery charger where the CTEK won the test..

The CTEK can be left plugged-in indefinitely and also while the battery remains connected to the car.

 

[nasman]

Or - just give it a good blast on the weekend?

 

[2b1ask1]

The socket next to the battery stays live, not sure about the cabin aux on these so you may need to feed a line through under the back seats but certainly the solar panel is ample for the job, especially if you are getting some miles of commute, it becomes a safety net for you. I never used to disconnect mine and I have used it on my current Maserati when it's been in the garage for long periods, it's just a bit too dark to be super efficient in there.

 

[hodroyd]

Hahahaha, now you're talking Nasman...!!!

 

[Parisien]

They reckon a 25 mile run minimum....maybe newer batterues don't need that now


P

 

[Felonious Crud]

I use an old Halfords one. Must be 20+ years old now but it does the trick. That said, I like the look of Newton's solar panel - dead simple if you can just stick it on the back shelf. Am I right in thinking, then, that I can charge the battery by plugging the panel into the lighter socket (sorry - that might be a *really* stoopid question).

Cheers,
Adam

 

[hodroyd]

Electric current goes both ways, you just have to be careful that the current the car requires at any point, does not exceed the circuit protection (Fuse) limit of such as the lighter socket. If the internal lighter socket is switched off with the ignition, which most are, you would need to go in to the boot socket, or direct to the battery.

 

[nasman]

Hmmmmm.... I may run a cable to the battery and go with the Solar route.. Just to be safe.

 

[2b1ask1]

The solar panels are only putting a trickle in and have protection built in so they do not draw power when it is dark. Yes you may need to feed some cables through to the boot to leave a permanent live connection. I don't know if there is a permanent live inside the GTS but most motors have one somewhere you can safely tap into.

Nature of my business I'm highly dependent upon power on the road so I generally fit all my vehicles with always on aux sockets...

 

[hodroyd]

Nasman,
Have you checked in the boot battery compartment, usually to the left of the battery fastened on to the bulkhead and facing the battery, somewhere near the power shut off switch, there may be a 12v socket..?? You can use this because I think it is permanent on and maybe put the Solar head just outside the boot on a sticky pad or something, take care not to trap the cable though. Only good for when you are parked obviously..!!
Cheers
R

 

[2b1ask1]

I know the GT's have a manual boot release handle tucked under the rear seat squab (near side I think), it should be possible to feed a cable along the same path without too much grief.

 

[hodroyd]

Or you could feed it through on to the rear parcel shelf and sit the head just behind a headrest, will get the daylight great on there and a short run to the boot..??

 

[2b1ask1]

Yes I agree, I imagine the shelf removal is going to be near identical to the 4200 and it is the best location to capture sunlight...

 

[Felonious Crud]

Electric current goes both ways, you just have to be careful that the current the car requires at any point, does not exceed the circuit protection (Fuse) limit of such as the lighter socket. If the internal lighter socket is switched off with the ignition, which most are, you would need to go in to the boot socket, or direct to the battery.

Thanks Robert

 

[nasman]

OK - Just checked and there is a 12V socket on the left hand side of the boot that is always on - Not that it matters as the battery is about 30 cm away anyway.
Had a litte prod and reckon I can easily get a cable back into the cabin and mount the solar panel on the rear windscreen area with suckers..

I have checked two manuals for these solar panels and both say DO NOT start the engine with the panel attached as it could damage it. I will give it a go with it attached and report back..

Looking to go with a higher power one from herecomes with suckers and an LED to show its working)

http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/icp-solar/dz-500-solar-car-battery-charger.aspx

For those interested the manual can be found here:
http://www.produktinfo.conrad.com/datenblaetter/850000-874999/857123-an-01-en-SOLAR_BATTERIESCHUTZ_500.pdf

Lots of connectors so the thing can be wired in and still be detached from inside the cabin..

 

[2b1ask1]

Hi Nasman, I never caused any problems leaving mine attached even used my car to jump others whilst it was attached.

 

[nasman]

Ok - am going for the one recommended by 2b1ask1..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Automotive-RSP240-Solar-Maintainer/dp/B003M9FRH2/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1354806101&sr=1-2-catcorr

Will let you all know how I get on. . .