Re-Charging a Leisure battery using the 12S circuit

[JohnI.Stephen]

Although I am just about to fit a solar panel, I would still like to know whether I can re-charge a leisure battery (secured in the boot of the car) using the 12S (grey) output at the rear of the vehicle. The theory being that, whilst hitched up, we can go out in the car and, at the same time, re-charge a battery that is low'ish. If this is OK; then what would I need please?

Thanks

John

 

[rayc]

John, yes you can do this it was normal 10-20 years ago when electric hook up was less popular. You need the car to be wired for it with either the pre 98 convention of battery charger supply + on pin 2 with - on pin 4. If the car has post 98 convention then it is best to use the fridge supply + on pin 6 and - on pin 7 as this is fed via a relay which should only operate if the alternator is outputting i.e. the engine is running. You need to provide an extension lead from the 12S socket to the inside of the car some how and I would suggect spring terminals not croc clips.

I'm sure that a specialist would recomend a vent tube from the battery to the outside of the car but they were not used in the past.

Make sure the battery is stable and cannot short out, a battery box or similar.

 

[rayc]

John, yes you can do this it was normal 10-20 years ago when electric hook up was less popular. You need the car to be wired for it with either the pre 98 convention of battery charger supply + on pin 2 with - on pin 4. If the car has post 98 convention then it is best to use the fridge supply + on pin 6 and - on pin 7 as this is fed via a relay which should only operate if the alternator is outputting i.e. the engine is running. You need to provide an extension lead from the 12S socket to the inside of the car some how and I would suggect spring terminals not croc clips.

I'm sure that a specialist would recomend a vent tube from the battery to the outside of the car but they were not used in the past.

Make sure the battery is stable and cannot short out, a battery box or similar.

john, I see in your post you said "while hitched up" Did you mean that or that when the van is on site you can go out without it?

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

john, I see in your post you said "while hitched up" Did you mean that or that when the van is on site you can go out without it?

I see what you mean ! Yes I meant that when the caravanm is 'pitched' not hitched ons-ite and we go off in the car !! Thanks.

John

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Ray (c), I assume that my 2005 KIA Sorrento is most definitely "post 98 convention" ? Thanks for the tips; I shall proceed accordingly.

John

 

[rob_jax]

Hi John,

Agree with Ray - should be possible to (partly) recharge your boot-mounted spare battery whilst driving.

You may want a battery box to stop any acid spills causing any damage to the boot floor.

You should be aware that there will be no charge control on the boot battery - so you will be unlikely to get more than 80 or 90 percent charge. But that's better than flat.

Robert

 

[JohnI.Stephen]

Hi John,

Agree with Ray - should be possible to (partly) recharge your boot-mounted spare battery whilst driving.

You may want a battery box to stop any acid spills causing any damage to the boot floor.

You should be aware that there will be no charge control on the boot battery - so you will be unlikely to get more than 80 or 90 percent charge. But that's better than flat.

Robert

Thanks Robert; yes, a secure holder is a 'must'. Also if I get 80-90%, that's fine; much better than flat as you say !!!

regards

John