I’ve got a Maypole trickle charger which is supplied with 2 ring eyelets and 2 large crocodile clips. Previously when needed I’ve lifted the bonnet of the fleet and charged away. I’m now retired and the car doesn’t get the daily trips it did when employed. Is there a way of utilising this charger and using the towing electrics port as I can run a power cable through the garage door. Fundamentally I can lift the bonnet and connect it leaving off the lid of the battery box and run the charger from underneath the engine bay. A bit of a faff but doable. Or do I have to purchase one of the Ctek items and then order these from the Disco site.

https://www.disco3.co.uk/wiki/Charging_through_towing_socket

https://www.maypoleltd.com/product/mp7423-...t-charger/

Steve. 2006 2.7 TDV6 HSE in Cairns Blue.

If you didn't want to buy a new charger, one might be able to wire a tow charging plug to a fly lead that could be connected to your existing charger.

I use a CTek and the Disco-sourced tow-plug connector on my RRS. Works well. 2012 SDV6 - it's missing a couple of cylinders
2008 TDV8 - it was a labour of love and is much missed

Should have no trouble charging from a trickle charger directly through the 7 pin socket only thing is you'll have to leave the cover of the rear bumper bar off or be taking the cover off every time you wanted to charge, (L320) i ran a new patch lead from one end of the vehicle to the battery (fused) the tow bar end was terminated with an Anderson plug for quick connection.

This is what I did, don't have to open bonnet, bend down or even unlock the car to connect the ctek charger and when not needed tucks away between the bonnet and scuttle out of sight although can still see charge lights at a glance, being a waterproof connector never had a problem with rain. Fitted it via anderson connector so can connect tyre inflator or battery charger if needed. Best part is you don't have to prat about taking tow eye cover off.



Cheers
Col

Good idea mate, I see you didn’t increase the cable size. Ah I suppose if it can charge all the time with that small wire it’s must be okay.
Does the c-tek keep the battery up to charge okay?

I did use heavier cables from the battery to anderson plug with a 30 amp fuse fitted, then original Ctek cables with original 10amp fuse to other half of a anderson plug so could unplug it and connect battery charger etc. to battery if needed. Never had any problems with the Ctek charger when plugged in. I'll flip the bonnet and add picture to show what I did if of any interest.

Cheers
Col

Yeah that’ll be great i'd like to see the set up Col.

You can get magnetic plug kits for the Ctek, which might be helpful if you were possibly prone to driving off without disconnecting it first.




Cheers
Col

i use a ctek via the tow bar electrics, usually just once a year, works really well and you get a big orange warning card to put on your dash so you do not drive off without unplugging

I've got mine hooked up via the trailer connection. Bought a 13pin connector from ebay and re-used the connector that came with the CTEK.
Seems to be working well.
Didn't do the connection like Col due to where the charger is located. made going via the trailer connection very easy.
Do like the looks of the magnetic connection though! 2013 L320 3.0 TD in grey! sometimes towing a Buccaneer Cruiser.

What sort of price are the magnetic ones? I’m sitting down

Col wrote:

You can get magnetic plug kits for the Ctek, which might be helpful if you were possibly prone to driving off without disconnecting it first.




Cheers
Col

These guys in OZ do just the plug, so could make your own kit up quite easily. The other kit is a outfit in the States, if you google hethelsport it will come up.

https://www.4x4outdoortuning.com.au/magcod...x-15a.html

Cheers
Col

RRSTDV8 wrote:

If you didn't want to buy a new charger, one might be able to wire a tow charging plug to a fly lead that could be connected to your existing charger.

Hi,

I made my own fly lead with an in-line fuse to a 7 pin socket and its been used on a number of cars now

also cut the croc clips of my (lidl) smart charger and the ends of my Optimate (many years old ) trickle charger and put a car multiplug connector on each end so I can fit the ends I want, either crocs, the 7 pin socket, eyelets for a fixed install to the lawnmower and even the caravan charger

 Porsche Cayenne 2022
gone Porsche Cayenne 2020
gone Corris Grey HSE Dynamic 2016
gone Ipanema HSE lux 2010
gone Rimini HSE 2005
!!

Once the ctek has fully charged the battery would it switch to trickle charge? So if you left it on for days the ctek wouldnt overheat or cause any issues?