Winter storage, Trickle charger for Optima battery? Options

[championgt1]

So, the Optima battery can't be charged like a normal battery. What are you guys using for a trickle charger/maintaner when storing your car for the winter? The good, the bad. What to get?

[Tom]

Also from the Optima site under storage;


Battery Storage
Because of the high purity lead grid in the OPTIMA battery, it has a self-discharge rate much lower than conventional flat-plate batteries. This means the OPTIMA can sit for longer periods retaining enough charge to start your vehicle. Depending on storage temperature, the OPTIMA can usually sit for 8 to 12 months and start most vehicles.

When possible, store your battery in a cool, dry location. Check the battery voltage every 6 months and charge if it falls below 12.6 volts.

Remember, newer vehicles with on-board electronics such as computers, LCD screens, game systems, GPS units, clocks, etc., require battery power to retain system memory while the vehicle is parked. If the vehicle is to be stored for long periods you should use a maintenance charger to compensate for this drain. This charger should be voltage regulated between 13.2 - 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum. On older vehicles, without electronics, disconnect the battery cables when the vehicle is not being used for extended periods.


Mine is 4 years old. I disconnect it every year about this time and charge it a couple of times before spring at low amp rate for a few hours just to make sure it stays fully charged. So far no ill effects.
Tom