They are just referring to using the tender on the battery while it is off the car, so it will be charged and ready for spring.

 

I wouldn't waste the money on the more expensive unit.
Levi

 

Throw out some rat/mouse packs in the unit too, these places are notorious for having rodent problems. Also run a search for car storage on S2Ki, there are lengthy threads on just this topic.

 

A battery will still discharge over time even when not connected. It takes under 5 minutes for me to remove the battery and hook it up to a tender. My batteries typically last 7-10 years, so I'm inclined to think that float charging over the winter is a good thing.


From Wikipedia
Storage:
Batteries last longer when stored in a charged state. Leaving an automotive battery discharged will shorten its life, or make it unusable if left for a long time (usually several years); sulfation eventually becomes irreversible by normal charging. Batteries in storage may be monitored and periodically charged, or attached to a "float" charger to retain their capacity. Batteries are prepared for storage by charging and cleaning deposits from the posts. Batteries are stored in a cool, dry environment for best results since high temperatures increase the self discharge rate and plate corrosion.

 

werd, thanks for edumacating me

 

I put mothballs in open plastic dishes. I place one in the trunk, one in the passenger footwell, and one in the airbox. I used to use poison around the garage, but got tired of finding it in the car every spring and having to clean it out. Since using the mothballs, I have had zero rodent activity in the car. Of course, the car stinks for a while after I pull it out of storage. It is a price I'm willing to pay for keeping critters out of the car.

 

I think people tend to over tthink the storage thing.

I clean the car inside out. Park it on a tarp. Cover the exhuast tips. Throw a car cover on and then start it up in may. I have done this for several years with a number of cars and all start up spring time ready to roll.

 

Here's to being glad I don't live in a climate that requires winter storage!

My winter procedure:

1. Put car on jack stands
2. pull OEM wheels with summer tires
3. install extra set of wheels with snow or all-season tires to allow grip on cold pavement
Bring on winter and the 2-3 small snowfalls we get that melt within a few days.

 

Thanks! I will just go with the regular unit.