Y'all Tinkerers are going to be disgusted by this. But I have finite energy this summer, and too many demands on it.One result: I have a milliamp drain in my chassis system which I have put some time into but not enough to track it down. Dug out a pair of little solar panels someone gave me years ago (when I was more of a tinkerer myself), set them on the dash and clipped them on. Since then, battery is full every time I check it.But is it terrible if I don't disconnect them when driving? I have forgotten a couple of times. Nothing exploded. Can I stop trying to remember?When I get tired I start looking for things I can eliminate from the 'to do' list.

Might give your engine's alternator a case of the hiccups from laughing so hard butbin reality the panels are not pesky at all. Forget they are there. Enjoy your 4th of July.

I agree with Mex entirely—there is no need to remove or disconnect them, unless possibly to prevent them from blowing off the roof or to give you vision out the windshield or something like that.

No Problemleave them and don't worry about it

Thanks guys! And extra to Mex, for giving me a chuckle :).

Is it bad to drive with trickle charger on chassis battery?

13 Replies

Gene_Ginny
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
Yup, that ottta do it. :C
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Stamp size Velcro hook on bottom of coffee cup. Silver dollar size loop on dash works like a charm!
Gene_Ginny
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Naio wrote:
... Dug out a pair of little solar panels someone gave me years ago (when I was more of a tinkerer myself), set them on the dash and clipped them on. ....
It is only a problem if you set your coffee cup on them while driving. :)
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 03, 2015
Naio wrote:
Will you elaborate? Do you mean you don't have a relay between house and chassis, and towing pulls down the chassis battery?

Both of those seem unlikely, but I can't think what else you would be talking about... ??
When I am running down the road there is an open 40 amp connection between my solar powered trailer and the truck.
No issues.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
Roy, I too have to get one for the lighter socket for the toad. If you find a good deal please post it. A simple 10-amp Schottky diode solves the night time issue.
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2015
smkettner wrote:
Naio wrote:
Is it bad to drive with trickle charger on chassis battery?
I hope not :B

My entire 600 watts back feeds the truck while towing.

Will you elaborate? Do you mean you don't have a relay between house and chassis, and towing pulls down the chassis battery?

Both of those seem unlikely, but I can't think what else you would be talking about... ??
time2roll
Nomad
Jul 03, 2015
Naio wrote:
Is it bad to drive with trickle charger on chassis battery?
I hope not :B

My entire 600 watts back feeds the truck while towing.
RoyB
Explorer II
Jul 03, 2015
In my JEEP YEARS i had one on the dash 24/7... Just be sure the panel has the reverse charge DIODE installed as most do. This will present the panel from discharging your start battery when the high SUN is not there.

I also made sure the 12V SOCKET I was using was always "hot" after the JEEP ignition key was turned off.

Kept my JEEP battery fresh 'topped off' all the time... I really need to install one on my 2010 F150 FX4 now...

Roy Ken
tvman44
Explorer
Jul 03, 2015
No problems at all.
Naio
Explorer II
Jul 02, 2015
Thanks guys! And extra to Mex, for giving me a chuckle :).