How to add permanent live 12v socket to MK8

[duke_leto]

Hi everyone,

I have a MK8 Transit that I'm converting into a camper. Since the van is frequently stationary, I often need to connect a trickle charger to keep the battery healthy. The thing is that opening the bonnet and connecting the charger is a real pain, and not possible in the rain.

What I'd like to be able to do is plug my trickle charger into a 12V cigarette socket (it has the relevant accessory to be able to do this). Unfortunately the sockets on the dash switch off 30 minutes after the engine is turned off, and I need to be able to connect my charger whenever needed. So what I need is a permanently live 12V socket.

I'm a newbie when it comes to vehicle electrics but have attempted to figure out some options by reading the BEMM, but I've only got confused more than anything! I either need to 1) modifiy an existing socket to be permanently live or 2) add a new permanent live socket. I think the new socket is probably the best bet. It doesn't need to be in the dash necessarily, I have cabinets just behind the driver's seat that I could use to house a socket.

Does anyone have any instructions or advice on how to do this? I'm up for trying a DIY approach, and I have quite a few wiring supplies left over from the camper's 12v solar system. One thing to be aware of is that I am already using the van's single CCP as it is connected to a smart battery to battery charger that charges my leisure batteries when driving.

Would really appreciate any help!

Thanks

Rick

[Altransit]

Do you not have 3 seperate customer connection points

I have a fly lead connected to my battery (one on each actually) which I use to top up the batteries periodically

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[duke_leto]

Do you not have 3 seperate customer connection points

I have a fly lead connected to my battery (one on each actually) which I use to top up the batteries periodically

Hi! No we only have one CCP... you have to buy an extension kit from Ford to have more available I believe, unless your model comes with them as standard.

How have you connected those leads to the battery?

Cheers!

[Altransit]

They're a Ctek product, and connect direct to their smart chargers, they have a couple of round loop type connectors which are connected directly to the battery terminal connectors, via an inline fuse.

[duke_leto]

They're a Ctek product, and connect direct to their smart chargers, they have a couple of round loop type connectors which are connected directly to the battery terminal connectors, via an inline fuse.

Ah interesting! I think there is a similar attachment for my charger. So you've connected directly to the pos/neg posts on the battery?

[Altransit]

So you've connected directly to the pos/neg posts on the battery?

They're connected to the 6mm stud on the corner of the battery terminal connectors, lower corner in this picture, it has a 10mm nut already there

BatteryCables (3).jpg

[duke_leto]

They're connected to the 6mm stud on the corner of the battery terminal connectors, lower corner in this picture, it has a 10mm nut already there

I managed to get my charger working in the same way, thank you very much for your help!

[Altransit]

[thebarber]

If you're converting to camper then put a leisure battery in with a scene Dc-Dc charger then wire whatever you want without risking the van battery

[Langers56]

What i would do is run a direct feed off the battery with a red key isolator in-between as a safety (Did the same on my defender) if your really worried chuck a 20Amp inline fuse in