Silky 33 1 Cars Posted January 20, 2016 Hardly use the GTI, so was thinking of a trickle charger for it, possibly a solar one. Anyone use anything similar? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Simes 248 2 Cars Posted January 20, 2016 Yep. My Honda and 205 each have one almost all the time they are doing nothing. I've another I stick on the Vespa when I don't use it. A couple condition the battery and I've had years more life out of batteries than without. All Cytek ones, plugged into the mains. 2 in the garage the other outside under the car. My wife wondered why I spent time installing an IP66 socket under the carport in the region of a car bonnet. Initially for lawn mower, obviously, but actually for trickle charger. In one of Harry's Garage videos he shows his solar one........wait, actually here's the link, about 30seconds in but you'll end up watching all of it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hoodygoodwood 70 3 Cars Posted January 20, 2016 I have several Maplins solar trickle chargers , I leave one connected to the cigar lighter socket while my Goodwood is laid up in the garage for the winter .I use the small one ( 12 in x 5 in )on the 309 , I have it fixed on the roof outside to get decent sunlight . The larger one ( 12 in x 11 in ) I use to top up a battery that I use to power a 12v inspection lamp . The Goodwood always starts when I give it a run during the winter , without it I am sure the battery would be flat after a month or two . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bogsye 22 Posted January 20, 2016 Me too. I've got an optimate for looking after the Cerbera - greedy alarm and a general sensitivity to less than decent charge makes it a necessity. So far so good. Have an outdoor socket to plug it into. Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ozymandis 97 Posted January 21, 2016 I got a mains "Airflow" brand battery conditioner for my dads 1968 Triumph 2000, Swiss made 40 quid. Waste of time, took me two batteries to realize it was the Airflow ruining the batteries. Sounds good in theory exercises battery etc. Nope bag o s*ite Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rock Lobster 28 Posted January 21, 2016 Ctek chargers always seem to get good reviews and I have one on my wish list, bot the cheapest but you get what you pay for. They offer a good range too depending on you needs and budget. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2-Pugs 57 Posted January 21, 2016 I have had a CTEK XS3600 (now called the XS3.6 iirc) for over 7 years whici I use for my 205 and it has been brilliant, and have had no problems with it. I only use my car occasionally and have never had a problem with the battery since. I have subsequently bought two others for two other cars and they have been fine. Fit the connector, and forget about it. Definitely would recommend one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sp_en_ny 17 1 Cars Posted January 22, 2016 hmmm this has got me thinking now that I have my 205 covered up for the rest of the winter. looking into these solar chargers they seem to need a EOBD connector. I am guessing the 205 was made prior to these connectors and does not have one, if it does have one anyone know where it is ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mac Crash 78 1 Cars Posted January 22, 2016 Another vote for CTEK... I have this one http://smartercharger.com/products/batterychargers/ctek-multi-us-7002/ Can't stress enough how good it is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silky 33 1 Cars Posted January 22, 2016 These ctek ones are a bit pricey for me, but have recommended them to my brother who has a couple of cars tucked up in his garage. The solar option for me would be better as it's parked on the drive, not near an elec point. However, I may get a Halfords battery charger and just leave the batter off the car, see what discount the trade card gets me Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ozymandis 97 Posted January 23, 2016 hmmm this has got me thinking now that I have my 205 covered up for the rest of the winter. looking into these solar chargers they seem to need a EOBD connector. I am guessing the 205 was made prior to these connectors and does not have one, if it does have one anyone know where it is ? No OBD on a 205 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
