Tips: Quick Tip - Trickle Chargers

Quick Tip - Trickle Chargers
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Tuesday, August 9, 2011
GearZ Team

Stacey shows you an easy and reliable way to prevent a dead battery

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lmalino

I have a spare battery which I charge in my daily driver, which, after charging, I connect to an idle battery (car, truck, tractor, etc.) No worries about overcharging, power outages, unattended electrical devices, etc. Plus it's available as an emergency battery if needed.

Apr 19, 2012 07:45 am
speedsterOmari

I think this would be a very useful tool once you drive your vehicle outdoors under the bright sunny morning. You definitely want pickup accessories like this in case you ran out of power in the middle of nowhere.

Feb 24, 2012 06:42 pm
captbryan

Love your' tips but this tip needs a couple important additional comments. I am using 6 solar battery trickle chargers with good success. However I have had 3 fail due to leakage and reverse power imput. I closely read the last 4 direction sheets and the reccomend siliconing the glass edge and the wiring output fitting. I have had no problems since on both powerboats and my Landcruiser. But it also says to disconnect before starting your vehicle. I think I killed one by leaving it connected while driving with my 130 amp alternator. Is there a simple backcharge preventor I can add to leave the charger plugged in? Hope this helps others, Capt Bryan

Nov 26, 2011 02:24 pm
Big Jim

The simplest solution would be to put a diode in series with one of the leads from the solar panel. This may require splicing into the lead. Be sure you put it the right way, or the charger won't work. If that happens, simply reverse polarity. Probably a good idea to check it before you solder it or crimp it in place with wire connectors. Diodes are available at Radio Shack or any electronics supply store.

Nov 27, 2011 09:46 pm

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