Hey all,

Going out of country for a few months and want to find a solar battery charger for '96 Cherokee. Does anyone know:

1) If you can charge through the cigarette lighter?
2) good solar battery charger you have used?

Thanks!

Mike

 

The cigarette lighter is only connected to the system with the key on ignition or accessory. The DC power outlet is hot all the time and should work to charge the battery.

 

Yes power will flow either direction. On pre 97s with only one 12V outlet, it cuts the power to the outlet when the key is in the off position so it won't work then unless you have a 12v outlet wired to a hot power source or direct to the battery. Will this be stored where power access is available? If you have the ability to park it where you can either reach an outlet or an extension cord I would hook your battery up to a Deltran Battery Tender. But that's just me.

 

its an '96 XJ and I wanted to find a way to have a solar panel in the windshield and plug into the 12V but sounds like I can't do that. I'll have to find a way to run the clamps from the battery into the cabin and plug into the solar panel

 

They make panels that can be left out in the weather.

Here's an idea. This can be mounted to a board or panel exterior then you just run your cable in from beneath the Jeep and hook it up.

 

yeah the place I'm storing jeep is pretty safe so shouldnt be problem leaving it oustide... I think I have to get a solar panel with a charge controller so it doesn't overcharge the battery and damage it...

Anyone know if that's the case?

 

The small panels don't usually put out enough watts to overcharge the battery. The one I linked has the charge controller built into the unit.

 

Is saving your money an option? Just disconnect the battery, both terminals. Then it will help act as an anti-theft device. Especially if you put the battery somewhere else.

I'd speculate the solar powered trickle charge wires are small enough, that you could put the solar panel in the windshield and run the wires between the passenger door seal & the passenger front door, to under the hood.

You could always add a constant 12v cigarette plug somewhere in the cabin of the vehicle & then plug in the solar powered trickle charger. Don't rule out the back of the Jeep. I've seen 12v plugs put in the rear for electric coolers, place to plug in a 12v air pump, 12v impact, etc...

 

Pull the battery. When you get home pick up a battery charger at Walmart for under $50 and hook it up overnight. I bought the one that can recondition batteries. It's great to have around.