Solar trickle chargers

[mannyo]

OK folks, I have no idea if my car has a small persistent current drain as its never left longer than 1 or 2 days between uses. I suspect however that due to having two faulty door sensors it may have, and the car may not fully go to sleep. The can gateway does go to sleep because 15mins after locking the hazard light switch and gear lever are switched off.

In June, we are going on holiday but flying this year and not taking the car as usual, this means the car is going to be left at an airport long stay carpark for just over 2 weeks. We are returning late and the last thing I want is a dead battery at 2am on a Sunday. I am therefore looking at ways of possibly keeping the battery topped up automatically whilst the car is parked, its going to be out in the open. I therefore need to find a solar charger that I can connect somewhere so that it can keep the battery in a reasonable state of charge. Any suggestions, plus where could I plug it in or connect?

I also expect after 2 weeks the cars air suspension maybe on the decks, so when parking will keep that in mind with regards to kerbs etc.

[HPsauce]

My experience of solar chargers is that they are as a much use as a chocolate teapot.

[Adrian E]

But if you want to try one maplin usually have them available that plug into the lighter socket

Other option is to buy one of those booster power packs and make sure it's fully charged the day before you go - leave it in the boot and if it won't start you can give it a boost

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Adrian E

plug into the lighter socket

Obviously you need to verify that socket is "live" even with the car "shut down".
And being a D3 doesn't it have some sort of battery management that might frustrate you? It might require a direct connection to the terminals.

[HPsauce]

Taxi to/from the airport?

[PsYcHe]

I'd avoid the lighter socket ones.. The D3 may be happy with it, but given that you have to be careful when you jump it, I'd imagine that they're a no.

The booster pack option sounds the best one, just clip it to the two points in the boot, give it a minute or two, start the car and let the suspension sort itself out (though unless you have a leak, it should stay up).

[snapdragon]

Have a look on google, some airport parking has a booster in the security office or such like. Or lock the car with the boot open and then use a 10mm spanner and disconnect the battery cable before you close the boot.

[ScottD3]

Could you temporally wire a solar charger to the battery and let that do its thing?

I would not trust the socket ones.

But agree the jumper packs seem the best option, albit expensive for a one time use?

[tintin]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Taxi to/from the airport?

…wot he said.

Or, if you're flying from Manchester (unlikely, I guess, given you're in Dorset…), then leave it on my driveway, and I'll take it for a spin every couple of days whilst you're away...