Solar Trickle Charger? Also what is that wire.

[Ladric]

Its winter here in the North again and last year the 2010 LR4 had a hard time starting as last year I only drove it a few times each week and only a few miles. This year, I am sheltering in place and don't get much time in the truck. So its warning me again that the battery needs to be charged.
I was looking at a solar battery charger (good reviews here on Amazon).
I don't know if even a new battery would do any better with the truck just sitting. It is parked on the street so not a good place to string a power cord.
When checking on the battery, I see there is a connection that is not connected to anything? Any idea what that could be?

 

[f1racer328]

That wire is used when the cars are shipped from the factory. I think I posted the same question a long time ago, was worried my car had some ghetto wiring installed by the previous owner.


Also as far as solar, the VSS would be the best option, although the most expensive.

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/collect...-lr3-lr4-vss-system-100-watt-hood-solar-panel

 

[Ladric]

That wire is used when the cars are shipped from the factory. I think I posted the same question a long time ago, was worried my car had some ghetto wiring installed by the previous owner.


Also as far as solar, the VSS would be the best option, although the most expensive.

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/collect...-lr3-lr4-vss-system-100-watt-hood-solar-panel

Thanks, I don't think the VSS would work under a few inches of snow.

 

[gsxr]

You posted the same question in a different thread, I'll repeat my response here too...

The $25 Amazon unit you linked to is really designed for interior use, although the seller and some buyers claim it works ok mounted externally. One reviewer mentioned sealing up the housing with silicone caulk, which sounds like a good idea. I'd get a larger one (higher wattage), and keep in mind these don't charge much on cloudy days.

While these may not be in your budget, PulseTech has units designed for external mounting, and are commercial / military grade. As a bonus they also desulfate the battery:

https://www.pulsetech.net/store/sol...-solar-chargers.html?product_list_order=price

Note the Amazon unit appears to have a 1-year warranty, PulseTech has a 10-year warranty.​

And nothing is going to work covered in snow or on cloudy days. Not sure why the Amazon would work where the VSS wouldn't...

 

[djkaosone]

Interestingly enough... I noticed a little power (0.5A) from my panel that was shaded and under 2 inches of snow last week when I was up in Park City, UT.

Thanks, I don't think the VSS would work under a few inches of snow.

Here's an interesting read about solar panels and snow. https://www.simpleray.com/resources-and-informations/solar-panels-after-snowstorm