WTB solar panel for battery top off.

[spacemanspif]

I didn't realize that the battery is losing charge because of your driving situation. I thought it was just losing charge from sitting which is why i recmmended a cut off switch to keep it from losing charge. Day time charging could work well I think but not sure of the size and type of panel you'd need to succeed. Even a small one will help a little bit but not sure how worth it it will be if all it gets you is a tiny bit extended range. May just want to get a wall charger and plug it in every couple days when you see the battery voltage dropping too low.

[kir_kenix]

I have had an el-cheapo harbor freight 15w battery charger on the toolbox of my S10 since June or July '13. I have it wired to a quick disconnect to my vehicle battery (no charge controller) so I can plug it into a home-made trickle charger for Dewalt tool batteries when needed. I've left it connected for almost 2 years without a problem, even when I've left my truck un-driven for months at a time outside.

This unit always keeps the battery topped off (small electrical draw was suspected prior to this) with out overcharging it. I think the unit was like $25 at harbor freight on sale. A controller would probably be a good idea, but since I've never had a problem I haven't gotten around to it.

I say go for it.

[dirtydave]

I must have a short, pulling fuses tomorrow.

Im going full out ALT delete and charging daily. I will put the 15W solar panel back on. not sure who told me that it was worthless but now you are telling me otherwise.

I thought the deep cycle would be enough for extreme EOC but the ALT is too weak I guess now thinking if it is working at all (a common failed part for a sephia) and robbing me of that sweet sweet MPG.


5 days a week I drive 8 miles X 2 once during the day and once at night. on the weekends I drive 44 miles round trip during the day.

will I be ok?