Trickle Chargers

[GingaNinga]

Hello,

I don't appear to be using my TVR enough at the moment and on the two clear mornings I have wanted to drive to work it's not started and I don't have time to recharge the battery before work

So do you have any recommendations for trickle chargers?

Many thanks,
Ginga
1996 Chimaera 500

[chrish]

You need an "Accumate" available from Leven technology- about £40. It will charge the battery to about 14 volts at a very low current and then cut out and keep it up to 13.5 volts. So it takes about 48 hrs to fully charge a low battery, rather longer than a battery charger but it will fix the problem and you can leave it on whenever it is not in use- advisable.
Chris

[Russ Baker]

Try Leven Technologies (I'm sure that they advertise here) circa £50 gets you the actual unit itself, extention lead & cigarette lighter socket. The later being a real bonus with regards to battery location etc.
The unit (if prefered) also has a hard wiring option but not really necessary with the cigerette lighter conection.
Bought one last year after, as yourself not using car much at all between October & March.
V/Wise investment.

[andymadmak]

If you've already got a standard Battery charger and don't want to go to the expense of buying another there's another option which is a little unit made by Draper, and sold by Halfords. It looks like a mobile phone battery charger. It won't charge your battery if it's drained, but it will keep a charged battery up to scratch if the car is laid up with the alarm activated. Attaches with croc clips. Cost <£20

Cheers
Andy 400se

[whatever]

I've just bought a charger which is switchable from "fast" to "trickle" (and has another switch for 6/12V)

The manual advises disconnecting the battery prior to charging so as not to risk the alternator. Fair enough. But is this required if it's running in "trickle" mode?

The reason I ask is that removing the terminals in the cerb is a major job (relatively speaking), as you can't access the negative terminal without removing the near-side air box (as well as the scuttle).

Any expert opinions?

[shpub]

[quoteThe reason I ask is that removing the terminals in the cerb is a major job (relatively speaking), as you can't access the negative terminal without removing the near-side air box (as well as the scuttle).

Any expert opinions?

---

No but the engine is earthed. One lead on the positive and the other on the engine. I never disconnected the battery when trickle/conditioning. One it screws up/resets the alarm and the radio for starters.

If it recommends disconnecting the battery because of alternator problems it seems to me that translated this unit is not clever and can create surges that can take out the alternator.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[zumbruk]

I've been keeping the batteries alive on my "weekend" cars for about 10 years using the cheapo Halfords trickle charger I've had since dinosaurs roamed the earth plugged into an equally cheapo electromechanical timer. I never bother disconnecting the battery - I plug the charger into the cigarette lighter socket (check the polarity and that it is permanently live - it is on a Chimaera). I usually give it 30 minutes of trickle charge every night. Batteries last 5 - 8 years instead of the 8 months I was getting when they go flat and recharge them.

[Leadfoot]

I've got an Optimate each for the car & bike. Both are hard wired & left connected all the time. My bike owning M8s also use Optimates - everyone's happy with them. 40 quid from your local (motor)bike shop.

[GingaNinga]

Thanks for the info. I'll place that order then!

GN

[roy c]

Make sure you check the electrolyte level regularly, as it tends to disappear more quickly when connected to a battery conditioner.

[GingaNinga]

Good tip, except I am really trying not to get in there though as it's such a pain in the @rse! Oh well, I'll just sell my other car and use the TVR daily.
Have it!

[icamm]

Leadfoot said: I've got an Optimate each for the car & bike. Both are hard wired & left connected all the time. My bike owning M8s also use Optimates - everyone's happy with them. 40 quid from your local (motor)bike shop.

Same here.