battery charger question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
battery charger question
I have a 6/2 amp battery charger I use for deep cycle marine batteries that I might need to use on my snowbound '99 Coupe. It will trickle charge at 2 amps, but I see many recommendations on this forum for Battery Tenders that charge at only 1.25 amps.
Is the 1.25 amp output essential if the charger will be connected for extended periods or will my 2 amp charger work just as well? Does the battery have to be removed from the car or can I leave it connected and charge/maintain for say 18-24 hours without any damage to battery or systems?
I've never had a problem leaving my boat batteries charging at 2 amps for extended periods but they weren't installed in an expensive (to me) vehicle with complicated systems, so I thought I'd better ask.
Is the 1.25 amp output essential if the charger will be connected for extended periods or will my 2 amp charger work just as well? Does the battery have to be removed from the car or can I leave it connected and charge/maintain for say 18-24 hours without any damage to battery or systems?
I've never had a problem leaving my boat batteries charging at 2 amps for extended periods but they weren't installed in an expensive (to me) vehicle with complicated systems, so I thought I'd better ask.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 4
From: NW Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I would be hesitant leaving a charger connected for an extended period that wasn't designed to do so. battery tenders/maintainers are pretty inexpensive so would it be worth the risk?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Nashua NH
It is not so much the amp charge as much as the fact that they stop when fully charged. A good tender monitors the battery and charges when needed and stops when it reaches peak charge. Continueing to charge could damage your battery or cause it to leak. A good quality tender is very inexpensive compared to the potential damage.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
overcharging (which is what you'll be doing after it reaches a full charge) for an extended period of time will lead to early battery failure
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 9
From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
With the Battery Tender you can leave it plugged in 7/24 with no problem. It's designed with a float that will prevent over charging. I had a regular battery charger but switched to the tender .... problem free
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs
thanks
Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like a Battery Tender is the answer.
Can I leave the battery installed in the car while charging/maintaining? It would only be until the snow melts in my cul-de-sac and I can get out on the road again for a good run (few days/week at a time), not all winter.
Can I leave the battery installed in the car while charging/maintaining? It would only be until the snow melts in my cul-de-sac and I can get out on the road again for a good run (few days/week at a time), not all winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 9
From: Montreal ** Enjoy the ride !!
Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like a Battery Tender is the answer.
Can I leave the battery installed in the car while charging/maintaining? It would only be until the snow melts in my cul-de-sac and I can get out on the road again for a good run (few days/week at a time), not all winter.
Can I leave the battery installed in the car while charging/maintaining? It would only be until the snow melts in my cul-de-sac and I can get out on the road again for a good run (few days/week at a time), not all winter.
Yes ,, leave the battery hooked up,, keeps all the car's electrical stuff ready to go..
