I use either a Ctek 3300 or 7002 with my Optima Red Top. Been using them for a year now. No problem with either.
Battery tender?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Battery tender?
I just purchased a little 11.5lb Braille battery that I'll be running in the car now. Reading about other peoples experiences, apparently these little bats can last 5 years if cared for correctly with a special charger.
I have never had a tender or trickle charger and don't know the first thing about them. Looking online, there are so many options and prices. What do I need for this little AGM battery? I went to Battery Tender's website and there are tons of types.
Are there other brands to consider too? Is the Junior type for $40 bucks a good value? Or do you have to have a bigger more expensive unit for a reliable system? And why does it say the Jr is not allowed in California and Oregon???
Looking for the basics in understanding what I need. Plus some recommendations on which to get.
I have never had a tender or trickle charger and don't know the first thing about them. Looking online, there are so many options and prices. What do I need for this little AGM battery? I went to Battery Tender's website and there are tons of types.
Are there other brands to consider too? Is the Junior type for $40 bucks a good value? Or do you have to have a bigger more expensive unit for a reliable system? And why does it say the Jr is not allowed in California and Oregon???
Looking for the basics in understanding what I need. Plus some recommendations on which to get.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 1,134
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
Wally World has a couple of that brand. The one I have is the the one for 50 something. I got mine directly from the company in FL. 3 or 4 yrs ago and it's still reliable. I know some local individual who has 23 of em. He's a car collector, and between two homes he has like 20 cars.
Last edited by cor28vettes; Dec 9, 2014 at 09:26 AM. Reason: clarified
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 33
From: Jacksonville Florida
I've been using a Battery Tender Jr. for a couple of years and it works great. I use it for my car and my wife's car and several friends borrow it from time to time to 'condition' their batteries.
They're generally on sale a few times a year for $20-$25 at several stores. Hard to beat for the price.
They're generally on sale a few times a year for $20-$25 at several stores. Hard to beat for the price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 315
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
I just saw this in their mail add. I'm a member. I read tons of great reviews. It's on sale for 5.99. I think I'll try this out. Can't hurt for that price.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 671
Likes: 10
From: Tulsa OK
I've used a Battery Tender Jr. for several years on my motorcycle without any problems. I have a Ctek 3300 I use on the C5. The BT Jr. is a better value but I like the Ctek for the Corvette. I changed the output connector to a cigarette plug so I don't have anything "wired" to the car. The cigarette lighter socket will run an air compressor so the mil-amperes from a "tender" causes no problems.
OBD
OBD
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
Thoughts on the Battery Tender Junior "High Efficiency"? This one can actually be bought in California and is only $40. It's a charger and float devise and safe for AGM bats.
I'm sure it will do just fine. Wondering if anyone has experience or further recommendations.
I'm not set on a brand. This one just seems to be good and high quality. I would take the harbor freight one, but it clearly states, "not for AGM batteries".
I'm sure it will do just fine. Wondering if anyone has experience or further recommendations.
I'm not set on a brand. This one just seems to be good and high quality. I would take the harbor freight one, but it clearly states, "not for AGM batteries".
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Tipp City OH
The idea on a battery tender is to keep the battery charged enough so it will start after a long period without disconnected the battery. If it is completely dead, it will not charge enough (in most cases) to start the battery. They will run for months without disconnecting.