'Best practice' for trickle charger hook ups

[SCVIPER]

I haven't bought one yet - but curious if there's a consensus on the best tender model and hook up method that everyone likes? Thanks for any input...

 

[arizonajack]

Check out the following thread about battery tenders, specifically scroll down to Damn Yankee's guide.

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/5260-trickle-charger-for-winter?highlight=battery+tender

The battery tenders described are available from Harbor Freight. I've been using them for years. They are on sale now. Buy several.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

 

[Policy Limits]

Gen V is deep cycle. Start and run it once per week and u won't need a tender. Hibernation mode lasts months.

 

[SCVIPER]

I use to... Then I got two new Fcars! It's hard to pick now for the little driving I do, but it will likely be a garage queen for a little while!

 

[Steve M]

Gen V is deep cycle. Start and run it once per week and u won't need a tender. Hibernation mode lasts months.

?

Batteries can be deep cycle, but entire cars? Not so much...

Even if the OEM battery was deep cycle (and I don't think it is), that wouldn't mean that it would maintain its charge for a longer period of time...it would just mean that you wouldn't toast the battery if you drained the crap out of it.

That said, if you leave it for extended periods of time without driving it, then you either need a battery tender or to put it in hibernation mode. I prefer a tender...I actually have a battery tender pigtail hooked directly to the battery terminals in the rear of the car. When I'm done driving it, all I have to do is reach through the bumper, grab the pigtail, and hook it up to the battery tender. Simple, effective, and I don't even have to pop the trunk or hood to keep the battery topped up.

 

[Jack B]

Steve:

I brought out a connection from the fuse block to the grill/gills at the front edge of the door. This way it is partially hidden and accessible without opening the hood. I have been a big "battery tender" fan, but, this time after reading the Centech review, I went in that direction.

?

Batteries can be deep cycle, but entire cars? Not so much...

Even if the OEM battery was deep cycle (and I don't think it is), that wouldn't mean that it would maintain its charge for a longer period of time...it would just mean that you wouldn't toast the battery if you drained the crap out of it.

That said, if you leave it for extended periods of time without driving it, then you either need a battery tender or to put it in hibernation mode. I prefer a tender...I actually have a battery tender pigtail hooked directly to the battery terminals in the rear of the car. When I'm done driving it, all I have to do is reach through the bumper, grab the pigtail, and hook it up to the battery tender. Simple, effective, and I don't even have to pop the trunk or hood to keep the battery topped up.

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

I haven't bought one yet - but curious if there's a consensus on the best tender model and hook up method that everyone likes? Thanks for any input...

THE best is the Deltran tender and best prices are on Amazon. Get the optional extension cord with the 12V plug at the end and simply plug into the hot 12V between the seats. No need to open the hood each time and connect to the battery or leads from the battery. Been doing this for years now with great results.