7 replies to this topic

[maxfox44]

Hi Guys

 

My wife's Mini Rover 1.3 1997.

She uses it occasionally during the summer months and mostly weekends only, I always have to charge up the battery.  I was thinking of getting one of the solar trickle chargers to keep the battery topped up during the week.  Several garages (included mini specialists) have always said the Rover electrics just drains the little battery too much.

 

Does anyone have any comments (good or bad) or further advice for me?

[Miniminx71]

I was given a solar charger but, as my Mini doesn't have a 12v socket to plug it into, it was pretty useless! The alternative battery clamps were hopeless. I bought a C-tek MXS 3.6 trickle charger which connects straight onto the battery in situ and plugs into the mains. Best buy ever, but obviously, my car is garaged so it isn't a problem having the boot open.

[KernowCooper]

Does it have a alarm/immobliser ? if so you may find the same as I did with tests for a customer the Solar does not exceed the 500ma draw of the alarm, so does not keep the battery charged only extends the time to flat, that is unless you spend serious money and and buy a fairly big solar panel. if you dont have any alarm/immobliser then a small solar charger  will do the job

[Udo]

KernowCooper - would there be any problems in using one to charge a sealed race battery?

 

I had investigated putting a panel on the roof of the garage (the type you can get for caravans and the like)

[KernowCooper]

you can trickle a race type battery, can you not get a plug in mains charger in the garage

[Udo]

Yes I could, was just thinking free electric to be honest!

[KernowCooper]

Far better bet with a charger in the mains like a Optimate conditioner/charger, have one on mine.

[maximas]

I have 2 classics and the Optimate is superb..only £1. A year to run each...funnily enough I have just sold one which was listed in the for sale section for £25 as I sold one of my classics...I use the Optimate 3....never a problem with them....2 ND hand on ebay around £30...