CTEK trickle chargers. Which model is best for the RS

[BRAEAN]

Advice needed please, read about these chargers and it seems they are used by many. Looking online there seems a lot of different models and a vast variation on price. From the knowledge in the group which one is best to attach for 2,3 or maybe 4 weeks. Some are £30, others close on £100.
Cheers in advance.

[Nirach]

Dunno about 'the best' but I use an MXS 5.0 with mine and it's always seemed just fine.

[BRAEAN]

Cheers for that, I've been looking at that model. I did read somewhere that when using on the car the alternator wire needs disconnected. Can you confirm this or can it just be connected up to both terminals.

[Nirach]

I might not be the best person to answer that aspect of the question - I've not left it on charge over winter (I only don't use the car when they've salted the roads or it's actually snowing/icy), so I've not disconnected anything else - It could be that I'm wrong not to do that though.

The MXS 5 seemed to charge both the original motorcraft battery and the Bosch I've got in there now fine without anything else being disconnected.

[Clayton]

Years ago I purchased a cheap Halfords charger that was around £25. Worked fine and still does and the charger is now used on a second car with no issues. I have another trickle charger on my FRS which is labeled up as Carcoon having come with the Carcoon. Not sure on the quality of it but the same as the other charger it has always worked well with no problems.

The Ctek has been known for years as a quality trickle charger and recommended by many RS owners but are a lot more in price to purchase so it's a preference on your budget, I would say buy one if funds allow. The most expensive Cteks can help the cells of a damaged battery as it agitates the cells to bring back to life again. Not sure on which model it is but worth looking at if you want the best charger?


As with disconnecting anything on the car, I never have disconnected anything, not even the battery to keep the alarm working.

[Freddel2003]

I have had a CTEC MXS 5.0 on my car over winter for 3 years now. connected the two terminal cables that comes with it onto the battery (so permanently attached) it's then just one quick connection to plug it in. i tuck the cable away behind the battery when using the car. Never disconnected anything else and no issues.

[Jury93]

I purchased one from Aldi for £14, yet to use it but have been told they are very similar to a CTEK one if that helps you?

[Holty]

I use MXS 5.0 with mine and it's spot on. Came with quick connector with led to show health of battery. Got it on ebay can try find link was £62

[BartFRS]

I recently bought the CTEK MXS 5.0 at 72 euro.

[Milford]

The five is a great charger I recon mine once a year and still using the original battery.

[HockeyNomad]

Aye, CTEK are a bit pricy, you can buy a new battery with the money they cost,

I have a CTEK MXS 5.0 and a 0.8 both will charge and maintain the frs battery, but the 0.8 will struggle to charge a drained 063 battery in the RS, but the 0.8 will maintain a charged battery.

I got the 5.0 after numerous alternator failures due to high revs and i needed to charge drained batteries. but prices seem to have risen since then, so id be very tempted to go for a cheaper charger if buying today. but that said both chargers are still going strong and maintain both my cars when I'm at work and thats a good few years now.

a maintainer is a must for stored or infrequently used cars if you don't want to be blowing expensive alarm boards so I guess on that basis, the cost of the charger is insignificant by comparison.

[BRAEAN]

Thanks for all responses fellas, much appreciated, I have purchased the CTEK 5 from Amazon (£63) . Very user friendly just select correct setting and connect it up.
Cheers again..