Thinking Ahead

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Aug 18, 2016 | 01:31 PM

dsimon55

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 480

Likes: 3

From: Buffalo Grove IL

Thinking Ahead

Starting to think ahead. With winter around the corner my car will go into storage.
Anyone have any suggestions on a trickle charger to keep the battery in good shape.
Would love to find something that has quick connects.
My car is a 1985 with battery up front

thanks

Aug 18, 2016 | 02:12 PM

daverulz

Racer

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 388

Likes: 38

From: Madison CT

I use the Deltran Battery Tender. Pretty much the standard for this as far as my research showed. It came with both clip on and ring terminal leads and a quick disconnect. I've been very happy with it. There are cheaper options, but not much cheaper. When I bought mine a year or two ago I think it was only $35 (prices fluctuate on amazon).

https://www.amazon.com/Deltran-Batte.../dp/B00068XCQU

Aug 18, 2016 | 02:18 PM

brushmor

Racer

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 382

Likes: 141

From: Pine Ridge FL

+1 to the Deltran. I got the JR that puts out 750mA and it's worked great for for years now.

Aug 18, 2016 | 02:34 PM

MitchV

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 50

Likes: 8

From: Chicagoland IL

I use the Deltran Jr as well. No problems.

Aug 19, 2016 | 04:25 PM

hcbph

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 4,422

Likes: 601

From: Minneapolis Mn

I'm going to be the Devils Advocate here: Either a battery cutoff or unhook the negative battery cable. It's a little hard for varmints getting where they shouldn't, chewing on something they shouldn't and starting a fire if the battery isn't connected. They can make a mess of things but it won't burn the car or garage down while you aren't home especially. I've been using a battery cutoff and/or rehook the negative battery cable back up and run the car every 30-45 days has not been a problem for me on either of the cars I put in storage yearly. Doing this pretty much back into the 70's and not had an issue with it

If you have a decent battery, I've started a vehicle when it's been -30 outside as long as it's been started on a regular basis for sufficient about of time (I let it warm up when I do it).

Last edited by hcbph; Aug 19, 2016 at 04:31 PM.

Aug 19, 2016 | 06:51 PM

Purple92

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 2,649

Likes: 863

While the Battery Tender is probably the most commonly used maintainer - I use the Ctek charger (they make several with the maintenance function), and I can highly recommend it. Some of the Ctek's also have a rejuvenate feature - opinions on how well it works vary - but I've used it and think it does "help" a older battery live a bit longer. I've lent mine to several people - and the opinions are also mixed - but generally positive.

I will recommend against one of the very inexpensive import battery maintainers - I had one hooked up to a "spare battery" a few winters ago - and when I checked the voltage one morning - it read 14.8 volts - WAY too high for maintenance use.

Aug 19, 2016 | 07:11 PM

c4cruiser

Team Owner

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 34,873

Likes: 487

From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69

NCM Sinkhole Donor

I've been using the Deltran Battery Tender JR on my c4 and C5 with no problems. That unit comes with both the alligator clips and ring terminal connectors. There is a connector on the cables so either type of connection can be used.

On my C5, I use the ring terminal connectors. The positive ring terminal is connected to the B+ post at the underhood fuse box and the negative ring terminal is connected to the negative battery cable end. The short lead is easily placed along the various harnesses and is out of the way when I'm driving the car. The harness is long enough that it will extend out of the engine compartment and connect to the charging unit cable

I use the alligator clips on the C4 as it's easy to get to the side terminal bolts and the hood will close without touching the clips.

Aug 19, 2016 | 09:11 PM

HAD2HAV2

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 2,996

Likes: 303

From: MOORESVILLE NC

CTECK. I've used one for at least 5 years. It has double duty on 2 cars, one car for 2 weeks the other for 2 weeks during the winter. My sister bought a new 07 C6 and use to complain of dead batteries. I bought her one for Christmas several years ago and I have not her complain about the battery. She only has 25,000 miles her 07.