dc-dc charger locations

[Golioth]

G'day brains trust!
Currently trying to set up a duel battery system in my 2010 wagon, and have decided to go with a CTEK 250s DC-DC charger, but struggling to find a spot to fit it. I had a great spot located under the bonnet for it, right next to the Aux battery, but then read that these units are quite sensitive to heat and that it is better to mount them in the cab somewhere.

I would love to hear where everyone has mounted them for some inspiration.

Cheers :bowdown:

[Cuppa]

Hiya,
You are right that under the bonnet is not a good place, not sure how waterproof they are & they are usually designed reduce output as it gets hotter & to shut down above a certain temperature, meaning that the amount of charge gained when mounted in the hot under bonnet environment is likely to be far less than you want. Ideally they should be mounted as close to the battery they are charging as possible but if this is under the bonnet then compromises are needed. Can you fit it under a seat (I believe some have done this) or in a footwell - on the same side of the vehicle as the aux battery?

My install is no use to you ... mine is mounted in the rear canopy of my ute.

[the evil twin]

I wouldn't use a DC DC charger on an aux under the bonnet.

The closer the charger is to the battery the better so having to mount it remote starts to defeat the purpose
You also can't parallel the batteries to jump or winch without additional circuits/components.
Also teh max rate you can charge the battery is much lower than off the alternator.

DC DC chargers are primarily for house batteries at the end of long runs IE in campers/vans etc with the Charger mounted at or very near the house battery

[PeeBee]

G'day brains trust!
Currently trying to set up a duel battery system in my 2010 wagon, and have decided to go with a CTEK 250s DC-DC charger, but struggling to find a spot to fit it. I had a great spot located under the bonnet for it, right next to the Aux battery, but then read that these units are quite sensitive to heat and that it is better to mount them in the cab somewhere.

I would love to hear where everyone has mounted them for some inspiration.

Cheers :bowdown:
I have my ctek system mounted on the cargo barrier directly above the rear battery bank. Only disadvantage is the route for cables from engine bay, then to battery bank and feed from solar panels. The units have a temperature compensation input cable so output should remain constant with a rise in temp up to 60 deg c I think it says in the manual, but would not put under the bonnet as others have said. Are you buying both the modules or just the single? I have both and did have one die after 9 months. Be careful where you purchase from because the electronics have a time dependent warranty, so if bought from a non ctek agent, it could be stock that's past its "used by date". I know this sounds like crap and stupidity but I went thru this when mine failed, bought it off the internet, failed, went back to ctek direct for help, got rejected as business selling the unit not an authorised seller, ended up having to buy a new one from auto agent, then opened my broken one up and it had a manufactur sticker 5 yrs previous. Ctek stuff must be 'in service' within 2 yrs or you are asking for trouble, so be aware of this little known trap.
My system works well but probably a bit browned off about the hidden detail and warranty issues.

I run the 250 s and the smartpass modules

[GeeYou8]

A workmate mounted his Redarc in front of the radiator, used the fan mounts that are vacant on newer Patrols. Hard to get better airflow than that.
Graham

[mudski]

I run a CTEK 250s and have it mounted upside down under the glove box facing the floor. Its just zip tied in with a couple of hefty ties. Its out of the way their...