92PGC

I have a Sears 10Amp trickle charger. would this serve the same purpose as one of those battery tenders ? if not could I just turn the trickle charger on say once a week or at some other interval ?

thanks and Merry Xmas.

MyOtherCar

no, battery chargers constantly charge, a tender is a float charger that will recharge only when the battery drains some, I think about 10 mA.

You don't want a charger on fulltime, tender will be okay.

Goldcylon

As stated above

RedVette84

also.

deerra

I've used a battery tender for years. They work very well.

1800Wing

My other perversion is long distance motorcycle touring.....The Battery Tender folks are very well known in that arena for consistent performance and reliability. Spend the money, you won't regret it. About 40 bucks at Cycle Gear.com or online at other motorcycle outlets. They may be available other places too....but I know about the scooter supply houses.

later, tiny

rodj

I'm a tight **** so I have a battery charger that also has a float charge function.Will bring a flat battery up and then maintain it.

kenv

I always have a battery tender hooked to my `Vette. If you use the name brand "battery tender or battery tender jr.", you will pay $40 or more. I got mine from Harbor Freight for $11, 3 years ago & it still works fine.

92PGC

Is a Battery Tender Jr. sufficient or is a Plus required ?

Thanks and Merry Xmas.

cal55

I believe that would work fine. That's what I have on mine. I actually bought it for my motorcycle but sold it, and used it on the car. I bought mine at www.amazon.com for a little over $20. but I'd have to check the price to be sure.
Joe

Loby 1

I have 3 Smart Tenders I have used over the past 12 years. I went to the full size tender and I can't say enough about them. I have used them on cars, motorcycles and even lawn tractors. They will keep your battery at full potential even through long cold winters.

You just can't go wrong.

Baldfart

I use the Battery Tender Plus. The difference is the Junior is .750 miliamp and the Plus is 1.25 amp.

Churchkey

You can use a trickle charger. Plug it into a light timer & set it run one hour per day.

92PGC

thats a great idea.


thanks and Merry Xmas

1800Wing

That is not the same function as a Battery Tender....do a little research on the BT and you will see why. Here is a link to the Battery Tender website.

http://batterytender.com/resources/f...s.htm#answer10

later, tiny

Loby 1

I would go with the Battery Tender only. You just hook it up and forget about it. It's so simple even a cave man......

Churchkey

Thanks for the link however additional research is not required. After 40+ years of storing special interest vehicles I am fully aware of the parameters involved to care for wet cell batteries.

The OP asked if there was a way to use the equipment he has. I provided an option that has served me well for many years.

kenmack

CHURCHKEY makes a point
Vehicle batteries are designed internally to be discharged and charged daily (daily vehicle use). Right
A trickle 1amp or 2 amp charger with lite sensitive timer running for 1 or 2 hrs daily will come as close as anything to daily use.(I put a nite lite inline to confirm its working)
This is based on the assumption that most batteries will discharge and go flat in 4 - 6 weeks without use.
I think batteries will rot internally if not warmed up daily with some discharge and charge action.
Any battery experts care to comment on this laymans opinion.

DanS711

I have used the BT Jr for the last 4 years and had very good luck with it. Plug it in and forget about it. Being a fireman, I am not a big fan of leaving an automatic timer hooked up in my garage. Might be a little over cautious, but that is just me.

nferr

I use a battery tender in the winter. I switch one tender between the Corvette and my two motorcycles. Usually I'll leave it one vehicle for about a week and then switch it to the next one. Works fine.