Battery Charging

[Martin_5107853]

I have a 1992 Avondale Argos, which doesn't incorporate an on board battery charger. The 12volt control system is a 'Zig CP400' - Is it easy to install a battery charger into the van, so that when the van is hooked up to the mains, the battery is constantly trickle charged. - If so, have any readers done this, and what system including price was succesfull.

Thanks

Martin

 

[Dusty1]

Before I had a van incorporating a battery charger, I used a Labcraft TP2 battery box. I still use it over the winter to keep the battery charged.

 

[RogerL]

Just get a CTEK 3600, about

 

[Martin_5107853]

Thanks for your response Roger. - I have seen this one in the 'Towsure' catalogue but wasn't sure if it would be suitable.

Have you used one? - If so, do you connect to the battery, and then connect to the 240v supply within the van for a permant charging facility. - Are you still able to use water pump / lighting whilst charger is working.

Thanks

Martin

 

[Martin_5107853]

Cheers Dusty

Are they still available, and if so, is there a web site I can investigate.

Thanks

Martin

 

[clivea]

Hi,

I use the CTEK and it is as good as the adverts claim. If you want to replace the Zig with an installed charger look at the www.caravantechnolgy.com website as they have a replacement unit that will cahrge up to 14.4 v then reduce for maintenance charging. It is the same as the ones now fitted by Swift as OEM kit.

 

[Dusty1]

Cheers Dusty

Are they still available, and if so, is there a web site I can investigate.

Thanks

Martin

Hi Martin,

I can't find any reference to them at the moment, but I'm sure I've seen one in an accessory shop somewhere not so long ago.

 

[Martin_5107853]

Thanks Clive, Nothing better than having review from someone who uses the product. - I don't particularly want to replace my control unit, so am swayed by the ctek product. Have searched the net, but the pictures on the net don't show how the unit wires into the mains. - Is it straight forward?

Cheers

Martin

 

[clivea]

Hi,

The CTEK comes raedy witha 13 amp 3 pin fused plug, so I use it by plugging in to a van socket, or when the van is in store I remove the battery and charge it at home. When used in the van I have to use an extension lead and disconnect the battery terminals. The vans own power supply keeps the vans 12 v kit working. I do plan to install a link that will allow me to isolate the ZIG and connect directly into the van charging circuit so avoiding the use of an extension lead and having to take off the battery terminals. I purchaed the CTEK from VERTAR (Use Google) and they were a good price and quick delivery. For my battery I usea Elecsol carbon fibre and for 100-110 amp hrs it is only 2kg heavier than my last 70 amp hr lead acid. Elecsol are pricey but have good reputation anda 5 yaer gurantee. I need a good battery for CLs and the mover.

Cheers

 

[Dusty1]

Hi,

The CTEK comes raedy witha 13 amp 3 pin fused plug, so I use it by plugging in to a van socket, or when the van is in store I remove the battery and charge it at home. When used in the van I have to use an extension lead and disconnect the battery terminals. The vans own power supply keeps the vans 12 v kit working. I do plan to install a link that will allow me to isolate the ZIG and connect directly into the van charging circuit so avoiding the use of an extension lead and having to take off the battery terminals. I purchaed the CTEK from VERTAR (Use Google) and they were a good price and quick delivery. For my battery I usea Elecsol carbon fibre and for 100-110 amp hrs it is only 2kg heavier than my last 70 amp hr lead acid. Elecsol are pricey but have good reputation anda 5 yaer gurantee. I need a good battery for CLs and the mover.

Cheers

Hi Martin

There's a TP2 Trailer Pack on Ebay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TP2-TRAILER-PACK_W0QQitemZ4630956564QQcategoryZ76066QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[RogerL]

Martin - yes, I have a CTEK. It's normally connected 24/7/52 to the caravan battery whether we're on site or at home although I do take it out to boost the car battery ready for winter or to "recondition" other people's old batteries. All the caravan 12v circuits work normally when the CTEK is in use.