Trickle Charger?

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Oct 17, 2003 | 10:01 AM

flynhi

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Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2000

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From: Austin TX

Trickle Charger?

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

Oct 17, 2003 | 10:15 AM

Bobchad

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2002

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From: Norcross GA

Re: Trickle Charger? (flynhi)

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.

Oct 17, 2003 | 10:33 AM

cicch95

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2003

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From: Pomfret, CT

Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified

Re: Trickle Charger? (Bobchad)

The "Battery Tender" works well.

-Rick

Oct 17, 2003 | 10:35 AM

BlueL36

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From: End of the Ike IL

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Re: Trickle Charger? (Bobchad)

Quote:

Charges at 2 amps, 12 amps or has a starter blast and has an automatic and manual setting.

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

Oct 17, 2003 | 10:40 AM

sammyb

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 1,041

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Re: Trickle Charger? (BlueL36)

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.

Oct 17, 2003 | 11:29 AM

71'AirStrike

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 2,218

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From: Glendale AZ

Re: Trickle Charger? (sammyb)

Quote:

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

Oct 17, 2003 | 04:57 PM

gq82

Safety Car

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From: AnyTown NJ

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Re: Trickle Charger? (cicch95)

Quote:

The "Battery Tender" works well.

-Rick

:iagree:

Oct 17, 2003 | 05:04 PM

Chuck Gongloff

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Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 10,866

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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida

Re: Trickle Charger? (gq82)

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