Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Flat Bat ? - No start

Ah, just looking at that one but reading the reviews someone says they are not for outside. I do have windows in the garage but I dont think they get a lot of sun :-(

You can get waterproofs ones - I had a monster one permanently fitted to the roof of my old Land Rover (used it a bit like a camper).

Having a gander. I see some have a fag lighter section, does the car trickle charge through that ? That would be a boon if so, getting at the battery is a pain isnt it !

If the lighter is permantly live then that would work.

I use an optimate on my battery and have the connector wired the battery so it's easy to plug in (however my battery is under the bonnet to pretty easy). You could wire something similar so the connector is accessible. Personally I prefer having the charger connected directly to the battery.

This type with an inbuilt intelligent controller will be better for the longevity of your battery (it operates as a Cetek or equivalent).
I would go for making a connection directly onto the battery via a flying socket in preference to using the Cig lighter if doable.

I have utilised a set up like this to run a 12v LED lighting set up in a friends remote stable about 5 years ago and it's still chuntering away on it's first leisure battery.

Essentials - totally waterproof (not all are) and a controller other than that your choice..

Solar chargers don't need sun. They will operate with only daylight. I have used an AA charger effectively for some time on the west coast of Scotland where sunlight is very much a novelty!

My Polo sits outside & I use the AA charger via the OBDII port.
I used an external PV solar charger for my MG for many years

I also carry a battery jump start pack with it's own battery.

Thinking about adding a solar charger to the Saab as it's not getting that much use.
There is a small jump pack in the boot, and a much larger one in the house (which would start the 90 if needed).
I have several solar chargers, mainly used to keep batteries for portable radio operations charged.

Bonesie I would suggest if the battery is around five years old or more then replace it for peace of mind. Allowing it to reach such a low state of charge over such a time will have taken a fair chunk out of whatever capacity remained. A full re-charge of remaining capacity will likely have you up and running again but for how long?

A lead/acid battery when new will naturally discharge at a rate of 4%/week, not taking into account any permanent loads from clock, radio, ECU, immobiliser etc. This rate of discharge will have an ever increasing effect as battery capacity reduces with ageing, which in turn can be offset by leaving the battery on a smart charger when not in use for more than a week or two.

Such batteries thrive by being used regularly, never discharged more than 10% of current capacity and left fully charged after use.