Battery charging

[MartyJB]

Apologies if this has been covered previously, I've tried searching but can't find anything on charging my battery in situ.
Can anyone advise if I can connect a trickle charger directly to my D4 battery to keep it charged when I'm not using the car or do I need to install a battery "anti zap" device?

I want to charge the battery while camping as we flatten the battery going in and out of the car waking up the computer etc.

Thanks

[drivesafe]

Hi Marty and there is no problem charging your battery “in situ”.

To set up to do this, connect the positive power supply lead to the cranking battery's Positive terminal.

The negative power supply lead must NOT connect to the cranking battery’s negative terminal.

The negative power supply lead must be connected to a earth point, away from the cranking battery.

If you have a look in your engine bay, at the inner guard, just in front of the cranking battery compartment, you will see two 6M studs fixed to the guard.

You can safely use these as the negative connection point.

BTW anti zap devices are nothing more than snake oil, don’t bother with them.

[rufusking]

And to make life easier you can make up a trailer plug (Euro 'S' type, the white left hand connector behind the panel above the tow fitting) where pins 3 & 4 (- & +) are permanently connected to the battery and charge through there. Saves having to open the bonnet and take the battery cover off. I put a post-it note on the start button so I don't forget to disconnect it when I get back.

[Canaussie]

I guess I'd be asking why you are flattening the battery. Mine used to do this as well whilst away camping. I believe there is a bulletin for this to be fixed, there is something that is drawing current that runs down the battery. I had an update to the computer and a new battery installed and it was fixed. I also use one of Tim's DBS which works a treat.

[MartyJB]

Thanks Drivesafe, appreciate the advice.

Good idea rufusking, I think I'll do that.

Canaussie, I'm not sure why the battery goes flat I guessed it was just the computer waking each time I opened the door. Traxide DBS is on my to buy list, but thought a charger was a good option in the mean time. I'll ask the dealer about fixes next service which is only a few weeks ago and before camping at Easter.

[discotwinturbo]

Good habit to get into, putting say a 5amp charger on your disco battery regularly.

I have been doing this on my Touareg for 6 years, Patrol for 7 years, and D4 for 2 1/2 years....plus buggy, ride on mower, quad bikes, override brakes, and so on.

Doing this on all of my cars and toys has never seen the need to replace a starter battery to date.

A quality multiphase Battery charger will always look after you batteries better than a vehicles charging system from my experience.

Brett....

[eddomak]

And to make life easier you can make up a trailer plug (Euro 'S' type, the white left hand connector behind the panel above the tow fitting) where pins 3 & 4 (- & +) are permanently connected to the battery and charge through there. Saves having to open the bonnet and take the battery cover off. I put a post-it note on the start button so I don't forget to disconnect it when I get back.

That's a good idea - any chance you could post a photo?

[letherm]

That's a good idea - any chance you could post a photo?

A link to this site in a previous thread today with a title about charging through Anderson Plugs shows connectors you can buy if you're not handy with putting these things together. The site has some other interesting stuff there too.

Charging through towing socket - DISCO3.CO.UK Knowledge Base (http://www.disco3.co.uk/wiki/Charging_through_towing_socket#Ready_Made)

[baldivistribe]

Hello
I use a ctek 5 amp charger once a month or so on our discovery. I have permanently mounted the quick connect cable that come with the ctek in the engine bay. That way no one can drive off with it connected.
Great idea to charge often. Battery definitely starts the car better.
Cheers
Steve

[drivesafe]

Another suggestion to avoid driving off down the street with your battery charger in tow is to connect the battery charger to the mains power via an extension lead and drape the extension lead over the driver’s side mirror.

This is a trick farmers have been doing for many years and the same thing can be done if you are using solar to maintain your battery.

[phl]

That's a good idea - any chance you could post a photo?

Look in my gallery; did it last year.

[jonesy63]

Here is one I prepared earlier :)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/03/1096.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/910.jpg

[rufusking]

Scroll through this thread, there are some pics and a discussion.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/166849-max-amps-through-12s-socket.html

[wbowner]

A dumb question but do is it still advisable to have a fuse if using a 5amp charger or is there one in the CTEK connector?

Richard

[mijango]

Interesting reading. Thanks guys. I've got one of Tim's DBS fitted and works a treat.
So if I'm thinking I want to give the main battery a bit of extra oomph and longevity from the mains, what would be a good charger to do it with? Any recommendations? Looking mid range from price perspective.

[rufusking]

I have added a 12 pin flat trailer connector and charge through that. The 12 pin taps into the existing 12N & S loom behind the LH tail light.