4W Solar Trickle Charger

[lmol]

Hi, This is my first post on the forum and being a brand new Bongo owner, I am learning much. I have noticed when I dont use my Bongo it struggles to start after a few days and all possible electrical items are turned off. I have a 4Watt trickle charger that can be plugged into the cigarette lighter - do people recommend these?

[francophile1947]

Afraid not (it certainly didn't on mine) The maximum output, in full sun, is only 0.33 of an amp and, unless you have your cigar lighter sockets rewired, you'll need the ignition on.

[dandywarhol]

Chocolate fireguard imol - and welcome

[rapiddescent]

4W is just not enough really - and remember that it will probably only supply 1/3 amp in optimal conditions, i.e. a 90amp battery would take 270hours of perfect solar conditions to charge.

I have a much larger fold out unit that supplies 1.2A (13W) on a cloudy day however, I'm probably going to upgrade it for a mobile 60W unit soon. My usage scenario is that the bongo is usually stopped for 3 days and has phones charging and computers running including a permanent 3G -> WiFi battery backed hotspot. Most USB devices charge on 1/2 amp or 1 amp.

I try to keep all the phones charging with DC transformers rather than stepping up to 240V AC because it's inefficient keeping the 240V transformer running and drains the leisure battery.