I went to start the TDV8 this morning in the garage but the battery was flat on it, have currently got it disconnected and on charge but have been pondering the idea of a battery conditioner for it to leave connected all of the time.

This is for sale in the club shop:

http://disco3.co.uk/shop/tow-electrics-cha...c-p45.html

Has anybody used one of these? Are there any downfalls to leaving it connected all of the time? I know years ago it was bad to leave them on a traditional charger constantly but would of thought that a smart charger or conditioner would be ok. According to the wiring for the 13 pin electrics, pin 9 of the socket is a permanent live so it should work.

Would be interested to hear other peoples thoughts.

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior
2013 Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE Black Edition in Santorini Black with Ebony Interior

Use it regularly with no issues (connected to a CTEK). First time I used it, I found that my 12S socket was goosed so had to replace it, no great drama though. Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

I use one with an old Halfords charger that I have had for years.
When I go on holiday I plug the charger in to a timer set to come on for 6 hours every day.
It starts at about 4amps and drops to approx 2 amps after 2 to 3 hours.

Last year I was away for 4weeks and it started first touch of the button no problem.
Martin made me one up with 2 6mm eyelets.

I am on holiday at the moment so will not be able to send a picture until I return.

It is perfect for me because I drive into the garage so it is very difficult to get under the bonnet to get to the battery.
But easy to plug in at the back and it is the first thing I see when I open the garage door, so no chance of accidentally trying to start with it connected.

David, i have a CTEK i leave on our summer toy which is fab... Mine goes into the fag lighter socket and keeps the battery perfect all through the winter

The CTEK i use came from Aston Martin... We only use this one as it resets if we have a power cut... (plenty of them for sale on eBay) (although that said, the fag lighters in a FF are all ignition fed i believe?!? )

I use a couple of Lidl ones too which are equally as good as the CTEK but reset to “OFF” if there is a power cut! So would need to be checked or could drain the battery when connected but switched off!

Brilliant, thanks guys.

We've already got one CTEK that we use quite often so I've ordered another today and will order the towing adapter later on tonight.

David. 2002 4.6 Vogue SE - Alveston Red with Lightstone Leather
2012 Range Rover 5.0 SC Autobiography in Indus Silver with Jet/Ivory Interior
2012 Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography in Baltic Blue with Sand Interior
2013 Range Rover Sport SDV6 HSE Black Edition in Santorini Black with Ebony Interior

is a good idea, have had one in the boot with the Ctek and it gets plugged in when I'm away in a different car, also use it as a supply when we go to lemans as you can plug it into the tow socket and use the ctek as a power supply so you don't flatten the battery when listening to the radio etc.... There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

It is perfect for me because I drive into the garage so it is very difficult to get under the bonnet to get to the battery.
But easy to plug in at the back and it is the first thing I see when I open the garage door, """so no chance of accidentally trying to start with it connected.[/quote]""""


Are you not supposed to start the vehicle with the Ctek connected to the ciggy socket

What is likely to happen if you do ?

Don’t think it will make any difference as long as your battery is charged... Only if your battery is under and then it will probably blow the CTEK up!

This is probably a very daft question……..

Does the 12pin socket attach to the tow ball frame/bracket or can it be mounted without the tow bracket/frame on a 2012 L322?

I am thinking ahead to when my new garage is up and running and a convenient charging/CTEK point.

I have an Optimate for my bike. On the bike is a lead which terminates in a plug with a waterproof cover, the Optimate lead plugs into this. Rather than going to the expense of having a 12s socket fitted, what about a similar set up on your car leaving the plug in a convenient location. I'm sure you will be able to buy one.

The 13 pin mounts on the large armature, but the Ctek comes with a waterproof plug you could leave permenantly connected in the rear boot cubby. There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

What would the implications be in finding the permanent 12v supply in the boot to wire into. Would it be in the rear right corner and would he need the LR harness to do it?