Hibernating

jez_anderson · Aug 16, 2005

Anyone any suggestions how best to store a 944 car for periods of 1 to 2 months? Do I need a battery conditioner etc?

Guest · Aug 17, 2005

I guess you're garaged right? If you think the car is secure, then I would disconnect the battery. Of course that means your alarm won't work, so maybe check with you insurance company first? Failing that, yep. a battery conditioner will do the job. Get one with a failsafe though that won't overcharge it. (i.e. don't skimp!)

While it's stored, keep the bonnet fully open too. It recharges the gas pressure in the struts!

jez_anderson · Aug 17, 2005

Thanks. Any suggestions on the battery conditioner - where best to get one and how much to pay?

Guest · Aug 17, 2005

I have an Optimate which does me just fine on my "always" garaged TR8. I've also heard reasonably good things about CTEK stuff. Demon tweeks have them both, but I'm sure a google will be able to get them cheaper than the Welsh boys!

Diver944 · Aug 17, 2005

I use and recommend www.carcoon.co.uk

Costs 39.99 inc delivery and VAT and comes with a slim lead that does not damage the tailgate seals. It also has two seperate connection methods. A couple of rings that can be permanently bolted to the battery terminals and a set of croc clips that you can temporarily use on a second car [

]

Guest · Aug 17, 2005

Is it just me, or does that Carcoon one look EXACTLY the same as the optimate (different sticker obviously! [

] )

jez_anderson · Aug 17, 2005

I checked out that web site and I WANT one of those bubbles![

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Hilux · Aug 18, 2005

I have an Optimate which does me just fine

Seconded, I`ve had one for years, superb bit of kit.

jez_anderson · Sep 2, 2005

ORIGINAL: Diver944

I use and recommend www.carcoon.co.uk

Costs 39.99 inc delivery and VAT and comes with a slim lead that does not damage the tailgate seals. It also has two seperate connection methods. A couple of rings that can be permanently bolted to the battery terminals and a set of croc clips that you can temporarily use on a second car []

I've bought one. Is it alright to leave the thing connected and close the rear hatch? Is there enough ventilation for this? If I cant I cant lock the car up, so I assume I can?

berg944 · Sep 2, 2005

How long is the 12v cable on the carcoon?

Will it work on calcium batteries?

I emailed them months ago but got no answer.

Mike[:'(]

Guest · Sep 2, 2005

ORIGINAL: jez_anderson

I've bought one. Is it alright to leave the thing connected and close the rear hatch? Is there enough ventilation for this? If I cant I cant lock the car up, so I assume I can?

I would think it'll be OK. Just open the windows a 1/4 inch to let a bit of air circulate to be safer (if you're garaged of course)

So I found another advantage of owning a left-hooker.... The battery is in a sensible place for trickle chargers! [

]

Guest · Sep 2, 2005

ORIGINAL: berg944

Will it work on calcium batteries?

Mike[:'(]

Should do. Generally the Calcium batteries are "more heavy duty" than the standard lead/acid type.

Diver944 · Sep 4, 2005

ORIGINAL: jez_anderson
I've bought one. Is it alright to leave the thing connected and close the rear hatch?

Yep, I've been doing it like that for years.

The 12v lead is about 5 metres long, and the 240v lead into the box abour 3 metres. I 'think' they also sell an extra long 12v lead for an extra charge

jez_anderson · Sep 9, 2005

Had trouble with the Carcoon charger - it wouldn't work. So I arranged to swap it with them for another one, nice people. I went to the factory in a scary part of manchester, not really what it expect it would be but the good news is the replacement works fine. Got talking to the people there, they make the car bubbles for Minardi F1 you know.