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

 

[RYAustralia]

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!