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: how to use solar trickle charger Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonShirlz
08/3/2016 at 8:20pm
 Location: St.Annes Lancashire
 Outfit: Avondale Golden Mayfair (Dart 510 5) View Shirlz's Profile View Profile   Reply to Shirlz Reply   Quote Shirlz Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   552
Site Reviews Total: 1
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
The on-board charger in our caravan no longer works so thought we would buy a solar charger to keep the battery topped up while on site. We always use EHU and the battery is fully charged before leaving home.
How do we clip it onto the battery terminals when the battery is already connected to the caravan?       

-------------
SHIRLZ
I'm not a complete idiot...some bits are missing.


PersonJTQU
09/3/2016 at 7:18am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
The answer is simple but the question itself raises a question.
The output of the solar charger connects directly to the battery terminals. However, in your case I would have it switched so if in storage you can't deploy the panel so be charging it can be isolated from the battery as the controller will put a little drain on the battery. Realistically the panel IMo should be a worthwhile size by this I would not go less than 40 Watts, as it is your sole means of on site battery charging.
I definitely would not be into buying the pathetically low power little solar chargers, your requirement needs something higher and you could be camping on not blazing sunny days.

The question your request raises in my mind why not just repair or replace the van's charger?


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

PersonShirlz
09/3/2016 at 2:59pm
 Location: St.Annes Lancashire
 Outfit: Avondale Golden Mayfair (Dart 510 5) View Shirlz's Profile View Profile   Reply to Shirlz Reply   Quote Shirlz Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   552
Site Reviews Total: 1
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 know the solar charger connects directly to the battery terminals...my question is , How? when the caravan connectors are already on the terminals?

-------------
SHIRLZ
I'm not a complete idiot...some bits are missing.


PersonPaul_B
09/3/2016 at 3:10pm
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   830
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
It would be better if it was hard wired rather than using clips, whether you have clamps or quick fit connections there is a provision for fastening wires, its also worth fitting a fuse.
You will need to remove the clips and fit a crimp connectors


PersonJTQU
09/3/2016 at 3:13pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
By sharing the connectors or buying multi point connectors, this being just one example.

http://raptor-online.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=30


Advertisement



PersonGrampian91
09/3/2016 at 8:40pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram View Grampian91's Profile View Profile   Reply to Grampian91 Reply   Quote Grampian91 Quote  
Joined: 11/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   6893
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
Easier to replace the charger? Lighting and pump will be running off the battery even with the hookup so a solar panel may not be putting enough charge back in.


PersonShirlz
09/3/2016 at 9:37pm
 Location: St.Annes Lancashire
 Outfit: Avondale Golden Mayfair (Dart 510 5) View Shirlz's Profile View Profile   Reply to Shirlz Reply   Quote Shirlz Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   552
Site Reviews Total: 1
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
thanks everyone. If we were to replace the charger instead, is it possible to DIY or would it need a professional?


-------------
SHIRLZ
I'm not a complete idiot...some bits are missing.


Personlizzy23
10/3/2016 at 7:31am
 Location: leeds
 Outfit: Lunar Lexon CS View lizzy23's Profile View Profile   Reply to lizzy23 Reply   Quote lizzy23 Quote  
Joined: 17/8/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   328
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 1  
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: 7
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
in my old caravan i had a caravan engineer wire in a normal battery charger as long as it was plugged in and i was on mains or generator ite kept the battery topped up, far cheaper than replacing the consumer unit


Personfleck2
10/3/2016 at 8:01am
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Elddis accordo Motorhome View fleck2's Profile View Profile   Reply to fleck2 Reply   Quote fleck2 Quote  
Joined: 27/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1168
Site Reviews Total: 8
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
Lidl smart charger with LCD screen 3.8amp and fit yourself in 10 minutes. £12.99


PersonJTQU
10/3/2016 at 9:08am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
Quote: Originally posted by fleck2 on 10/3/2016
Lidl smart charger with LCD screen 3.8amp and fit yourself in 10 minutes. £12.99


That, however exposes anything plugged into the "12 volt" system to potentially receiving 14.4 volts, whereas the conventional maximum limit is 13.8 volts.

That is not necessarily damaging, but has the potential to be.


Advertisement



PersonPaul_B
10/3/2016 at 9:45am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   830
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
A solar panel gives out similar voltage and why LED lighting and TVs etc need to be the regulated type, usually regulated to work between 10v and 30v


Personpeter1474
10/3/2016 at 10:00am
 Location: ML9
 Outfit: Pageant Champagne 2002 Honda CRV 2008 View peter1474's Profile View Profile   Reply to peter1474 Reply   Quote peter1474 Quote  
Joined: 21/5/2013

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   408
Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
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: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
If you always use EHU why bother with a battery at all?
If on EHU a battery is not necessary.

-------------
Peter and CofSD (Anne)


PersonJTQU
10/3/2016 at 10:05am
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189
Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1
Quote: Originally posted by peter1474 on 10/3/2016
If you always use EHU why bother with a battery at all?
If on EHU a battery is not necessary.


Here because the EHU is not enabling the 12 volt system because the charger is shot, hence a reliance on a battery for lights, water, heating etc etc.


Personfleck2
10/3/2016 at 10:07am
 Location: Derbyshire
 Outfit: Elddis accordo Motorhome View fleck2's Profile View Profile   Reply to fleck2 Reply   Quote fleck2 Quote  
Joined: 27/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1168
Site Reviews Total: 8
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 agree Paul, most components are tolerant of much higher voltages than what they work at, otherwise they wouldn't last long.


PersonPaul_B
10/3/2016 at 10:15am
 Location: Yorkshire
 Outfit: Car & Caravan View Paul_B's Profile View Profile   Reply to Paul_B Reply   Quote Paul_B Quote  
Joined: 24/9/2004

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   830
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
Some of cheaper LEDs don't last long as they don't come regulated, they were designed to work with a fixed 12v supply, the same goes for tvs that come with a 230/12v transformer
however you could be lucky


PersonRob Johns
11/3/2016 at 4:47pm
 Location: Portsmouth
 Outfit: 1991 Elddis Vogue SL View Rob Johns's Profile View Profile   Reply to Rob Johns Reply   Quote Rob Johns Quote  
Joined: 11/8/2005

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   290
Site Reviews Total: 15
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 1  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 2
Site Nights 2022: 10
Site Nights 2021: 2
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
It could be easier and cheaper to just buy a replacement charger for your van. I did this for around £90 and fitted it while at a caravan holiday park! (It helps to carry a few basic tools though.)
As for a solar trickle charger, I have a small 10 watt panel connected directly to the battery terminals while the van is in storage. The panel sits inside the front window (south facing)and, although not producing the optimum output due to the window tint etc, there is plenty of juice to keep the battery topped up.

-------------
The Sun always shines on TV.(and not on my caravan!)



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...

4567 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