How do you charge your rechargeable tool batteries?

[clarky_two]

I was thinking of having a permanent set up in the back of the van for recharging batteries as I drive, using the power from the vehicle, so there will be no messing about or forgetting to put the battery on charge overnight Anyone got anything set up like this? Or any advice?

I know this means leaving stuff in the van overnight but its a low risk area where I live and its only a few batteries after all

 

[Meady]

Surely you couldn't charge them overnight or you would kill the battery in the van.

 

[Chalked]

I have an inverter fitted in the back of the van. It's a lwb transit. These have a twin battery set up. One for starting the van and a second for ancillaries. The inverter is of the second.

 

[rpm]

Surely you couldn't charge them overnight or you would kill the battery in the van.

He`s not charging overnight mate.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

I re-charge them with the charger :tounge_smile:

 

[SimonG]

Charge them at the custs.

 

[kozak1968]

Wouldn't bother with the inverter, mine doesn't work without the engine running, pretty pointless piece of kit.

 

[Rickster123]

Charge them at the custs.

And my phone too! It feels like a tiny victory for the working man.

 

[PhoenixServices]

I'm the same, too tight to charge anything at home.

 

[gasmanrob]

You'll knacker the batteries unless you regularly drive for 40 minutes in order to fully charge a depleted battery. Lithium batts will give out a lot sooner if you keep interrupting the charge cycle. Especially milwaukee and Panasonic ones with the smart circuit inside the battery

 

[DrainMedic]

And my phone too! It feels like a tiny victory for the working man.

I think I need to toughen up! I would never dream of plugging something other than a tool in at a customers house! Mind you, I wear boot covers and carry my own cleaning products!

As for batteries, I have an inverter set up in the van for lights on it etc (I do a lot of emergency stuff at night) so I've wired my chargers up to that. I also have a heater in the van so I've got a lead set up like you'd have on a motor home with a socket out on the drive. The heater is amazing, but the lead idea would be great for your chargers. I did have an early mishap, so I wired a relay into the starter circuit, so the van won't turn over until the lead is unplugged!