Rapido df series 2018 model

Smi66y

Smi66y

Joined
Jan 7, 2018
Posts
31
Likes collected
48
Location
Midlothian
Funster No
51,893
MH
Rapido 8090df
Exp
Moho since June 2018
Hi
Looking to use a portable solar trickle charger for the vehicle battery whilst in storage. The easiest way to link to the battery is via a plug into what I still call the cigarette lighter socket. However it needs the socket to be live without the ignition on for this method to work. Alternative is to mess around under the passenger footwell to link directly to the battery using crocodile clips. Can anyone tell me if this socket is live without the ignition being on please. Would save me a non essential trip to the storage yard to check. Thanks in advance.
 
peterc10 said:
If it is on a Fiat Ducato base the chances are that it is not live with the ignition on.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Yes it is on a Ducato base. I assume that was a typo and you meant it's not live with the ignition off ?That's a pain. I was trying to remember if my phone was still charging when the ignition was off, but it's been so long I couldn't remember!
 
There is a + connection plate under the bonnet suitable for croc clips, I use it to run my tyre pump with the ignition off. The negative can be connected in plenty of places also under the bonnet.
Cheers
Ed

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Sheddy said:
There is a + connection plate under the bonnet suitable for croc clips, I use it to run my tyre pump with the ignition off. The negative can be connected in plenty of places also under the bonnet.
Cheers
Ed
Click to expand...
Hi Ed
Thanks for the message. As you will know from my posts I'm a jump in and drive, if it works great, if it doesn't then find a man who knows how to fix it ? I am aware of the positive jump start point under the bonnet as I needed it over the winter after 5 weeks without a run. The man at the storage site put red to positive and black to earth and it started great. However, the instructions for the trickle charger say connect red to positive and black to negative if not just plugging into the cigarette lighter socket. Are you saying just set it up as you would a jump start?
Richard
 
Yes I would expect it to work, you should be able to see the effect from the battery voltage display on the control panel , before and after the solar panel is connected.
Cheers
Ed
 
Sheddy said:
Yes I would expect it to work, you should be able to see the effect from the battery voltage display on the control panel , before and after the solar panel is connected.
Cheers
Ed
Click to expand...
Thanks Ed, I will give it a try.
 
Thanks. I've noted your comments. Will let you know how it goes.

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Well, I've taken on board l your comments and advice. Managed to check on the moho this morning as it is en route to the supermarket. The cigarette lighter socket was not live with the ignition off and the lead was not long enough to link to the jump points under the bonnet and have the solar panel inside the screen. So lifted up the cab carpet, opened the floor panel in front of the passenger seat and there was the vehicle battery. Attached red to red and black to black, solar panel inside the screen (south facing fortunately) and will now leave it alone and wait and see.
 
Have you solar on roof?
Another option is a Battery master wired to cbe distribution panel in outside locker.
 
Have a look at Vanbitz for a battery master and read up on how they work.
You could search on here too as I think Jim sells them. Very easy to wire up and it’ll solve all your problems.
 
Happy1 said:
Have you solar on roof?
Another option is a Battery master wired to cbe distribution panel in outside locker.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the message.

An update first.

The trickle charger didn't work. I am sure it would if the battery was fully charged to start with but I realise that this gadget will only top up what is already there.

But I did buy a Buture jump start pack off Amazon. Absolutely amazing. £70, about the size and weight of a 1 litre milk carton, and started the vehicle first time. Takes about 4 hours to fully charge but then retains that charge for ages if not used. As well as jump starting vehicles up to 8 litres diesel or petrol, you can also use it as a portable power pack to charge mobiles and laptops etc. I will definitely keep this gadget charged and ready to go every time I go to get the moho from storage.

Anyway, back answer to your question, I do have a solar panel on the roof which only charges the leisure batteries. Dealer who sold me the vehicle said they would only link to the vehicle battery if I had specifically asked. I was a newbie, what was I to know? However, as the moho is currently with a very helpful local dealer having a hydraulic leak to my E & P levelling system fixed , he will do whatever is necessary to link the solar panel to the vehicle battery as well. Hopefully problem solved.

Thanks again for all the comments and advice.
 
Rob Turner said:
Have a look at Vanbitz for a battery master and read up on how they work.
You could search on here too as I think Jim sells them. Very easy to wire up and it’ll solve all your problems.
Click to expand...

Link here for discounts:

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Smi66y said:
Thanks for the message.

An update first.

The trickle charger didn't work. I am sure it would if the battery was fully charged to start with but I realise that this gadget will only top up what is already there.

But I did buy a Buture jump start pack off Amazon. Absolutely amazing. £70, about the size and weight of a 1 litre milk carton, and started the vehicle first time. Takes about 4 hours to fully charge but then retains that charge for ages if not used. As well as jump starting vehicles up to 8 litres diesel or petrol, you can also use it as a portable power pack to charge mobiles and laptops etc. I will definitely keep this gadget charged and ready to go every time I go to get the moho from storage.

Anyway, back answer to your question, I do have a solar panel on the roof which only charges the leisure batteries. Dealer who sold me the vehicle said they would only link to the vehicle battery if I had specifically asked. I was a newbie, what was I to know? However, as the moho is currently with a very helpful local dealer having a hydraulic leak to my E & P levelling system fixed , he will do whatever is necessary to link the solar panel to the vehicle battery as well. Hopefully problem solved.

Thanks again for all the comments and advice.
Click to expand...
Highbridge by any chance? Told me solar charged both batteries via a magic grey box and charged me £ accordingly but total rubbish!
 
Not Highbridge. Rather not say just yet. Still have 2nd year hab, damp and vehicle service to be completed before I go independent!
 

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