Thread: How long does your battery last when idle

Originally Posted by LRD414

The bonnet switch can be bridged with a paperclip or similar. But I just shut the bonnet with the charger cable running down beside the headlight keeping away from the catches. It recesses nicely into the bonnet seal without any harm. The charger itself just sits outside on a chair.

Scott

thanks Scott, will try that.


Richard

Charge mine via the Anderson plug at the back.
Don’t need to worry about bonnet open or closed.

I do that too and also used the white 12S plug but depending on the charger or battery health it’s better to connect more directly to the battery you want to fully charge. Short ctek lead directly to crank battery is the best option in that case but not much help if battery is so flat you can’t get in to get the bonnet open.

Scott

Originally Posted by LRD414

it’s better to connect more directly to the battery you want to fully charge.

Hi Scott and yes., for a faster full charge, connect direct to the battery.

To simply maintain the batteries, connect to the rear and leave the charger on.

For best results, cycle the charger on and off in 12 hour periods.

Over the last few months, I have been carrying out some solar charging test using a 10w solar panel.

I’ll post up my finding shortly in the auto electrical thread.

Originally Posted by 98-110

Hi Tim,
earlier in this thread you recommended using a 10W solar panel to trickle charge the batteries. When looking around, I found this
10W 12v Polycrystalline Energy Solar Panel Battery Module+ Alligator Clips

or the same thing with a 10A Controller for a few $$s more.

Is the controller actually beneficial for some reason and worth the few extra $$s?
Could I connect the solar panel to the auxiliary and starting batteries in parallel?

Thanks, Nigel

A 10 watt solar panel wouldn't make 10 amps so there is no benefit in a 10 amp controller. The panel alone should be fine, I think.

Yep, no need for a solar reg with a small panel like a 10w.

Originally Posted by drivesafe

For best results, cycle the charger on and off in 12 hour periods.

Hi Drivesafe.

Is simply turning the charger off and back on ok or do you need to wait a set time between off and on? I use a Ctek 5amp(??) via the rear plug as a preventative maintenance every month or so.

Martin

Originally Posted by drivesafe

Yep, no need for a solar reg with a small panel like a 10w.

Do you just mean attach the two wires from the 10 watt solar panel straight to the battery, nothing at all in between?
I assume the panel won't drain power back from the battery when the sunlight is insufficient to generate charge.
Please excuse me for asking, but I have always believed a dumb question is far better than a stupid mistake

Cheers, Mick.