Battery Charging Questions

[ColoZZZ]

I've set myself up with a 35AH battery and wiring to power my Auto M. What do I need to rig up a recharger that I could plug into a cigarette lighter to recharge the battery if I'm driving from place to place?

I'd like to recharge the battery at a safe maximum rate that wouldn't overtax a Subaru's electrical system. The battery's a Power Patrol 12V 35 AH Deep Cycle Service Sealed Lead Acid Battery, part # SLA1156. I've got a charger for home that's got 2 and 6 amp charging ability. Will charging this battery at 6 amps cause it to overheat? (I'd prefer not to get an inverter to run the charger on when I travel if it'd be easier to plug it directly into the cigarette lighter).

Battery:
http://www.apexbattery.com/interstate-b ... eries.html

Thanks!

-Andy

[billbolton]

What do I need to rig up a recharger that I could plug into a cigarette lighter to recharge the battery if I'm driving from place to place?

Recharging a (nominally) 12V battery from the cigarette lighter socket is usually not a very workable idea, for a variety of reasons. In my experience you usually need a connection into a different part of the vehicle's electrical system to do that properly.

Cheers,

Bill

[Snoredog]

Your 2/6amp charger should work fine. If it is "manual" it can overcharge the battery (you don't want that), if its an automatic it should be fine.

you don't need much of a charger, get yourself one of these small Battey Tenders is about all you need. If the battery is lead acid it will desulfer it automatically. I have a couple of these they work great, have one on my ATV, have a Group 24 deep cycle with 3000 watt inverter, a VW that the security alarm runs the battery down because I don't drive it enough, it charges them all up. They are fused ready to go.

I don't see a problem going cigarette lighter to charging your battery, Radio Shack should have everything you need. I would check at a Motorcycle shop for the Battery Tender, the cost $29.95 and comes with a bunch of clips and plugs. Just put a in-line fuse in the cigarette lighter plug you make up. The car alternator is going to stop charging when the circuit gets to 13.8volts.

[sleepinginseattle]

I'd look at a product such as this adaptor. http://solarhome.org/browseproducts/Cig ... -RA-1.html

You'll want to match the amp hour charging of your car's system to the amp hour capacity of the battery.

Frankly, I can't advise this procedure without knowing that you'll take adequate care to secure and protect the battery while it's being charged. What if you have an accident or make an emergency maneuver? Can you be certain that it won't become a dangerous flying object in the car? Will the battery be in close proximity to you or any passengers?
Your battery weighs 24 lbs. That's not an insignificant weight to be flying around the cabin of your Sub.

I think if you're serious about making this a workable system, you should look into having the battery in a holder that is secured under the hood or in the trunk. To do this properly, you'll need to install a voltage sensitive relay http://www.fisheriessupply.com/online/l ... 01/Ntk/All and all the appropriate wiring. It's not a simple project but if you're ambitious and handy with electrical projects it isn't of more than average difficulty.

Just my $.02.

Here's a link to your battery specs: http://www.interstatebatteries.com/www_ ... SL1156.pdf

[Craig-Tx]

One more thing to think about: I know Lead Acid batteries can give off toxic fumes while charging. (Not certain about SEALED lead acid. hopefully someone more knowledgable can chime in on that.)

In any case, the idea about mounting it under the hood or in the trunk could be a good one.

[sleepinginseattle]

Battery gassing is dangerous and all lead acid batteries, sealed or not, have vents to release gas. But the battery the OPer has chosen question is relatively small, 35 amp hour, and designed to minimize gassing during charging.

I would be more concerned with the following scenario; 1) Battery sitting on the passenger side floor, 2) Driver stops abruptly and swerves to avoid something like a deer, 3) Battery tips over and subsequently slides next to the seat, and 4) Battery leads come into contact with metal seat rails or other metal object causing massive short circuit, possible explosion and fire. It may sound unlikely but stranger things have happened.

Batteries are dangerous. They can release a huge amount of energy very quickly and can result in injury or loss of life. Any arrangement for a battery in an automobile should take this into consideration.

[ColoZZZ]

Thanks for the responses. I'll certainly make sure the battery is secured and in a ventilated space.

My local auto parts store has an inverter that I can plug into the cigarette lighter and then I can just plug my battery charger into that. This will cost about $25 but I think will be worth it to allow charging while driving.

Something like this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-ALRJ94WRNX ... =539XP175P

--Andy

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