flynhi

What's the consensus on the best/most reliable trickle charger for batteries stored for several months?

Bobchad

I got one at Costco for about $40. Charges at 2 amps, 12 amps or has a starter blast and has an automatic and manual setting. It has protection circuitry in it that will disengage the charger if necessary.

It is currently hooked to the car charging at 2 amps. It indicates with a green light that the battery is charged and with a meter that no juice is being applied to the battery currently.

cicch95

The "Battery Tender" works well.

-Rick

BlueL36

I think I have the same type. Made by a company called Schumacher. The son with same last name is big in drag racing.

sammyb

I have a Schumacher and yesterday it never shut off on 2amp trickle, so when I went outside late last night, I could hear my Optima Red Top sizzling (even after I took off the charger.)

I'll check today, but I think the battery is toasted.

71'AirStrike

check the battery for cracks, swelling and leaks in the casing. Optima's are nice but the only drawback is if there is overcharging, or it need to be re-charged raplidly from a depleted state there is no where for the excess gas to excape to.
It may rupture

cheers
chad

gq82

:iagree:

Chuck Gongloff

Don't know if my impression is 100% correct, but I believe a "trickle" charger continuously charges the battery, whereas a "float" charger will charge up to the prescribed voltage, then shut off.....then kick on again when the battery voltage drops.

I use float chargers made by Sure Charge. Bought them at my local battery warehouse. Chuck