kevpull

When storing your car for the winter do you leave it connected to the battery tender the whole time?

DickieDoo

yup, no reason not to unless you are moving the car

6spdC6

Since 2005 I have done that. (05--07 and now 15) I just shut the trunk gently on the wire, no probelemo) I can see the Tender outside the car and keep a eye on the lights!

dvilin

Yes and never a problem.

gpotski

Yes, keep it connected when in storage.

The good news, my C7 has not had the battery problems of my previous C5 and C6 if not on the tender.

Rebel Yell

Yes sir, if it's not being driven it's on life support.

RichinCincy

Just make sure it's a battery 'conditioner' (battery tender is a brand name). Conditioners shut off once the battery is at a certain voltage. I used a CHEAP trickle charger on a bike one winter, it fried my battery as it never shut off. Lesson learned. I've since purchased a battery tender.

VetCubed

On a similar note, how much time sitting is too much? Would you put the tender on if parked for a week? Only if a month+?

wrecker3

I have been using a Battery Tender since i got my 1989 Z51 Corvette and never had a problem. I have had batteries last over 10 years.

Don C1

Question, I have the CTEK 3300 that I used on my 07 for most of the winter months. I used the alligator clips it came with and used the connection by the fuse box by the battery for the positive an the negative to the engine block. So ordered my C7 that I have only had a week. I did not order the option for the battery protection. However I do have the power source on the wall just above where the battery is stored.. As far as I remember when ordering it was an option so my question is do all C7's have the power outlet to charge the battery and only those that ordered the option are wired for charging use? Either way I have the alligator clips so I suppose they can connect direct to the (batt) terminals.

Don C1

Second part to my question
Is there any connections under the hood that can be used similar to the C6 for the tender

lakemg

I think all the C7s have the outlet in the rear. As for your CTEK, you can buy a 12 V "cigarette lighter" adapter that CTEK makes and just use your existing setup with the C7 12V outlet. That way you don't have to mess with the alligator clips.

google: COMFORT CONNECT CIG PLUG

rmorin1249

Available at a great price at Amazon. Makes it very easy to connect and disconnect your CTEK. I have had great experience with a Deltran Battery Tender on previous cars and my lawn tractor but decided to upgrade to a CTEK when Amazon had them so cheap. Bought 2 for less than $150. The 4.3 model not only keeps battery at optimum charge but can recondition and desulfate a battery that has not been maintained properly.

Rebel Yell

You can also get one off of FleaBay. That's where I got mine.

sTz

Yes
I've went several weeks several times without any issues. I'd say if it's going to be parked a month or more, then hook it up, but there is certainly nothing wrong with charging the battery on shorter intervals, i.e., weekly.

rbartick

Yes

Harry2

I have used the same Battery Tender Plus for four different Vettes since 2006. It typically stays connected from mid November to early April each year, and it has worked perfectly each Spring when I start the car. My suggestion is to purchase the kind that has an LED that lights up indicating that all is well, and that you have it in a spot that you can easily see.

Squeaky Wheel

I do the same, on several vehicles using a pair of Schumaker (sp?) 1.5 amp tenders purchased from Walmart. About $20 each. They have the LED lights, a steady amber while the battery is accepting a charge, and changes to a slow blinking green when fully charged. Comes with a quick disconnect plug for the alligator clips or the individual terminal connectors. Had to buy an cigarette/accessory plug adapter, which has been used exclusively on my C6 and C7 Vettes. Not all vehicles can be charged thru the cigarette/accessory plug outlet however.

lakemg

2 of my local Home Depot stores has the CTEK 4.3 on clearance for $48.00. The clearance sticker said norally $79.00. Heck of a deal on them...pricing must be seasonal, so now's the time to jump on one.

JerryU

All C7s are wired for a charger in the right rear receptacle above the battery. It is the only outlet that stays powered with the car off. It's the same CTEK 3300 and many of us purchase from Amazon, much cheaper. You can buy a kit from them as well that has the proper plugs. In fact before I bought my CTEK I connected my std battery charger to a plug I cut from an old 12 volt car vacuum cleaner. It worked fine.

Getting to the battery is a PIA. If you have not tried suggest you pop the lower clips on the right side rear wheel cover first. If you don't good chance you'll rip the carpet. Get the kit from Amazon much better than messing with battery, IMO.

I bought the CTEK because my battery read a low voltage. The CKET fully charged it but the voltage was still low after the surface charge dissipates. No doubt a week cell. Have not used the CKET since Octber 2013 when I got my C7. Been on vacation several times for 2 1/2 weeks. No problem starting. Folks have reported leaving for 30 days but would not leave it any longer. The C7 unlike some prior Vettes shuts off all power after about 10 minutes, even if you leave a light on or hatch open.