Battery Tender Ground?

[carguy07]

Just got my battery tender, what are you guys using to hook the pigtail to for the ground wire? I guess the factory stud is sort of a no brainer right? Does anyone know what thread it is? Thanks..KW

 

[GR8_ASP]

I used one of the heat shield screws (below the brake booster). Able to hide it out of the way. I semi-permanently mounted the tender as well. You can reach the plug and connect without lifting the hood. A real benefit when on a lift over winter.

Not sure yet how to do it on the SRT. The regular hood makes a through the gill approach much more difficult.

 

[Gerald Levin]

Just installed a "battery minder" which is the same. I had to snip one the connectors off and replace it with a connector with a larger circumference. I then tied the connection in place so it is hidden just inside the grill but accessible without lifting the hood. Since the batteries are such a bit@h to get to, I want mine to last as long as possible.

 

[Ron]

Not familar with Battery Minder, but be cautious as many chargers claim to be "maintainers" but unless they are clear about the algorithm they use, you could damage the battery over time.

You want one that either shuts completely off when fully charged but monitors the battery and when needed gives a short low amperage charge to top it off (Best), or one like the Battery Tender Plus that drops to a maintance voltage level but never shuts off (OK). One that uses only internal battery resistance to throttle itself down will ruin the battery over time.

Expect to pay $48 ~ $69 for a real maintainer. Less than that and you don't have the right type.

 

[ViperJoe]

I guess the factory stud is sort of a no brainer right? Thanks..KW

Yep....... I use the ground stud.

 

[LQQK_OUT]

You might want to pickup a cigarette lighter adapter.

http://www.halonmarketing.com/mall/Output%20Cable%20Connections.htm

brett

 

[snakebitdave]

Ok guys, I'm stll a bit confused. I want to do the right thing as I maintain 6 batteries over the winter and would like to purchase 6 "tenders." I have read, on more than one thread, that one must spend at least $50 to get the "proper" tender. I just purchased a "Vector 1.5 amp fully automatic on board battery charger which is 12 volt fully automatic on/off" for under $17 at Wal-Mart. It claims "fully automatic, powers on when needed, powers off when the battery is fully charged or topped off." Do I have the right charger? I have read different threads stating one does not want a "trickle charger" lest it shortens the life of the battery. Under applications in the Vector manual it also states that this unit is recommended for "off season trickle charging of a battery." Seems I have contradictory information in the same manual. So, did I spend enough and have the right charger? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Ron]

While there are many sights with info on this subject, spend some time here for some of the basics.

Note that perhaps you can configure you batteries in a way to charge several with one charger as a way to save some money.

I'll say it again though, you get what you pay for....