Motoring Discussion > Solar battery chargers Miscellaneous
Thread Author: Pat Replies: 15
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 06:41 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
I had a phone call at 4.30am today to say the Tracker on the caravan, which is in storage in Cornwall, was going off.

They were able to tell it was caused by a low battery and not by it being stolen thankfully but needed to call us immediately to confirm the location of where it should be.

When it's been stored at home we've always swapped leisure batteries every couple of months but that isn't possible now.

Has anyone had experience of a solar battery trickle type charger and if so, do they work?

Thanks

Pat
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 09:29 
 Solar battery chargers - Stuartli
Wouldn't know the answer to that question, but some reviews might help:

www.mobilesolarchargers.co.uk/about-mobile-solar-chargers

solar-phone-charger-review.toptenreviews.com/

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 Thu 3 Dec 15 09:33 
 Solar battery chargers - WillDeBeest
It's a message from the gods, Pat: they don't want your caravan spoiling their view of Cornwall.

Nice little seaside hotels don't suffer flat batteries.
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 09:59 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
No, but I have to socialise and be nice to people I don't like:)

Pat
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 10:09 
 Solar battery chargers - CGNorwich
No, but I have to socialise and be nice to people I don't like:)


Bit like this place ;-)
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 10:12 
 Solar battery chargers - smokie
My whole set of panels hasn't produced much in November, so not sure 1 small panel would do the biz during the duller months, but check reviews elsewhere. This November has been exceptionally poor for solar, across the country, judging by feedback on the solar forum I frequent.
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 11:23 
 Solar battery chargers - Zero
>> My whole set of panels hasn't produced much in November, so not sure 1 small
>> panel would do the biz during the duller months, but check reviews elsewhere. This November
>> has been exceptionally poor for solar, across the country, judging by feedback on the solar
>> forum I frequent.

It only has to trickle charge the battery, I mean the tracker must be drawing what, 500 milliamps?

It would be good pat if you can tell us what make and model tracker you have, so we can establish what charging capacity is needed.
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 11:35 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
It's this one

www.trackerdirect.co.uk/tracker-retrieve

Pat
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 12:40 
 Solar battery chargers - Zero
well if it is that one, it says its not rechargeable, has a life of 5 years and at the end of that time needs to be replaced.

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 Thu 3 Dec 15 13:43 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
That's the battery in the tracker unit itself which only comes into use when the Leisure battery is flat or too low to keep the signal.

Pat

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 Thu 3 Dec 15 13:53 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
I'm actually not sure which model it is but that's the make of it and it's one of these:)

www.tracker.co.uk/news/press-releases/tracker-caravan-monitor-brings-added-value-and-sec/

You work it out, you're always telling me you're cleverer than I am!

Pat
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 17:17 
 Solar battery chargers - Zero
>> I'm actually not sure which model it is but that's the make of it and
>> it's one of these:)
>>
>> www.tracker.co.uk/news/press-releases/tracker-caravan-monitor-brings-added-value-and-sec/
>>
>> You work it out, you're always telling me you're cleverer than I am!
>>
>> Pat

Well if you are going to give me duff info! I can only guess its one of these

www.trackerdirect.co.uk/tracker-monitor

A 12volt 15 watt solar panel as a minimum should do it. - Like this (just an example - i have no knowledge of this particular device) www.maplin.co.uk/p/solar-powered-12v-15w-battery-charger-n31cx

However, it needs to be mounted outside, it needs to be in sunlight, the cable will need waterproof secure entry point into the caravan - easier if the battery is in a compartment outside the main van frame.
Last edited by: Zero on Thu 3 Dec 15 at 17:19
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 17:31 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
:) :)

The battery is in an outside compartment but it would need to be fitted properly I think to seal the roof again.

I have an idea......
The van is being moved after Christmas up to South Breazle Farm at Bratton Clovelly.

Now, Dog and MD could get them selves a nice little part time job just popping down/up once every couple of months and swapping it onto the fully charged battery.

If they job-shared it's only once every 16 weeks and it would pay well:)

Sounds less complicated!

Pat


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 Thu 3 Dec 15 17:41 
 Solar battery chargers - Dog
>> it needs to be in sunlight

Sunlight .. in Cornwall .. at THIS time of year - you're having a giraffe.

>> Dog and MD could get them selves a nice little part time job just popping down/up once every couple of months and swapping it onto the fully charged battery

Yoos forgot Westpig and his rapid response vehicle.

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 Thu 3 Dec 15 13:53 
 Solar battery chargers - Dog
If I can be of any assistance down this end missus, just give me a prod.
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 Thu 3 Dec 15 17:56 
 Solar battery chargers - Pat
Thanks Dog:)

I'll talk to the owners of the site and see if they can offer anything.

I rang Bay View Farm this morning and he's plugged it into an electric point today to stop the alarm going off at Tracker headquarters, but at least we know it works!

Pat
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