CTEK CT5

[Keato]

So, could you also fit a solar panel with MPPT to the EXT3 roof connector, flip on both overhead power & EXT3, and charge the batteries in the same manner?

Logically I think it should work but only if you have an MPPT between the panel and the socket. Needs testing as it would be a lot easier than adding the D250SE just to get a solar input.

 

[Tom109]

Logically I think it should work but only if you have an MPPT between the panel and the socket. Needs testing as it would be a lot easier than adding the D250SE just to get a solar input.

I have this on my list. I’ll start to search for a solar panel with a built in weatherproof MPPT, or a weatherproof MPPT I can mount below the panel.

 

[Phobiac]

I used to have a BMW 5-Series and my commute to work was very short, less than a mile. The battery didn't like that. I used this Battery Tender OBDII adapter to a solar panel on the dashboard to keep the battery levels up.

I'll be on a extended business trip later this year and was thinking of pulling this our again should I need to keep my Grenadier battery topped up.

Battery Tender OBDII Adapter Cable for 12V Battery Charging

Battery Tender 5 Watt Solar Panel 12V Battery Charger with Charge Controller

Might help someone looking for a simple plug and play solution and without access to 120V for a maintainer.

 

[BEM-S4]

I posted this elsewhere but I had this kit installed by RDS, they located the hookup in the black plastic headlamp bezel on the driver side. Sorry no photos can post some when I get my truck back again in a few weeks. They ran the wiring to the battery as they'd had problems with vehicles that they had charged via jump points under hood. This will work with any CTEK charger and provides a quick magnet hookup.

HethelSport | Lotus Evora Specialty

Making great cars better: Aero•Performance•Parts•Accessories

hethelsport.com

 

[RY-Journeyman]

Sorry if this has already been covered but what’s the issue with just charging from the battery posts under the hood for a dual battery setup? I assumed the Ineos installed ctek would send charge to the service battery and if / when the storage battery got low would send charge to that one too ? Is that not the case?

 

[DenisM]

Sorry if this has already been covered but what’s the issue with just charging from the battery posts under the hood for a dual battery setup? I assumed the Ineos installed ctek would send charge to the service battery and if / when the storage battery got low would send charge to that one too ? Is that not the case?

As best I can determine there's no issue..... I have the same setup in my diesel Trialmaster. It's not a daily driver so only used for longer trips. Sometimes it's 2-3 weeks between outings. On that basis I charge the batteries weekly using the positive post under the hood together with the engine lift bracket. Ten mins after reaching float charge level, I disconnect and wait another 10 mins then check with a multimeter. The readings are (marginally) consistently higher than the voltage displayed on the cabin display. It's interesting that using the brass post as the positive, different voltages are obtained depending on where the negative probe is connected. Touching the neg. probe on the main radiator for example gives a higher voltage reading than other earth points and you can actually see the pulse charging effect from the service battery reflected in the changing meter reading which is not obvious on other earth points!

 

[RY-Journeyman]

As best I can determine there's no issue..... I have the same setup in my diesel Trialmaster. It's not a daily driver so only used for longer trips. Sometimes it's 2-3 weeks between outings. On that basis I charge the batteries weekly using the positive post under the hood together with the engine lift bracket. Ten mins after reaching float charge level, I disconnect and wait another 10 mins then check with a multimeter. The readings are (marginally) consistently higher than the voltage displayed on the cabin display. It's interesting that using the brass post as the positive, different voltages are obtained depending on where the negative probe is connected. Touching the neg. probe on the main radiator for example gives a higher voltage reading than other earth points and you can actually see the pulse charging effect from the service battery reflected in the changing meter reading which is not obvious on other earth points!

I’m much the same when not using it’s in the shed permanently plugged in to a ctek charger via the red underhood brass post and the engine hoist hook under the engine cover, and whenever I use the vehicle it’s usually at 100% battery charge on the battery dash display. I’ve left it for up to a month without issue.

 

[BEM-S4]

On all of my BMWs with battery in trunk and jump points under the hood I've always just attached the battery tender to the jump points under the hood. I had dealer install the hookup and they went straight to the battery as they'd had trouble with cars in their showroom not charging well from under hood hookup. I don't have any info other than that so unsure if it's a Grenadier thing, a dual battery thing, or something specific with their charger. Since I wanted them to deal with any issues post-install I let them do what they wanted. Sorry not the best photo but you can see where they mounted the hookup point, very happy with the install.

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

Anyone tried trickle charging via the trailer socket?

 

[ECrider]

Anyone tried trickle charging via the trailer socket?

Yes. Works a treat. Posted a link sometime ago to an amazon adapter for my ctek mx10. Just have to make sure to remember to disconnect before driving off!

 

[Baron von Teuchter]

Well. The reason I ask is that I have one too and my mx10 has packed in. I’m glad yours works so I know that is not the issue.