Battery tending question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Eastern PA
Battery tending question
So.... since winter is approaching, and my battery tender got stolen
.
My question is my battery charger has a 12V and a 6V switch. Can I use the 6V side as a tender, or will it fry the battery?
Has anyone done this before? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I will purchase another tender. UGH!!
Any suggestions on a good tender?
Thanks
.My question is my battery charger has a 12V and a 6V switch. Can I use the 6V side as a tender, or will it fry the battery?
Has anyone done this before? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Otherwise, I will purchase another tender. UGH!!
Any suggestions on a good tender?
Thanks
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 676
Likes: 196
From: Chester SC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16, '21,'24
Vettemaster, please check into Northern Tool. Their battery minder/desulfator is on sale for $20.00 (half price).
https://www.northerntool.com/product...12117tc-167981
https://www.northerntool.com/product...12117tc-167981
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 3,150
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From: Mid-Atlantic
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I don't trust battery tenders any more.
If you absolutely must have one, though, I'd go with a Ctek.
A forum member turned me onto them and I trust it more than the other popular ones if I had to use one now.
If you absolutely must have one, though, I'd go with a Ctek.
A forum member turned me onto them and I trust it more than the other popular ones if I had to use one now.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2019
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From: Mid-Atlantic
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I gave it a chance. But not a second chance after that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 381
From: Lunenburg MA
I know some of you will scoff at the idea, but I use cheap Harbor Freight float chargers (<$10). They are a simple wall power supply with a 14.1v regulator in line. Put a cigarette lighter plug on the end and done. My '87 has a 7 year old battery that still tests at >80% capacity. I even use them to keep the lawn tractor battery charged over the cold New England winter. That said, it keeps a charged battery charged. It is not meant to charge a low battery.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 843
Likes: 149
From: Iowa
C Tek
This is what I would recommend. I actually purchased one this summer and it showed that there was a problem and would not charge.
Took the battery to a Interstate dealer and there was a bad cell. Luckily there was still warranty.
I had it on a $20 Battery tender before purchasing the C Tek and it did not show up any problems.
Spend the extra money and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks Hawkeye56
This is what I would recommend. I actually purchased one this summer and it showed that there was a problem and would not charge.
Took the battery to a Interstate dealer and there was a bad cell. Luckily there was still warranty.
I had it on a $20 Battery tender before purchasing the C Tek and it did not show up any problems.
Spend the extra money and you will not be disappointed.
Thanks Hawkeye56
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,221
Likes: 697
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
I know some of you will scoff at the idea, but I use cheap Harbor Freight float chargers (<$10). They are a simple wall power supply with a 14.1v regulator in line. Put a cigarette lighter plug on the end and done. My '87 has a 7 year old battery that still tests at >80% capacity. I even use them to keep the lawn tractor battery charged over the cold New England winter. That said, it keeps a charged battery charged. It is not meant to charge a low battery.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 385
From: People's Republic of Nueva York
Same here on Harbor Fright.
I did have one malfunction on my boat and it killed an 8D on me. But these things are so underpowered that if I'd been paying the least bit of attention I would have caught it. Check occasionally that battery voltage doesn't exceed 14V and they're fine.
I was a battery serial-killer before these things came along. They've saved ridiculous $$$ and batteries that more than make up for the one that got bit.
I did have one malfunction on my boat and it killed an 8D on me. But these things are so underpowered that if I'd been paying the least bit of attention I would have caught it. Check occasionally that battery voltage doesn't exceed 14V and they're fine.
I was a battery serial-killer before these things came along. They've saved ridiculous $$$ and batteries that more than make up for the one that got bit.
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
From: Camden NY
St. Jude Donor '10
I live NE of Syracuse, NY and the winter temps can go below zero quite often.
The car is parked in an outside garage (no heat). So the battery tender is ok for a 2009 Vette?
Also, does anyone use an engine warmer (dipstick for the oil that is heated)?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bob
The car is parked in an outside garage (no heat). So the battery tender is ok for a 2009 Vette?
Also, does anyone use an engine warmer (dipstick for the oil that is heated)?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bob
Last edited by chiefbob; Nov 23, 2023 at 12:15 PM. Reason: Was in the wrong category. Mine is a C6
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,189
Likes: 1,312
From: LeClaire Iowa
I live NE of Syracuse, NY and the winter temps can go below zero quite often.
The car is parked in an outside garage (no heat). So the battery tender is ok for a 2009 Vette?
Also, does anyone use an engine warmer (dipstick for the oil that is heated)?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bob
The car is parked in an outside garage (no heat). So the battery tender is ok for a 2009 Vette?
Also, does anyone use an engine warmer (dipstick for the oil that is heated)?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Bob