Hybrid charging

[Guest]

On 8/13/2024 at 9:31 PM, Dick_Dastardly said:

Or there's my method which has no fears about driving off with it still attached as it simply unclips itself

 

I had a similar arrangement, years ago, with one of those engine cooling water preheaters. The heater and built in pump tapped into the interior heating system plumbing under the bonnet.

A connector permanently fixed to the front bumper. Plug in the mains about 20 minutes before driving. Then off you go with a nicely warmed up car.

One Winter's morning I plugged in, had a cup of tea/coffee and drove off - yes, you guessed correctly, answer on a postage stamp. Hint - no auto unclip.

[Johnold]

I have now ordered a charger from Amazon should arrive tomorrow

Like others have said its a bit of a struggle to get the rear seat up

I also found access was easier to take off the trim below the seat

CTEK MXS5.0 Value Added Bundle £95.42 It does include a CTEK M8 Indicator Eyelet

 

[Paul john]

9 hours ago, Slartybartfast said:

I had a similar arrangement, years ago, with one of those engine cooling water preheaters. The heater and built in pump tapped into the interior heating system plumbing under the bonnet.

A connector permanently fixed to the front bumper. Plug in the mains about 20 minutes before driving. Then off you go with a nicely warmed up car.

One Winter's morning I plugged in, had a cup of tea/coffee and drove off - yes, you guessed correctly, answer on a postage stamp. Hint - no auto unclip.

How does that connector stand up to driving in heavy rain, do you get any shorts?

[dash]

14 minutes ago, Johnold said:

 It does include a CTEK M8 Indicator Eyelet

 

 

I think you’ll find the red LED on the indicator will show most of the time you are parked up. I’ve found that, after a day of the car being unused, the Battery drops to 12.4V and after 5 days to 12.2V (which is pretty normal for these cars).

[Johnold]

I would have preferred it without the indicator  but it was part of the offer

Individual parts would have worked out more expensive

[Packard]

With a modern car, is this really necessary ? 

[Paul john]

1 hour ago, Packard said:

With a modern car, is this really necessary ? 

Yes post 2024

[Guest]

15 hours ago, Paul john said:

How does that connector stand up to driving in heavy rain, do you get any shorts?

No issues with water ingress. The plug and socket were supplied by the manufacturer (Kenlowe) and were IP rated (or it's equivalent at the time, 1990's)  to whatever level required. The bumper connector had a hinged cover, also water resistant.

I think it's in my shed somewhere amongst all other assorted stuff!🙄

I fitted a Kenlowe electric fan at the same time which meant the continuously running, engine driven, fan could be removed. There was a temperature sensor which fitted into the top radiator hose using some clever rubber thing. That was connected to an adjustable thermostat, i.e. set the temperature at which the fan received power.

Sorry I've gone way off topic.

I've had a CTEK MXS5.0 for a few years now and, although not cheap, it's excellent.

I also have one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Maypole-7423A-Battery-Charger-Electronic/dp/B009A83P1E/ref=sr_1_6?af=eyJxdWFydHpWZWhpY2xlIjoiMjktMTA1MTkifQ%3D%3D&crid=7KHH8ZYWUVOX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PfxLlStmWQ8uYavKtV_CVY6FCkqYwETlHdWaROzKpxwuHuQmdFpROCEkjUNkqdwhWBDh9PCVGGnWK7pGGQlMJOAFlu_Ag8rQJhpdUvzhRdB_Bl8fUEeDknDIq2zbdUol2EkH9jay2pOYS8ZHVDhp0NKONBXbc8d5OM7IL6s4TyEivkYwJdgBn-RvGauJBeNrSD5qvRQT4QyrSpBlRRuZnrT0aAoQuiH0zvjMe-s4C8T7YHuLtH8WlEMgt9JamvfQ7MWLjS-dp5g3pt50eC2FtRmaz03c5yjRxE5N0fIT-MU.pbP14hKgZd0W9qjA3RAmnoBNCTjhiZwQp4w4KA0vOqU&dib_tag=se&keywords=maypole+battery+charger+car+12v&qid=1723800094&sprefix=maypole%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-6

which I find just as good and reliable as the CTEK, but far cheaper. Probably not as suitable if the Battery is not easily accessible, no extension tails.