Charger question

[hausmutti]

I have a MinnKota battery box with 12V outlets.  Can I keep my battery charged using the 12V outlet in the van as I'm driving by plugging a cable with 12V plugs on each end into it?  (I also have a renogy solar suitcase)
thanks

 

[highdesertranger]

I depends on how discharged the MinnKota battery is. if deeply discharge it will take 5-8 hours of driving at highway speeds. idling will not cut it, also if your battery doesn't get back to 100% say like driving for 1 hour you will damage the battery over time. highdesertranger

 

[tx2sturgis]

I've tried something similar and had mixed results.

If the battery pack is charged already, then it will probably be held at about the right voltage as you drive, but:

If the battery pack is depleted, it will try to pull more amps than the 12v socket can supply, and will probably blow the fuse protecting that outlet.

And, if that 12v socket is 'hot' all the time, it could blow the fuse when you crank the starter.

The other problem as others will confirm is that the standard lighter/power port connections are 'iffy' at best, so its possible a few bumps in the road will dislodge the plug enough to cause loss of connection and/or heating or melting of the plugs. 

There are many suitable ways to 'maintain' a batttery pack, but this isn't a very good or reliable way.

 

[John61CT]

Don't use ciggie ports, terrible design, go to Anderson PowerPole .

How many AH is the battery?

You really want to put it on mains power few times a week or get solar, if you don't drive all day.