Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Caravans and Caravanning 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Solar Panel Battery Attachment ? Post Reply Post New Topic
Personscar
17/8/2014 at 12:48pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I have recently changed caravans for a Bailey Sancerre.
My problem is that the battery cupboard is a very snug fit for the liesure battery and has huge plastic terminal covers over the terminals and my crocodile clips on the end of my solar panel wire will not fit.
Any ( safe) suggestions please as I am sure that I am not the only one to come across this.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonLobeyDosser
17/8/2014 at 12:59pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4 View LobeyDosser's Profile View Profile   Reply to LobeyDosser Reply   Quote LobeyDosser Quote  
Joined: 28/12/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   8833
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
You should not be using crocodile clips on a caravan leisure battery.

Better to use the proper quick release clips and clamp any wires (solar panel and caravan wires) to the clamps.

-------------
Lobey.


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

Personjosey60
17/8/2014 at 1:24pm
 Location: Blackpool Lancashire
 Outfit: Conway countryman. View josey60's Profile View Profile   Reply to josey60 Reply   Quote josey60 Quote  
Joined: 08/7/2010

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   819
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 2  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 7
Site Nights 2022: 8
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Are the covers like these ?

If so they are held on with two screws, i undid the screws and cut the crocodile clips off then connected the wire for the solar panel into the clamps along with the battery leads.

-------------
Exercise every day and Die Healthy....

JOSEY60


Personscar
17/8/2014 at 1:47pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Josey, yes they do look like that.

I was unaware that crocodile clips were a no go as I have seen plenty of folk using them as did I for a year on my last caravan.

I am looking for a quick solution for weekending without having to undo the clips each time as I feel I then run the risk of disturbing the motor mover wiring etc.

Is there any way I could attach a couple of permanent "tags " for want of a better word that I could just clip the crocs onto and away I go (again safely ) ?

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonJayEss
19/8/2014 at 1:15pm
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Knaus s470 + Hilux View JayEss's Profile View Profile   Reply to JayEss Reply   Quote JayEss Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   234
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
We have a portable panel but have fixed the controller permanently to the battery and fitted two short leads through the battery box to connect the panel to. We used water proof MC4 connectors on each end of the cable so it's a quick connection when we set it up

Would that work?


Advertisement



Personeggracedeb
19/8/2014 at 2:41pm
 Location: Burnley
 Outfit: Swift challenger 500se View eggracedeb's Profile View Profile   Reply to eggracedeb Reply   Quote eggracedeb Quote  
Joined: 07/6/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   69
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
These are what you need. Just tighten tails into the CORRECT terminals on battery clamps, and bingo, plug and play every time you pitch!


Personscar
19/8/2014 at 5:54pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
JayEss and eggracedeb

Many thanks to you both, that is the way forward and a great solution.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


Personcampeasytow
31/8/2014 at 12:48pm
 Location: Anglesey
 Outfit: Dandy wanted Citroen Berlingo 1.6 View campeasytow's Profile View Profile   Reply to campeasytow Reply   Quote campeasytow Quote  
Joined: 06/10/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   123
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
SILLY Q may be but can part of the MC4 connectors be fited perm to the leasure battery and other part perm on solar panel then connected together on pitch.


Personscar
31/8/2014 at 2:36pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I hope so as this is what I intend to do ?
Can someone please enlighten us.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


Personeggracedeb
31/8/2014 at 11:41pm
 Location: Burnley
 Outfit: Swift challenger 500se View eggracedeb's Profile View Profile   Reply to eggracedeb Reply   Quote eggracedeb Quote  
Joined: 07/6/2010

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   69
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Short answer, yes, connect directly into the battery from your solar panel IF your solar panel has an inbuilt regulator. Put simply, solar panel=regulator=battery in that order. Do NOT wire a solar panel directly into battery without a regulator.


Advertisement



PersonJayEss
01/9/2014 at 11:50am
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Knaus s470 + Hilux View JayEss's Profile View Profile   Reply to JayEss Reply   Quote JayEss Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   234
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
What we have done is pretty straightforward. We have an 80w panel with a separate controller

1 Fix controller to suitable location near battery. Cables from appropriate port of regulator to battery terminals. This remains in place all the time

2 Pass short section of solar cables through suitably located hole in battery box. We had to drill one and used a cable gland to keep everything dry and tidy. Connect to controller panel input terminals

3 Fit water proof MC4 connector to end of positive cable within battery box. We also marked the positive cable with some red tape as it doesn't really matter which end of the MC4 connector you fit to which cable

4 Fit other end of MC4 connector to positive cable from panel.

5 Repeat for negative

6 connect panel


PersonLlaniDavis
01/9/2014 at 2:01pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4 View LlaniDavis's Profile View Profile   Reply to LlaniDavis Reply   Quote LlaniDavis Quote  
Joined: 28/6/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1963
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 7
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by eggracedeb on 31/8/2014Short answer, yes, connect directly into the battery from your solar panel IF your solar panel has an inbuilt regulator. Put simply, solar panel=regulator=battery in that order. Do NOT wire a solar panel directly into battery without a regulator.


That depends on the power of the panel.
I only have a small portable 12w panel and that can be safely connected directly to the battery. Anything more than that does need to go through a regulator.


Personscar
01/9/2014 at 6:08pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
JayEss
Many thanks for the explanation.
Is it not possible to remove the croc clips from the solar panel leads and replace with the MC4 connectors for example male attached to battery positive and female to replace the croc and visa versa for the negative ?

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !


PersonJayEss
02/9/2014 at 10:03am
 Location: Cheshire
 Outfit: Knaus s470 + Hilux View JayEss's Profile View Profile   Reply to JayEss Reply   Quote JayEss Quote  
Joined: 30/6/2008

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   234
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Yes you can do that but only if your panel has a built in regulator or if it's small enough not to need a controller at all.

I guess from the fact that it has crocodile clips it's a briefcase type? In which case it probably has a controller attached

If so then what I'd do is connect a short length of cable to each terminal with the appropriate MC4 connector on each end. Ours are about 30cm long and roll up and tuck away quite easily for storage


Personscar
02/9/2014 at 5:28pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View scar's Profile View Profile   Reply to scar Reply   Quote scar Quote  
Joined: 10/10/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   611
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
That is just as I hoped to do it.
Many thanks for all of your help.
P.S, Yes suitcase type with built in regulator / controller.

-------------
Albino, Can"t say fairer than that !



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

9653 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder