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Sorry if this has been discussed. I searched but way too many threads returned when searching for “battery tender”
Anyways, had anyone using a different option to hook up their battery tender other than the power socket in the center console? I have noticed throughout the years that the plug and/or socket does not make the best contact and I sometimes find the tender not charging the battery because it is not “connected”. I was using the stock Corvette tender than came with my GS and I switched over to a Black and Decker model that has cig plug with a quick connect (see image). So what I have been doing is leaving the cig plug end in the power socket and just connecting/disconnecting at the quick connect plugs.
Things seem fine until lately. I have noticed more often than not, I have to “jiggle” the cig plug to get the tender to light up showing it has a connection and starting to charge. My battery is in the trunk so it is not the most convenient to hook up the tender directly to the battery. I can also hook up to the 12v+ at the fuse box under the hood.
So before I start changing things or routing wires here and there I figured I would ask how others might be hooking up their tender. I am sure there are some people here more creative than me. Looking for ideas.
I can see in the picture you have the accessory with the O-lugs which you can connect directly to your car battery. Just use that. Attach the O-lugs onto the bolts of your battery connections. Let the plug-in module hang out to the side where you can get to it easily to plug into your tender device. The lighter in your car may not be a good connection over time but a cable attached directly to your car battery is always a better connection. Good Luck.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The lighter power adapters usually fail due to fatigue of the spring loaded tip or the side spring.
"Stretching" the side spring or the tip spring will usually give good enough tension to allow contact.
I too use the B&D charger. My Corvette charger is still in the box.
Using the cigarette lighter plug was always the easiest point since I leave my drivers side window down when parked in my garage.
I wouldn't trust B&D with my electrical system. I have a battery tender that I have wired under the hood. Every time I used the cigarette lighter port thing, it made a high pitched noise that I didn't like. So I stick with the under-hood connection for now.
I use the magnetic connector from Nakid parts. http://www.nakidparts.com/id127.html
Easy to install and to use. The best part, if you forget to disconnect, it just pops off. used it for 5 years now.
I use the magnetic connector from Nakid parts. http://www.nakidparts.com/id127.html
Easy to install and to use. The best part, if you forget to disconnect, it just pops off. used it for 5 years now.
I second, third, and fourth that motion.
These are absolutely the greatest things since sliced bread, indoor toilets, and intermittent wipers.
You don't have to screw around opening windows, cig lighters, fishing wires here and there, opening the hood -- none of that.
They work as advertised. You will NOT regret buying one and no, I'm not advertising for them.
EDIT: Logan -- I'm cheap, but they are WORTH the money.
I use the cigarette lighter in the console. I leave the wire in the adapter so I won't cause unnecessary wear due to plugging and unplugging. So far no problems. My old 95 I used the terminal lugs to the battery and ran the connector up by the drivers wiper. I used that way for years until I sold the car.
Every time I used the cigarette lighter port thing, it made a high pitched noise that I didn't like. So I stick with the under-hood connection for now.
No sound ever came from using the cigarette lighter port but I think the contacts are just getting worn or weak. I may just go under the hood.
Originally Posted by pfic06
I use the magnetic connector from Nakid parts. http://www.nakidparts.com/id127.html
Easy to install and to use. The best part, if you forget to disconnect, it just pops off. used it for 5 years now.
That looks nice. Will have to think about this one. What does the other side of the cable look like? Will it connect to my tender's quick connect?
I saw a post on one of the c6 facebook groups where someone had used one of the quick connects with the eyelets connected to the battery and routed the other end out of the side vent of the car where they can tuck it away when they are driving. Seemed like a pretty good idea to me.
I use the magnetic connector from Nakid parts. http://www.nakidparts.com/id127.html
Easy to install and to use. The best part, if you forget to disconnect, it just pops off. used it for 5 years now.
Had this for many years now and love it, so simple, clean, and easy to use. I just back out the garage and it disconnects itself.
Do yourself a favor, pay the money and get this, by far the best mod I have done, well maybe not the best but the most convenient
I use the magnetic connector from Nakid parts. http://www.nakidparts.com/id127.html
Easy to install and to use. The best part, if you forget to disconnect, it just pops off. used it for 5 years now.
Originally Posted by Bruze
I second, third, and fourth that motion.
These are absolutely the greatest things since sliced bread, indoor toilets, and intermittent wipers.
You don't have to screw around opening windows, cig lighters, fishing wires here and there, opening the hood -- none of that.
They work as advertised. You will NOT regret buying one and no, I'm not advertising for them.
EDIT: Logan -- I'm cheap, but they are WORTH the money.
Originally Posted by Homer3D
No sound ever came from using the cigarette lighter port but I think the contacts are just getting worn or weak. I may just go under the hood.
That looks nice. Will have to think about this one. What does the other side of the cable look like? Will it connect to my tender's quick connect?
Originally Posted by Bruze
Yes, the connector is the same.
I think they make a few different connectors, but mine is for a "Battery Tender" and it plugs right into it.
Originally Posted by HBsurfer
Originally Posted by Jtownhay
I vote for the magnetic connector. Flawless and easy to install.
Originally Posted by Husker C6
Originally Posted by mcandrew67
Had this for many years now and love it, so simple, clean, and easy to use. I just back out the garage and it disconnects itself.
Do yourself a favor, pay the money and get this, by far the best mod I have done, well maybe not the best but the most convenient
We win!
The only people who question this gadget are those who don't have one.
Is there anyone out there who bought one of these but doesn't like it? Please chime in . . .
Other tender hookup options
but the most convenient
