which battery tender is the best to use?

[Kevin]

I found a battery tender junior for a good price and was thinking about buying it but not if it's not right for our cars.

[FU]

May not be the absolute 'best' but I have been using C-tek 3300's (60 bucks) on the Z's and the boats for a few years now.

[xlr8nflorida]

May not be the absolute 'best' but I have been using C-tek 3300's (60 bucks) on the Z's and the boats for a few years now.


:iamwithst

I agree 100%. I have an older one Ctek 3300, seems like I have had it now, 5+ years at least. The charger works flawless. Harbor Freight also makes a cheap one you can get for like $5.00-$10.00. I do believe the Cteks are one of the best out there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Generations-Ctek-Battery-Charger-Multi-US-3300-56-158-/261141801372?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ccd43a99c&vxp=mtr

They have newer versions too!

Battery Tenders have a good reputation. They always look cheap to me though and after researching Ctek, I feel confident with it on my car all the time without worrying about fire etc.

[-=Jeff=-]

I have an Auto Meter one that I must have bought 16 years ago. Still works great

[scottfab]

I had a professor once that explained that "best" was the most cost effective solution that fits your needs.
To me the vett exemplifies that definition.
Having said that..................
I have four of these. They work wonderfully.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

[cvette98pacecar]

I have two Battery Tenders a two bank and a four bank. My 98 has been on a tender since 1998 and I have not ever had a problem with the battery.
They do cost a little more but I have never had a problem with any of my battery's ever.
Kevin, the four bank does my Riviera, 98PC, 91 ZR-1, 93 ZR-1.

[Kevin]

I had a professor once that explained that "best" was the most cost effective solution that fits your needs.
To me the vett exemplifies that definition.
Having said that..................
I have four of these. They work wonderfully.

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

this is why i asked about the battery tender jr.

[Paul Workman]

I used to maintain remote radio equipment on mountain tops and the like, and became quite familiar with lead acid battery maintenance. We used some sophisticated (LaMarche) charging units that did essentially what the chip developed by Texas Instrument does, only on a large scale. (Marc Haibeck has details on this "TI"chip on his website.)

The BIG difference between simple float chargers and the more sophisticated "smart chargers" is their ability to do a variety of tasks - but in short, extend the useful life of the battery without (and here's a key point) over-charging resulting in loss of electrolyte (boiling).

The brand name Battery Tender has the smart chip in them that Marc refers to, as some others may well have too.

I bought a pair of the little, wall-mouted "waterproof" 800mA Battery Tenders; one for Ami's 69 C3 and one for the Z. The battery in Ami's Vette is a WalMart unit that is now in it's 8th year and still cranks that 11:1 CR L46 like new - far as I can tell. And the battery in the Z is in its 6th year - also on the 800 mA Battery Tender, and it too cranks like a new battery would.**

**Course the only way to properly assess the batteries is to load test them and see how the compare to new ones. I'm not saying they're "good as new", cuz I've never done a formal load test on them. But, I can testify that practically speaking, initially cranking - in freezing temperatures I might add - they whip both the LT5 (which only takes about 3 seconds) and the more stubborn carb'ed 350 cid - which has to prime the carb via the mechanical fuel pump - w/o any signs of fatigue in starting.

So, if it is a "smart charger" e.g., the Battery Tenders and likely some others now as well, those are the ones to consider, IMO. The BTs have a terrific reputation for quality and long service - even surviving some horendous lightning voltage spikes (in my case).

Hope this helps.

P.

[Kevin]

http://www.jafrum.com/Accessories/Battery/Battery-Tender-Junior-PTBATTEND12JR?gclid=CN3YlfDzgbYCFUhV4AodnX0AYA

this is the one i was looking at

[efnfast]

That is exactly the unit I have. So far, no issues. Only in it's second year though. The little green light is always on, i.e. the battery is always up to snuff. -Steve