Battery tender recommendations?

[Paul Workman]

We have two new batteries in our Vettes and I'd rather not chase around with a battery charger every couple weeks to keep them from suphiding. I'd rather just put them on a 'tender' and not worry about them.

That said, not all tenders are created equal. Some are "dumb" and can over-charge/boil out the battery. What I want is one with monitoring capability and will charge as needed and shut down (or "float") as needed the rest of the time.

Any suggestions as to what and where to buy?

TIA,

P.

[32valvZ]

Smartcharger WCC

[ZR1Vette]

Absolutely recommend the Ctek units... use on all my cars including those with Gel type (Optima) batteries... excellent product
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/CTECH.jpg

Michael

[Sgreg]

Griots Garage has a "battery manager" that is a true low voltage on and off maintenance tender. Will hold a level and not overcharge. About $70. I have used one for 3 years with total satisfaction. Several brands out there.

[32valvZ]

Absolutely recommend the Ctek units... use on all my cars including those with Gel type (Optima) batteries... excellent product
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/MRBLU/CTECH.jpg

Michael

Thats my exact unit. Works excellent. I think WCC calls it the Smartcharger.

[Z Factor]

I use a Battery Tender for both cars and motorcycles.
However the small one I have is only good to give a maintenance charge, not a recharge for car batteries or initial charge for motorcycles.

http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11&osCsid=0b6e8d6778c3f09f09ad0edae4f114cb

:cheers:

[GOLDCYLON]

I use a Battery Tender for both cars and motorcycles.
However the small one I have is only good to give a maintenance charge, not a recharge for car batteries or initial charge for motorcycles.

http://batterytender.com/default.php?cPath=11&osCsid=0b6e8d6778c3f09f09ad0edae4f114cb

:cheers:

I use the same brand. I bought mine off of Ebay. Works great

[evl_twn]

Battery Tender Plus. I bought several extra ring terminal connectors, and rotate it between the ZR-1 and the bikes.

[4DSZR1]

Battery Tender Plus. I bought several extra ring terminal connectors, and rotate it between the ZR-1 and the bikes.

Same!!!!!

I use it on my boat's batteries too. Works so good I'm going to buy a dual bank one.

[bldavis11]

I purchased a battery tender and love it. It's probably the best $70 I spent on the car. In hind site, I think that I should have purchased the 750 mA version rather than the 1.25A version. There just isn't much draw on the battery to need the extra kick, and I've got a security system on the vehicle.

I've never used or seen the cTek unit and wouldn't buy one. The BatteryTender company and plant are only about 75 miles from where I live and that means a whole lot to me. I'm sure it's a good product. Both are basically regulated switching power supplies. You could probably build your own for a lot less that one of these costs.

[Paul Workman]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the input. Now to find what I want somewhere.

P.

[-=Jeff=-]

I bought an Autometer one in 1997.. I still use it with NO issues

[gbrtng]

There's another way folks. Charge the battery fully and disconnect the negative cable. Reconnect at startup time and recharge. Batteries have some internal leakage so they run down slightly over 3-4 months.
This way you don't have to monkey around with battery tenders at all.
JMHO.

[bldavis11]

Thanks guys! I appreciate all the input. Now to find what I want somewhere.

P.
Pep Boys is a national carrier of the Battery Tender brand.