does anyone use an automatic trickle charger for their battery when storing their car? what brand and model?

also, anyone know the difference between a trickle charger and a battery tender?

thanks in advance.

 

Thread

That thread has xviper talking about a charger he uses in the winter. It was on the first page of the forum too.

 

You just named one of the more popular "smart" chargers ............. "Battery Tender" is a brand name.
The difference is ........................... A trickle charger simply puts a constant small charge into a batter. It doesn't know when to quite. A "smart" charger samples the battery's voltage several times a second and knows when it's "full" and quits. Then it continues to monitor the battery so that when the voltage drops below a prescribed level, the charger turns back on again. This is the only way to do it.

"Intellicharger" is another brand.

 

thanks guys for the response.

xviper, i read your comments in the link aronparsons provided. great post. one more question: i'm parking my car for 6 or 7 months. it will not be driven at all during that time. can leave the battery plugged in andattach the smart charger?

thanks again.

 

Yes. There is only one condition .....................................
You don't state where you live. If it gets extremely cold where you park the car, there is a possibility that the battery could get so cold that it won't take a charge well or hold a charge well. Then it will freeze. In such a case, you are better to take the battery out of the car and store it in a not so cold place with the smart charger attached. When I say cold, I'm talking about -20*C or colder. If you garage is heated, no problem.

 

Funny as it sounds, a regular 12v AC-adaptor (like, the plastic cased wall-warts that come with so many electronics) will work just nicely. Something around 500mA at 12v DC would be just cherry.