Battery tender
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
Battery tender
I just bought a battery tender. I was told it is a must for C-5's being stored for the winter. This kit came with clips like any other charger, hard wire loops(to connect to the battery permanently & use a quick connect) & a cigar lighter plug in.
Has anyone used the cigar lighter adapter? I would think it would be the easiest to connect & keep the cover on the car. I just have never used one. Suggestions?
Has anyone used the cigar lighter adapter? I would think it would be the easiest to connect & keep the cover on the car. I just have never used one. Suggestions?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 937
Likes: 70
From: Ponte Vedra Florida
I use a battery tender on my '02 every winter. I have the cable from the tender tracked up and out under the hood and under a wiper blade. I use the battery post clips. The car cover goes right over everything as I have the tender on top of a small Alum. stand on the floor of the garage.The system works great and saves the battery from quick draw down. I'll be glad to move to Florida next year and avoid putting the vette away for the winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,826
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From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08-'10
I also use the "tender" during the winter. I just use the alligator clips on the battery posts. Then I snake the thin power cord up thru the corner of the fender/hood area and down thru the rt. front door edge gap to the floor. That way I can quickly remove it for a sunny day cruise, but keep the cover on while it's in "bed". 
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I have the Battery Tender Plus hooked up to my car and just use the big clips to hook up to the battery. I leave the hood unlatched with the wires running over the fender and then just put my car cover back on the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 6
From: Arlington TN
Originally Posted by EdsC5
I also use the "tender" during the winter. I just use the alligator clips on the battery posts. Then I snake the thin power cord up thru the corner of the fender/hood area and down thru the rt. front door edge gap to the floor. That way I can quickly remove it for a sunny day cruise, but keep the cover on while it's in "bed".
That works best for me as well.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
That is how I use my Battery Tender (cigarette lighter plug w/25 ft extension cord) 
Seems to work fine with no issues thus far; just got to remember to roll your window down a tad to route the power cable
Larry
Seems to work fine with no issues thus far; just got to remember to roll your window down a tad to route the power cable
Larry
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
I decided to use the "permanent" ring terminals and just leave the leads tucked in front of the battery when not in use. The hood is left cracked open anyway so I don't have to unlock the car to admire the engine compartment. The BATTERY TENDER PLUS sits on the lift in front of the car.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 15
From: Wellsboro Pa
I also use the Battery Tender Plus on my 98. I bought the 25' extension and leave the tender on top of the beer refrigerator in the garage, that way I can drink a cold one and admire the car at the same time in the winter. I route the cable over the top of the front fender. Also, I just use the alligator clips, easy on and easy off.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 710
Likes: 1
From: Fremont (Livin' On The Fault Line!) CA
Originally Posted by Oldvetter
If you read the directions, it tells you not to use the cigarette lighter method for long term use. Says something about ruining battery ?
These are the instructions that came with my Battery Tender Plus: User Instructions; nowhere in these instructions can I find any mention of using the cigarette lighter plug and possible damage to the battery during long term use...
I'd be interested in hearing more about this as I DO use the cigarette lighter adapter and have not had any issues thus far
Larry
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 262
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Originally Posted by peter pan
Where do I get one of those battery tenders
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 167
Likes: 2
From: Scotch Plains NJ
I've been using the cigarette lighter adapter with my battery tender for several years. No problem. Easy to conncet and disconnect if you get a drivable day during the winter months. I can't think of any reason why it should cause any problem for long term storage.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 380
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St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by MYZED06_EH
Just bought two of the Battery Tender Plus. One for the Vette and one for the motorcycle. Found best price at; http://www.batterygiant.com/ . Great, safe company to deal with over the net.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Not on either liberal coast.
The BATTERY TENDER JR is .75 amp and the BATTERY TENDER PLUS is 1.25 amp (perfect for OPTIMA). You can find the product line at almost any motorcycle shop or INTERSTATE BATTERY store.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Converse TX
Originally Posted by MYZED06_EH
Just bought two of the Battery Tender Plus. One for the Vette and one for the motorcycle. Found best price at; http://www.batterygiant.com/ . Great, safe company to deal with over the net.