Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 151
CTEK Charger recommendations/experience please
Having read posts about problems caused by batteries being less than fully charged I think I want to buy an intelligent charger to maintain the battery without disconnection when the D3 is not used - sometimes for 2 or 3 weeks.
I've seen recommendations for the CTEK chargers but am unsure which to go for. I note the 3600 has a charging rating of 75Ah while the standard D3 battery has a rating of 90Ah. Does this mean the 3600 is less than ideal ?
I note the 4003 has a rating of 90Ah and the 7000 a rating of 150Ah. Would either one of these be suitable. the 4003 is about £20.00 cheaper than the 7000.
I use the 3600 to trickle charge overnight occasionally or if not using the vehicle for a few days, and it's fine. You're not recharging from flat, so it always shows a green light (charged) by the morning, even on my old battery which was 5 years old and knackered. I plug it in via the aux towing socket.Previously:
2005 D3 2.7 TDV6 S
1984 90 2.25 Petrol CSW
1992 90 200TDi Hard Top
1995 Discovery ES 300TDi
2003 90 TD5 Truck Cab
30th Dec 2010 9:59 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
I have both chargers you mention. The 3600 does the job but it can be rather slow with a D3 battery, especially in the winter. The 7000 is a very good piece of kit (as it should be given the price) and I am very happy with it wired via the 12S socket. It has a few more modes too which have proved to be handy.
Clearly I would recommend the 7000 over the 3600, if your funds allow, but they are both worth their respective prices.
30th Dec 2010 10:45 pm
npinks
Member Since: 31 Jan 2008
Location: Leeds
Posts: 1943
How do you wire them via the 12s socket as I pondered on getting a 7000 recently too and this could be a handy point to connect on my FL2
30th Dec 2010 10:49 pm
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Robbie wrote:
No need to let the car sleep, I just bung mine in and toggle the CTEK from standby to charge or (in this weather) * mode. In the morning I toggle the CTEK back to standby and unplug from the 12S socket. That's it, even the wife can do it.
Pin 3 Earth & Pin 4 Live on 12S. I used ebay for the correct plug.
30th Dec 2010 10:52 pm
npinks
Member Since: 31 Jan 2008
Location: Leeds
Posts: 1943
Cool
30th Dec 2010 10:58 pm
jsui
Member Since: 07 Sep 2010
Location: Helsinki area
Posts: 58
I'd recommend 7000 too (it is rated for 14-150 Ah batteries), though also tried 4003 (max 90 Ah) which does all right if not needing to start from flat battery.
I've charged direct at battery poles, through cig lighter, through tow bar electr connector.
I actually like the cig lighter/aux power approach best as then I can have the charger permanently in place and connected (so that it charges whenever I plug ext 230 VAC to the car's optional 230 VAC socket).
However, I have also made -- just in case -- a suitable connector to the tow bar electrics socket, so that if needed to some time charge e.g. if doors for some reason did not open, could do that easily.
31st Dec 2010 7:37 am
gerudman
Member Since: 03 Jul 2010
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 46
I've also been using a 7000 for some time and is very happy with it. Use it quite regulary on all my batteries to maintain them. Also revived 2 batteries already that was ready for the dump due to sulphur build-up.2012 LR Discovery SDV6 SE
1973 LR Series III 88"
Are we talking about the Ctek CTE-XS7000 Multi Functional 8 Stage Battery Charger, which seems to be available on Amazon for £87.73 against the RRP of £155.09 - a saving of over 40% ?
It is claimed to be the latest improved version of the CTEK XS7000 with enhanced insulated connectors and a 5 Year Warranty.
NJSSAm I Gammon or Woke ? - I neither know nor care.
2016 Discovery 4 Landmark
2011 Mercedes Benz SL350 (R230)
1973 MG B GT V8 - 3.9L John Eales engine, 5 speed R380 gearbox, since 1975.
1959 MGA roadster - 1.9L Peter Burgess Engine - 5 speed gearbox
Past LRs - Multiple FFRs, Discos & a Series I - some petrol, some diesel,
none Electric or H2 fuel cell - yet.
There are 10 types of people in this world: Those who understand binary, and those who don’t.
31st Dec 2010 9:36 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
I'd take the RRP of £155 with a pinch as my XS7000 was less than £90 inc delivery about 18 months ago.
31st Dec 2010 11:13 am
RichLech
Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 151
Just bought a 7000 via Ebay for £76.00 delivered. The best price I could find at the moment. Pro-Parts Peterborough. He appears to have just one left at this price so if you want to avoid the vat increase, better get it now.
1st Jan 2011 9:56 am
Robbie
Member Since: 05 Feb 2006
Location: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Posts: 17932
Nice price!
1st Jan 2011 8:56 pm
srsmithy
Member Since: 30 Dec 2010
Location: Dudley
Posts: 48
have you checked out Optimate.co.uk . Use one on my bike.Simon,
D4 Commercial SDV6, Lux pack ++ .....
I too have just bought for £76 from "pppl15" on Fleabay.
NJSSAm I Gammon or Woke ? - I neither know nor care.
2016 Discovery 4 Landmark
2011 Mercedes Benz SL350 (R230)
1973 MG B GT V8 - 3.9L John Eales engine, 5 speed R380 gearbox, since 1975.
1959 MGA roadster - 1.9L Peter Burgess Engine - 5 speed gearbox
Past LRs - Multiple FFRs, Discos & a Series I - some petrol, some diesel,
none Electric or H2 fuel cell - yet.
There are 10 types of people in this world: Those who understand binary, and those who don’t.
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