Menu toggle

Trickle charger - no mains socket

S

SV_WDC

PCGB Member
Member
Can anyone recommend a trickle charger solution for when there is no mains socket to run the charger off?

I've seen solar options but this is not an option - car kept in outside garage, away from property. And frankly British weather I would not even trust a solar option.

Could I get a second car battery & use this with a CTEK trickle charger to the lighter socket? I presume I will then have to 'charge' the second battery; if I have to do it infrequently (monthly) then that would be a viable option.

Just to give an idea on usage, car is being used every 1-2 weeks in winter (ensuring a 30min run at least to get everything warm). Summer it will be used at least once a week, probably more.
So far I have noticed the car in standby mode. So not even sure if I can legitmately continue with this usage with no risk of damaging/shortening the battery life.

Any views much appreciate
 
It's no problem to use another battery and trickle charger via an inverter to charge the car battery. If you have a more recent Porsche 2016 onward then the lighter socket may well close down after about 30 mins and require a battery connection.

 
Hi Nicks, sorry for the slow reply.

Thanks for letting me know. Looking into this, it may not be a viable solution as Maplin quote ~£200-300 for what looks like a decent inverter.

If there are any other cheaper & equally reliable solutions then I'd love to hear.

Thanks

 
How about a small, portable generator such as this?

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/700W-Petrol-Generator-28853-Draper?ppc_keyword=&gclid=CIWQ4pmM3tICFcgp0wodn2UHHg

That one probably isn't very quiet, so it depends on the location of your garage, but I have seen a portable one that you can hardly hear! Of course there is the problem that you need to top up the fuel on a regular basis but, then again, if you used the external battery/inverter option you would need to recharge that battery at regular intervals too. You would also need decent ventilation. Anyway, just a thought!

 
For many years I have been using a BESTEK 300W DC 12V TO AC 230V Car Power Inverter £27.99 from Amazon. It powers a 5amp Ctek trickle charger for about 10 hours from a normal car battery. After 2-5 hours the battery is fully charged and for convenience I have another battery charger for the spare battery.

 
Phil,

This is a topic which has occupied minds on this and other forums in the past.

As Nick has shown in his last post, taking the inverter route is very inefficient: DC - 240v -DC. You're for ever swapping and charging the slave battery/batteries.

As Alan has suggested, using a generator is probably a better option but I think the best thing to do is use the car on a weekly basis which should be more than adequate to keep the battery - and the mechanicals - in good condition.

Jeff

 
Thanks for the help everyone.

I will continue to ensure it gets the regular use. Just being a weekend car I wanted to see if the preventative steps of trickle charger were really a necessity.

Seems not.

 
But I think keeping it on a battery conditioner is a necessity.....You only need to not use it for a couple of weekends and that could spell trouble.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top