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> OT: trickle charger recommendation, I need an inexpensive trickle/float charger
914 RZ-1
post Dec 4 2017, 03:23 PM
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My car will be sitting for awhile as I ready it to get painted. I'd like to keep the battery charged. I've been starting it up and letting it run for a few minutes every week or so, but I'm thinking this is not effective. It does get the parts moving, though!

The Harbor Freight charger is a POS, according to a reviewer who states he is an electrical engineer and he gave a long explanation to prove why the charger is not really all that good.

What are my options for an inexpensive float/trickle charger?
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burton73
post Dec 4 2017, 03:57 PM
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I have a few of these around. I just ordered a different unit from Amazion for 20 and I have not tried it but these work great and I have had them for over 10 years on Porsche
cars

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burton73
post Dec 4 2017, 03:59 PM
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These are tough too. This one pictured is on my forklift and has hit the ground a few times and still works great.

Bob B
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ValcoOscar
post Dec 4 2017, 04:04 PM
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Deltran chargers are a way to go...I use various models on my forklifts, work trucks, tractor and all my cars at home...

Oscar
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wes
post Dec 4 2017, 04:26 PM
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I just bought a newer version offered at Costco on sale starting the 17th November though not sure how long the sale last.
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brownaar
post Dec 4 2017, 05:16 PM
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If it's an AGM sealed battery like an Optima, go with this. It brought an Optima I had back from the dead.(I suspect it was heavily sulfated)
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Chris914n6
post Dec 4 2017, 06:54 PM
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I've used one of these for a few years. Broke the case on the first one pulling it out of the outlet just under 90 days then it died. Got it replaced for free.

12 Volt Deluxe Battery Maintainer and Float Charger
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Coondog
post Dec 4 2017, 07:28 PM
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Not cheap but charges everything
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mepstein
post Dec 4 2017, 07:39 PM
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I’ve been very happy with the battery tender jr. $25 at flaps. Not a quick charger but very easy to use and check status.
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cary
post Dec 4 2017, 08:07 PM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 4 2017, 05:39 PM) *

I’ve been very happy with the battery tender jr. $25 at flaps. Not a quick charger but very easy to use and check status.


I'm with Mark. I have 6 Juniors. Both HF and NAPA ones didn't stand the test
of time ...........
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KELTY360
post Dec 4 2017, 08:15 PM
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Just get a battery disconnect that fits on the terminal and make sure the battery is disconnected when you're not using it. Battery will last indefinitely without a drain on it.
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914 RZ-1
post Dec 4 2017, 08:45 PM
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QUOTE(KELTY360 @ Dec 4 2017, 06:15 PM) *

Just get a battery disconnect that fits on the terminal and make sure the battery is disconnected when you're not using it. Battery will last indefinitely without a drain on it.


I like the sound of this! Can you send me a link that has a picture of what you're talking about? When I searched for battery disconnectors I got what appear to be switches for in the car. It sounds like you're suggesting something that just goes on the battery. A picture would be helpful. Thanks for the suggestion.
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thelogo
post Dec 4 2017, 09:45 PM
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https://www.walmart.com/ip/GRIP-Battery-Cut...13=&veh=sem
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KELTY360
post Dec 4 2017, 10:12 PM
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QUOTE(914 RZ-1 @ Dec 4 2017, 07:45 PM) *

QUOTE(KELTY360 @ Dec 4 2017, 06:15 PM) *

Just get a battery disconnect that fits on the terminal and make sure the battery is disconnected when you're not using it. Battery will last indefinitely without a drain on it.


I like the sound of this! Can you send me a link that has a picture of what you're talking about? When I searched for battery disconnectors I got what appear to be switches for in the car. It sounds like you're suggesting something that just goes on the battery. A picture would be helpful. Thanks for the suggestion.


This is what you want. Connect to the negative terminal and all you have to do is turn the knob to connect/disconnect.

Battery Disconnect

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theer
post Dec 5 2017, 08:54 AM
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works like a charm. Less than $10 (probably less than $5) at any auto parts store.
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914 RZ-1
post Dec 5 2017, 10:45 AM
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@KELTY360:

Thanks, I'll try this first. I think I will make whole new negative battery wire assembly.
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914 RZ-1
post Dec 5 2017, 10:50 AM
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While I'm going to try the battery switch idea, I'd still like to get a float charger.

What is the difference between these two:
Battery Tender Jr 750mA (#021-0123) $40
Battery Tender Plus High Efficiency 1.25A (#022-0185G-DL-WH) $70

Is it just the amperage? They both appear to have similar features, just different amps. I'm leaning toward the $40 one. One poster said he uses it and it works fine, others use the other ones.
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Mueller
post Dec 5 2017, 12:01 PM
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QUOTE(Coondog @ Dec 4 2017, 05:28 PM) *

Not cheap but charges everything
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Some decent sales on Amazon right now for this charger.
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mepstein
post Dec 5 2017, 01:01 PM
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QUOTE(914 RZ-1 @ Dec 5 2017, 11:50 AM) *

While I'm going to try the battery switch idea, I'd still like to get a float charger.

What is the difference between these two:
Battery Tender Jr 750mA (#021-0123) $40
Battery Tender Plus High Efficiency 1.25A (#022-0185G-DL-WH) $70

Is it just the amperage? They both appear to have similar features, just different amps. I'm leaning toward the $40 one. One poster said he uses it and it works fine, others use the other ones.

The jr is very small. It’s just the charger that plugs into the wall and the cables. It works well but takes a couple days to charge a mostly dead battery.
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burton73
post Dec 5 2017, 01:52 PM
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QUOTE(mepstein @ Dec 5 2017, 11:01 AM) *

QUOTE(914 RZ-1 @ Dec 5 2017, 11:50 AM) *

While I'm going to try the battery switch idea, I'd still like to get a float charger.

What is the difference between these two:
Battery Tender Jr 750mA (#021-0123) $40
Battery Tender Plus High Efficiency 1.25A (#022-0185G-DL-WH) $70

Is it just the amperage? They both appear to have similar features, just different amps. I'm leaning toward the $40 one. One poster said he uses it and it works fine, others use the other ones.

The jr is very small. It’s just the charger that plugs into the wall and the cables. It works well but takes a couple days to charge a mostly dead battery.


Even the reg one would not charge the 10 month old battery on my 911 Carerra when it would not start my car. Had to put the battery on a reg charger for 24 hours and then it topped it off.
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