Charging batteries via cigarette lighter

[g_dog1]

Hi guys.

I hardly drive my truck during the winter, and I was wondering if it would be OK to put a solar panel in the window and plug it into the cigarette lighter to provide a small charge to the batteries.

My number one concern is that I don't want to zap any electronic stuff.
Item #2 is, will power even get to the batteries without the key in the ignition?

Let me know what you guys think.

Regards

 

[Mikey-KE7LBB]

The cigarette lighter plug only has juice with the key on, so you'll have to use the power point that is hot all the time. As far as messing up the electrical system goes, I don't have a clue what will happen.

 

[g_dog1]

Thanks for the reply Mikey. With the TIPM being so expensive, I don't dare want to damage it.
Anyone else have experience with this?

 

[GrantP]

I've been using the Brunton 5W solar panel for years on my RV to keep the battery charged and it works very well. It comes with a cigarette lighter adapter and alligator clips to attach directly to your battery. I had to replace my first one after about 6 years of sitting outdoors and I can say that Brunton's customer service was fantastic. Just one email sent to them to get an RMA # and they overnighted!! a new one to me. Comes with a lifetime warranty, can't recommend them enough.

http://www.brunton.com/collections/marine-rv-panels/products/solarflat#product-details

 

[Prairie Dog]

I think the power port has 12V all the time - you could use it for a small charging current.

 

[seafish]

These trucks are in fact sensitive to both current and voltage spikes, but I see zero problems in using a decent quality solar panel to charge the batteries throughout the power port. You may want to look into using an inline diode to keep the batteries from DISCHARGING during the night.

http://www.sunstore.co.uk/Blocking-Diodes.html

 

[User113]

A lot of the solar panels designed for charging batteries include either a diode or charge controller. No need springing for two.

 

[seafish]

A lot of the solar panels designed for charging batteries include either a diode or charge controller. No need springing for two.

Fair enough then, but my advice then would be to make SURE that the panels the OP uses do intact have a diode in line…pretty sure that the cheap Harbor freight panels I use to keep my equipment batteries charged do not have one. I had to buy a separate charge controller that was more expensive then the panel itself.

 

[User113]

I hear you. I try to avoid Harbor Freight gadgets like the plague.

 

[BK]

If your Cig lighter is off when the key is off, than use the Battery Tender disconnects.
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...279027&sr=8-4&keywords=deltran+battery+tender


Battery Tender itself has solar panels with these connectors for direct battery connection..
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...&sr=8-2&keywords=deltran+battery+tender+solar


Run an extension into the cab, if you don't want to open the hood..
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...id=1422278979&sr=8-13&keywords=battery+tender