battery chargers

[GMCBubba]

hey guys, looking for a bit of advice. my battery is dead again due to long periods of no use. i was looking at getting a charger and was looking for recommendations. i don't need fast charging and i would like to be able to leave it plugged in and not worry about it. any ideas?

do i need something like the deltran battery tender plus?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

or would something more simple, like this summit branded charger with full float capabilities work?
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

thanks in advance

--michael

[70GMCer]

This is what I use. I have one for the tractor battery & one for the truck. Good price & 2 year warranty. Never a problem with either. http://www.autozone.com/R,20913/stor...ductDetail.htm

[sneakysnake]

The thing I dont like about most of the new chargers is if the battery is completely dead they wont charge it. Because of the safety crap (anti spark)
it has to sense voltage before it will come on, so you wind up having to jump the dead bat first to get it to charge.

[70GMCer]

That's why you keep a trickle charger connected, so it won't go dead.

[fastwillie 696969]

trickle chargers are so cool just plug and charge

[El Jay]

Have you considered solar.

Northern Tool has 1 for under $30, and the reviews give it a 5 out of 5.

Just something to think about.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ery%20chargers

[cayoterun]

I have a 5500w generator in the back of my truck.
My son gave me a little solar, mounted it flat on topper top. The generator battery has given no more trouble after a year or so hooked up. Don't know where he got it tho. Has worked good so far.
Cayoterun

[fastwillie 696969]

Originally Posted by El Jay

Have you considered solar.

Northern Tool has 1 for under $30, and the reviews give it a 5 out of 5.

Just something to think about.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...ery%20chargers

good knowledge

[GMCBubba]

thanks for the feedback. solar won't work because my truck resides in my garage (much to the dismay of my wife and our other two cars that got kicked out to the driveway).

[El Jay]

Originally Posted by GMCBubba

thanks for the feedback. solar won't work because my truck resides in my garage (much to the dismay of my wife and our other two cars that got kicked out to the driveway).

I'm not trying to hijack your thread!

Hmmm. Would it work with a light bulb over it?
If so, which would cost more to run, a light bulb, or a trickle charger.

I don't know, but I'd sure like to hear about it.

[Ironhorse]

I use a pair of trickle chargers, one on my truck and one on my '71 Chevelle. Battery stays hot all the time, never had a problem. Plug'em in and forget'em. When battery reaches full charge it maintains with a low trickle. Made by Schumacher, comes with two cords, one with car/truck battery clamps and one for motorcycle use, quick dis-connects. Very well pleased with them. Solved my dead battery problem on low useage vehicle, great for winter storage.

[68C15]

Originally Posted by 70GMCer

That's why you keep a trickle charger connected, so it won't go dead.

it needs to have a float/maintain function. overcharge will cause the sulfur molecules to seperate from the electrolyte leaving you with plain water. same thing with using too high of a charge on a dead battery. it needs to charge slowly to 12.8V then do a light discharge to 12.4V and back and forth.

battery tender is the ideal solution.