Battery charger recommendations
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 570
Likes: 22
I went ahead and got this one
Schumacher SP1296 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger and 2A Maintainer
i wanted something I could keep connected since I do not drive the car regularly. Question, can I use the cigarette lighter connection? I have a 69 coupe.
Schumacher SP1296 6/12V Fully Automatic Battery Charger and 2A Maintainer
i wanted something I could keep connected since I do not drive the car regularly. Question, can I use the cigarette lighter connection? I have a 69 coupe.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,245
Likes: 991
From: Wauconda IL
Here's my setup. I have my C3 on the maintainer all the time, unless I'm driving it, obviously. I would NOT use the cigarette lighter connection, given that the wiring is approaching 50 years old. Connect direct to battery.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 570
Likes: 22
Is there anything that could be interfering with the performance of my battery charger? The contacts get hot and the needle on the gauge is pegged out. Just wondering if it is the charger or if it is something in the wiring of the vehicle causing it?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,001
Likes: 283
From: New York
Easy - disconnect the battery from the car and just hook up the charger if it still gets hot it's the charger and not feedback from the car.
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 559
From: Seattle Washington
Since I have a fleet of Optima batteries I got there charger. Its my first modern charger. Its supposed to be able to charge a dead Optima which is hard to do. I'll have to say it gives it its best try for a half an hour or so before it beeps the kiss of death and says un able to charge.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 658
From: Thunder Bay
I have Battery Tenders on just about every battery I own. If your intention is to maintain the battery charge, you need a 'smart' battery charger such as Battery Tenders, which will shut off when the battery is fully charged. An ordinary battery charger will overcharge the battery and destroy it over time. I have found Battery Tenders to be excellent when they work, but they only seem to last about five years or so before they fail.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 322
From: palm springs ca
I mentioned this in a old post. I will charge batteries in the shop and keep an eye on them. Reason I now keep the charger AWAY from my car is that I was charging a battery out side with one of those 6/12/24 tall chargers with wheels that will also give you a boost start. ALL conections were correct and 12 volts selected. After about a hour a huge cloud of smoke came from the charger followed by fire.
There was a circuit breaker (automatic) in the charger when it cooled down that didn't protect anything. Had the charger for years and it blew. It did charge the battery. If the charger were next to my vette I would have lost paint. Now I never charge over night unless it's outside and use a small charger placed away from the car. Had another one burn up years ago. Again all connections were correct along with the 2 amp selected.
Dom
There was a circuit breaker (automatic) in the charger when it cooled down that didn't protect anything. Had the charger for years and it blew. It did charge the battery. If the charger were next to my vette I would have lost paint. Now I never charge over night unless it's outside and use a small charger placed away from the car. Had another one burn up years ago. Again all connections were correct along with the 2 amp selected.
Dom
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 5,941
Likes: 281
From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
https://www.batteryminders.com/2012-...-worldwide-use
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I also did the research on the best desulfication intelligent type battery chargers. Battery Minders continually pulse the battery even at full charged float voltage. I'm also an toy hauler RV person with 8 deep cycle batteries. I want them to last and have the highest reserve capacity
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Well most all battery chargers are smart chargers now. Even the cheap Harbor Freight chargers can do a good job of charging, maintaining and de-sulfating/recondition a lead acid, AGM, gel cell or what ever battery. It hard to choose because they all can do a good job these days. I would just make sure the charger can work on the type of battery you own/use ( lead acid, AGM, gel cell).