Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26774
Charging a temporary battery in the boot...
Can I just plug a couple of 12 volt batteries (wired parallel) into the standard 12v socket in the boot to charge them up?
The batteries will not be discharged, I just want to get them up to max charge on way down to Le Mans, to keep my fridge running for a few days.
I appreciate that it might not be a good idea to plug a flat battery in this way as it could overload the socket.
Any thoughts?
5th Jun 2015 10:25 am
LandRoverAnorak
Member Since: 06 Mar 2014
Location: Surrey
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Whilst it'd probably work, I'm not sure I'd want the batteries within the passenger compartment. When they charge they give off hydrogen gas, which is very flammable. If connected straight to 12v without any control circuit, they will also continue to charge even if already fully charged, which means they can overheat, too.Darren
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What about using a DC to DC charger?
5th Jun 2015 11:17 am
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as long as they are fully charged, the draw wont be too high. just have a couple of fuses handy. you could always tap into the towing electrics to give you up to 40amps direct from your battery. i dont think the gases given off with todays charging methods should cause concern in that instance. just don't plug them in for the journey back.Bodsys Brake Bible
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5th Jun 2015 11:49 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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tayaste wrote:
What about using a DC to DC charger?
This is the only safe way to charge them and the batteries themselves must be secured in a ventilated enclosure. Hydrogen is not your friend in a minor accident and the acid can be life-changing in a more major shunt.
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Last edited by Robbie on 5th Jun 2015 12:10 pm. Edited 1 time in total
5th Jun 2015 11:57 am
Russell
Member Since: 23 Aug 2007
Location: Kent
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Not only can the acid be life changing, the batteries themselves become missiles even at low speeds and WILL kill if they fly around the car.
As others have said make sure they are fully secured and cannot move before you even consider moving the car.MY17 D5 1st Edition Namib Orange
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5th Jun 2015 12:08 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
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Land Rover - Turning Drivers into Mechanics Since 1948
There are other types of sealed battery as well, with minimal risks as above - apart from the missile effect!A vaccine does not stop you catching a virus, or passing it on, or getting ill from it, really ill. It does reduce the likelyhood of you dying when really, really ill. Stay Alive - KEEP AWAY FROM PEOPLE.
5th Jun 2015 2:06 pm
Sloss
Member Since: 18 Aug 2013
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Take a Solar charger with you, no extra batteries required then.
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5th Jun 2015 2:21 pm
Ent
Member Since: 12 Oct 2007
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Lash it down as I know you would Gareth and use an inverter with a Ctek charger👠don't worry about the hydrogen nonsense, the release is so small on a sealed battery it's not worth considering.Club Exped trailer
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5th Jun 2015 2:31 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
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Cheers folks. Do not worry, they are very secure, on the rear-side of the cargo barrier, ratchet straps across and over each one. I will charge them before I travel.
5th Jun 2015 2:40 pm
boyd
Member Since: 26 Mar 2014
Location: Brackley
Posts: 217
My solution;
CTEK D250S DC-DC charger (£140) mounted in a vented marine enclosure (£8.99) secured in the boot with a 1000a/h lesiure battery (£85) run off a fused feed from the rear 12v socket, the CTEK is current clamped to 20amps so protects the vehicle wiring.
Then with two fused (6-way £9) dual 12v + 2xUSB panels (£2.49) on the outside of the marine enclosure along with a voltage readout (£1.50) I can run everything I want while camping etc.
The CTEK also has the benefit of being able to take a direct input from a solar panel if your stationary for any length of time, without having to buy an expensive dedicated voltage regulator
5th Jun 2015 2:41 pm
highlands
Member Since: 10 Jan 2010
Location: NW Highlands
Posts: 5103
I wouldn't have any particular qualms about having a battery or two, well secured, and in a similar (good) state of charge (and the same chemistry) to the vehicle battery in a well ventilated vehicle connected to the cigarette lighter socket, otherwise I'd definitely use an inverter and charger or a good DC:DC charger.Black 05 TDV6 HSE Auto
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5th Jun 2015 3:55 pm
highlands
Member Since: 10 Jan 2010
Location: NW Highlands
Posts: 5103
boyd wrote:
My solution;
CTEK D250S DC-DC charger (£140) mounted in a vented marine enclosure (£8.99) secured in the boot with a 1000a/h lesiure battery (£85) run off a fused feed from the rear 12v socket, the CTEK is current clamped to 20amps so protects the vehicle wiring.
Do you mean 1000a/h?Black 05 TDV6 HSE Auto
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5th Jun 2015 3:56 pm
motolite
Member Since: 18 Mar 2013
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