MG - 71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger?

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Sun 17 May 2009 12:54
71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger? - mad maud
I have an MGB GT which is garaged and not used much. I have therefore been advised to buy and use a triple charger. Do I need to disconnect the earth as the charger will be on all the time I will not be using the car? If so this is also a pain as it is awkward to get to.
I need to use a charger as every time I want to use the car the battery is dead and have to jump start it.
I cannot get answers to this question and want to make sure I do not damage anything when using this charger.

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 17/05/2009 at 14:55

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Sun 17 May 2009 15:00
71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger? - Dynamic Dave
The advantage of using a trickle charger is that you don't have to disconnect the battery from the car. It is basically simulating what the alternator is doing, but via a lot lower current input.
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Sun 17 May 2009 15:01
71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger? - John S
Well worth doing. Continually flattening a battery and recharging it will shorten its life. Leave the battery connected and simply connect the trickle charger across it. Worth considering one of the 'smart' chargers which only charge when needed rather than the cheapies that charge continuously. My last battery on a rarely used classic lasted 9 years with an Airflow unit keeping it topped up.

JS
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Sun 17 May 2009 15:10
71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger? - Dynamic Dave
Worth considering one of the 'smart' chargers which only charge when needed rather than the cheapies that charge continuously.


My 'cheapy' from LIDL (£4.99) is a smart charger. Unfortunately LIDL only have them from time to time in their weekly specials line. It's a Tronic H-3056. You *might* be able to find them (or similar) on-line. A quick google search found several foreign websites selling them.
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Sun 17 May 2009 15:30
71 1.8 Correct way to use a trickle charger? - mad maud
Thank you and John who also responded. The charger I bought was a Smart charger so I am now about to put it on.
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