Where to locate trickle charger

[Kennymac]

I’m looking for advice on placement of a trickle charger. The battery access is behind the left rear wheel, is it best to leave the panel off and replace it when it’s taken out or what’s the go to method. I’m in Texas, so there will be lots of winter driving time but we all know how they act when not charged properly. I’m thinking that a pig tail attached to the battery is the way to go. Thanks in advance.

 

[Shal]

I plugged in a cigarette lighter extension with 3 additional socket and placed it under passenger seat. I plug in a Schumacher (1.5 Amp) trickle charger to this socket.

Has been working well to keep the battery charged for many years now. I ready this trick on some forum and opted for it so that I dont have to pop the hood or do any fancy wiring to the battery.

 

[Kennymac]

I plugged in a cigarette lighter extension with 3 additional socket and placed it under passenger seat. I plug in a Schumacher (1.5 Amp) trickle charger to this socket.

Has been working well to keep the battery charged for many years now. I ready this trick on some forum and opted for it so that I dont have to pop the hood or do any fancy wiring to the battery.

Cool. I’ll check that out. Seems super simple. I appreciate the help

 

[daveg]

Under the hood on the Left near Wash fluid reservoir there is a + and - Post you can attach it to.

 

[Kennymac]

Under the hood on the Left near Wash fluid reservoir there is a + and - Post you can attach it to.

I know about that but can a trickle charger be connected to it? It seems to me that it would be fine, however, I’ve seen posts saying it’s a bad idea, but they don’t say why. Can you tell me why it’s a bad idea? I can’t think of any reason not to use it.

 

[Goggles Pizano]

I have mine where daveg stated for years there and car hasn't been started in a very long time.

 

[efnfast]

I know about that but can a trickle charger be connected to it? It seems to me that it would be fine, however, I’ve seen posts saying it’s a bad idea, but they don’t say why. Can you tell me why it’s a bad idea? I can’t think of any reason not to use it.

That's where mine's attached to. I don't see any issues with it.

What they might be referring to is if you use a ring terminal on the + stud rather than the alligator clips. If you use a ring terminal you have to spin the nut off the + stud, which can cause the stud to spin and short your electrical system and give you a very bad day.

 

[LifeIsGood]

I've used this method for 12+ years...

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[Kennymac]

I appreciate everyone’s help. My cigarette lighter isn’t working and I’m trying to hunt that problem down. Using the alligator clips will be the easiest way to do it. I am thankful for the heads up on using the ring terminals. That could have been ugly. Thanks for your help.

 

[TEALLIFE]

I've used this method for 12+ years...

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Yup this. Permanent attachment you just tuck under the PCM and pull out without having to open the hood.

 

[TEALLIFE]

I appreciate everyone’s help. My cigarette lighter isn’t working and I’m trying to hunt that problem down. Using the alligator clips will be the easiest way to do it. I am thankful for the heads up on using the ring terminals. That could have been ugly. Thanks for your help.

most likely just unplugged itself from behind. Pull off the console and you should be able to reconnect.

 

[Ricketts]

I know about that but can a trickle charger be connected to it? It seems to me that it would be fine, however, I’ve seen posts saying it’s a bad idea, but they don’t say why. Can you tell me why it’s a bad idea? I can’t think of any reason not to use it.

I've been using that method for 18 years now.

 

[Dixter]

if you plan on mounting the charger under the hood with the ring mount instead of the alligator clips... be careful about pulling the nut connection at the box because it can break away easily.... if that happens then you will have to source a wiring harness if the connection gets broken.... the alligator clip is probably the safest method even if you have to open the hood...

 

[phipplet]

I just spliced a connector wire for the trickle charger to the battery and tucked it away. Problem solved! Oh! I do have to "squat" down under the car to connect it. Pretty simple

 

[Tom and Vipers]

The NOCO Genius 1 is a 1 amp 7-step smart chargers (6,7,8,9.... I don't know exactly but all the major pha) It's under $50 and finishes with a maintenance mode.

The official Battery Minder is expensive and supposed to be uber good.

I keep my GTS on a CTEK, I think it's a 4.3 amp unit - the orange once for cold weather - has the super flexible leads.