Installing a dedicated trickle charging cable setup -- DIY writeup

[PJGIdaho]

With so many power draining features on my new acquired 2023 Lariat lux...and reading a lot of posts on maintaining the 12v battery...I decided to install a permanent cable that I could plug into so that I can charge and maintain this new hybrid, since I don't put that many miles on the truck.
I've had it for a month now, and only just past the 200 mile tick...
So having CDO (it's like OCD, but all the letters are in alphabetical order, just as they should be!) I didn't want to always raise the back seat and remove the battery cover just to trickle charge. I went online and ordered a bunch of stuff for this project from TEMU.
If you like Amazon, you will like TEMU. Usually much better prices, but the free shipping is a little (maybe a lot) slower.
WARNING, it can be a little addictive!
Anyway, here is the build:
10 gauge SAE connector with inline 15a blade fuse for connecting to the battery. BJ12432 $6.47
10 gauge SAE connector with inline 15a blade fuse with a dust cap, for connecting to the above cable and to the battery charger. DE12653 $5.84
12-14 gauge SAE cable to splice into the battery charger. LE12539 $3.98
4 mode Smart charger - 12V 4Ah-100Ah Smart Battery Trickle Charger Automotive Battery Maintainer Desulfator With Temperature Compensation. VA00922 ~$16 now, I paid $12.50...
12-14 gauge Alligator clips with matching SAE connector. GP08199 $5.48

So after fighting with the trucks battery connectors...(trying to get the nuts completely off the peened/splayed shafts) I attached the cable to the battery, routed it under the trim towards the back of the truck, then into the storage compartment under the passenger side rear seat.
I then drilled a hole for the end connection in the small storage channel just inside the door. It all works great, and I'm happy with the setup.
The pictures I attached show all the components, and the routing.

I've added a lot more accessories to this truck that I will post in the proper threads later.
Really loving this Maverick!

Sponsored

 

[Tim d]

Is this really an issue? Our maverick has not sat more than a week so far though...

 

[Aherpa]

Our Maverick is used almost everyday, so I don't know what would happen if it sat for a week or two.
As my standard 'stuff in each vehicle' I have a TackLife jump starter battery pack that can also charge or run stuff from it's USB ports. I figure I'm covered if the battery goes down. The TackLife holds a charge for quite a while but I top it off about once a year.

 

[Hardening2753]

Is this really an issue? Our maverick has not sat more than a week so far though...

Batteries last a lot longer if you have a trickle charger. I drive on the weekends only and while not exactly necessary it does extend the life of the battery. Also, when I fly out for a few days it may be 2 weeks before I turn the car on. That being said, I just clamp on my 20 dollar trickle charger but this set up is a lot cleaner

 

[Bobbydontchaknow]

Can the trickle changer be connect on the hybrid to the terminals under the hood or does it need to go directly on the battery?

 

[Mav_RICK]

Can the trickle changer be connect on the hybrid to the terminals under the hood or does it need to go directly on the battery?

Yes you can connect under hood. Make sure to connect to the correct spots which are illustrated in your manual.

 

[Bobbydontchaknow]

I looked through the manual and couldn’t find that info. Do you happen to know where it is? Thanks!

 

[Mav_RICK]

I looked through the manual and couldn’t find that info. Do you happen to know where it is? Thanks!

 

[Bobbydontchaknow]

Thanks

Thanks. That’s what I initially thought but wanted to confirm. Appreciate it!

 

[catshreds]

TEMU is a Chinese owned company that is heavily invested in the online sales market.

 

[BradnChristine]

This is where I connected my charge wire for towing... the charge wire and the tail lights go out to a 6 pin connector in the grill. I decided it would also serve me well as a trickle charge point, so I bought another 6 pin plug and wired the 12v+ and Ground only in the new plug...the cord terminates after a foot into a polarized 2-pin connector to plug the trickle charger into. I got tired of opening the hood to connect the charger.
My truck has never failed to start while in "deep sleep", but a 1 or 2 amp trickle charger won't hurt our batteries. Not a good plan for LiFePo batteries, but fine for FLA or AGM.

 

[Mav_RICK]

This is where I connected my charge wire for towing... the charge wire and the tail lights go out to a 6 pin connector in the grill. I decided it would also serve me well as a trickle charge point, so I bought another 6 pin plug and wired the 12v+ and Ground only in the new plug...the cord terminates after a foot into a polarized 2-pin connector to plug the trickle charger into. I got tired of opening the hood to connect the charger.
My truck has never failed to start while in "deep sleep", but a 1 or 2 amp trickle charger won't hurt our batteries. Not a good plan for LiFePo batteries, but fine for FLA or AGM.

That’s actually a great idea Brad!

I have yet to see any issues with this and there is a difference between our trucks in that yours is lux and mine is not but who knows? You are in a colder climate as well. Just trying to find some sort of correlation but I think it’s probably a vain attempt.

 

[BradnChristine]

That’s actually a great idea Brad!

I have yet to see any issues with this and there is a difference between our trucks in that yours is lux and mine is not but who knows? You are in a colder climate as well. Just trying to find some sort of correlation but I think it’s probably a vain attempt.

I cannot figure out the Deep sleep algorithm. It is frustrating.

Some times, I don't drive for several days, and it does NOT go into deep sleep. Other times, I can drive it 3 days in a row for at least 10 miles and on the third day, I'll get a deep sleep notice 30 minutes after parking it and locking it!

My 2020 Transit gives me the deep sleep notification after 14 days of not starting, but I keep a trickle charger on it in the off season...so DS is based on time or voltage. I haven't left the Maverick unstarted for 14 days to see if it is the same. We are all probably over-worrying about Deep Sleep, but I know some are getting a no-start situation.

 

[aa_chow]

I have been contemplating this, but instead connecting with under the hood connection points and mounting the connector (i.e. DE12653) to the fender badge instead -- that way can connect from outside and no need to pinch cable through door.

Is the negative bolt under the hood threaded (for an eyelet connection)? What's the thread for positive -- there's no nut to secure eyelet?

 

[Dad]

I cannot figure out the Deep sleep algorithm. It is frustrating.

Some times, I don't drive for several days, and it does NOT go into deep sleep. Other times, I can drive it 3 days in a row for at least 10 miles and on the third day, I'll get a deep sleep notice 30 minutes after parking it and locking it!

My 2020 Transit gives me the deep sleep notification after 14 days of not starting, but I keep a trickle charger on it in the off season...so DS is based on time or voltage. I haven't left the Maverick unstarted for 14 days to see if it is the same. We are all probably over-worrying about Deep Sleep, but I know some are getting a no-start situation.

Late to the party, but I share your frustration in trying to figure out the situation that puts the truck into deep sleep mode. Dealer's standard answer is "drive it more often", but that doesn't seem to make much difference. My only annoyance with the deep sleep is the lack of interior lighting when entering the truck at night. I installed a couple of small tap on/tap off LED lights on the overhead, but I'm still thinking, "Hey, Ford, it's 2023, why do have to hack something as basic as a working interior light?"

Sponsored