Battery Trickle Chargers - Who uses them?

Craig T · 08-23-2018, 08:11 AM

Who uses one and what kind do you recommend?

I'm having elbow surgery next week. First the left and three weeks later the right, once my left is out of the splint. I won't be able to drive my Porsche (manual shift) for at least 8 weeks. I'm guessing I better buy a charger to maintain that battery.

I see Porsche has an OEM charger that plugs to the cigarette lighter for $139. one on Amazon, the CTEK 3300, looks just like the Porsche OEM one for half the money. Anybody use those?

flatbutt · 08-23-2018, 08:14 AM

8 weeks shouldn't be too big of a deal IMO. I do keep my bikes on one though , tecMate Optimum 3.

Baz · Baz's Garage

EverStart 3A Smart Battery Charger & Maintainer

$13.99 at Walmart

Using it on my (6v) 356 - works perfect.

Craig T · 08-23-2018, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatbutt

8 weeks shouldn't be too big of a deal IMO. I do keep my bikes on one though , tecMate Optimum 3.

8 weeks seems like a long time. 997's have a lot of current draw just sitting still. If the battery does go dead, don't some systems have to be reset?

pwd72s · 08-23-2018, 08:23 AM

After having several of the less $pendy ones (battery tender, pulse tech, etc.) all burn out on me after a few years, I recently bought the Optima top level one. Dunno about it's lifespan, but sure do like it's features...

https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-us/support/charging/optima-digital-1200-performance-charger

Craig T · 08-23-2018, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baz

EverStart 3A Smart Battery Charger & Maintainer

$13.99 at Walmart

Using it on my (6v) 356 - works perfect.

$13.99?

Really Baz? And it works well?

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

I agree with flat - 8 weeks shouldn't be a problem. The Porsche brand trickle charger is stupid expensive. You could get an equivalent Ctek of similar brand for a lot less money. BTW, they work!

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

I've always just installed one of these in the past. Works great. Good luck with the surgery!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N729FS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Craig T · 08-23-2018, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the surgery well wishes.

I think I'll just pull trigger on that CTEK 3300 with the cigarette plug-in. I just discovered that CTEK makes the OEM Porsche model. It's a 3300 with a pretty logo. Jeez, $90 more for a ten cent Porsche decal.

Dantilla · 08-23-2018, 08:35 AM

I have a trickle charger. If I didn't, I'd probably just disconnect the battery for the eight weeks.

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

I have 4 Schumachers of different models for my cars and my mower. I don’t think I paid more than $20 for any of them. They work great, and don’t catch fire like some Batter Tenders are rumored to do.

wdfifteen · wdfifteen's Garage

I think “float charger” is the term for the tool you want.

1990C4S · 08-23-2018, 09:12 AM

I have had no issues with the $5 Harbor Freight version...I have several of them.

Jims5543 · 08-23-2018, 10:42 AM

I only use Battery Tender brand, I have 3 electric plug in style and a solar one for my boat.

I do not trust the Chinesium knock offs.

$50, I am of the opinion, you get what you pay for.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00068XCQU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

red-beard · red-beard's Garage

I use a batterytender for my father's explorer. It comes with both the alligator clips and ring terminals for permanent install of the wires.

There is a connector so that you can remove the charger when not needed.

My father stopped driving several years ago, so this is a spare car when my sisters visit. I keep the battery minder on for the couple of months between visits.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B000CITK8S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Noah930 · Noah930's Garage

I use a Schumacher for my bikes that I bought off Walmart online for about $21. Have been using it for several years. It works as well as the Yuasa one I bought for $90. Both actually initially charge at 14.7 volts, then trickle down to float around 13.5-13.7 volts. Supposedly that is better for battery longevity, compared to most chargers that just start charging at a steady 13-some volts the whole time.

SoCal911T · 08-23-2018, 11:38 AM

I have this model on three different cars and never have had any problems. I tried an el cheapo brand once and it didn't end well.

Baz · Baz's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig T

$13.99?

Really Baz? And it works well?

Perfect so far, Craig. About 1 year in.

I've used many over the years too.

There are many products on the market - just throwing in my cents.

Good luck with the elbow surgeries....please keep us posted!

Seahawk · 08-23-2018, 11:40 AM

I have six or seven battery tenders I use on farm equipment, whatever was on sale.

$20 is the most I have ever paid and they all still work.

A lot of them are 'white labelled' - meaning the Black and Decker tender is the same as the DeWalt tender, etc.

VincentVega · 08-23-2018, 11:45 AM

I've had a few Battery Tender brand ~1A versions for years. Boats, bikes, lawn stuff, trucks... no issues. Usually ~$30 on sale. I usually chain the boat batteries together most of the winter and they lasted longer than ever before. Not sure of their anti sulfation thing is marketing smoke or not, I dont care. I'm sold.

I think like Paul said most/many are the the same. I dont like leaving 'cheap' electrical stuff connected when I'm not around though.