Anyone using a battery tender?
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New User
Joined: Jul 2006
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Anyone using a battery tender?
I have a 6.0L diesel that is not a daily driver so it sits for days and even weeks at a time. When I go to start it the batteries will be run down to the point that sometimes the truck will not start and I will need to charge the batteries. I was thinking about installing a battery tender and leaving it plugged in so the batteries will stay charged. Anyone else have this problem or use a tender and can recommend one? I'm looking at the tender in the link.
022-0157-1
022-0157-1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 6
Good idea sounds like your the perfect candidate for a battery tender. If you've killed the batteries multiple times you may want to have them and the alternator tested. Remember proper voltage is very important to the ficm.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 14,069
Likes: 17
From: Melbourne, Ky
I'm certain that battery tender is better grade than the one my Father-In-Law used on his camper. His was a harbor freight model. His shorted out and cost him a motorhome. Granted, his battery tender was old, Just make sure it's in good working condition. Honestly though, weeks shouldn't be long enough for the batteries to die. Months, then yes, that may happen. How old are the batteries in the truck now?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
A tender or other low micro-amp maintainers are excellent for storage but aren't suited at all to recharging large batteries especially high amp start batteries wired in parallel. A "dumb" charger capable of providing around 20 amperes would be properly sized for charging to 100%. At that point a float charger would then be perfect.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,392
Likes: 22
From: very South Texas
I own and use 3 battery tender's... not for my truck, as it driven daily ..
motorcycle,
lawn tractor,
power generator.
and have for 15 years. my opinion, worth the money. always ready to GO.
plus it might make your batteries last longer.
but NOT the" JR ", as it to small for 2 batteries.
motorcycle,
lawn tractor,
power generator.
and have for 15 years. my opinion, worth the money. always ready to GO.
plus it might make your batteries last longer.
but NOT the" JR ", as it to small for 2 batteries.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 2,180
best bet, based on lessons learned, for the reasons already indicated about failing chargers......take the batteries out of the truck and trickle charge them on a bench. we can get into a lot of scientific debates as to why trickle (smart/dumb, etc) charges damage vehicle electronics and its not worth learning the chants to sing while spinning around on one leg while you tickle the foot of the other leg.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I use to use a Schumaker 1.5amp trickle charge on my old 1996 7.3 with no problems. Like you, it would sit for a few weeks or more between outings. With it, I never had a starting problem. In the 15 years I owned the truck, i replaced batteries only 3 times with the last change being about one year before I sold it.. The original Motorcraft batteries lasted 7 years.
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Tuned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 314
Likes: 9
From: SE WI
I own multiple "vintage" rides. They are not daily drivers, obviously. Each is on a Deltran Battery Tender Plus. One has been so maintained now for 11 years without incident. The battery stays in the car, connected.
Recommend it without hesitation!
Recommend it without hesitation!
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
best bet, based on lessons learned, for the reasons already indicated about failing chargers......take the batteries out of the truck and trickle charge them on a bench. we can get into a lot of scientific debates as to why trickle (smart/dumb, etc) charges damage vehicle electronics and its not worth learning the chants to sing while spinning around on one leg while you tickle the foot of the other leg.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,841
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Yep that's how it works in the super duty. The batteries are wired in parallel.
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http://www.batterytender.com/Connecting-Chargers/
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 620
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From: Canyon Country
Originally Posted by RedfireSVT
positive cable on charger to positive terminal on one battery and the negative cable on charger to the negative terminal on the other battery.
http://www.batterytender.com/Connecting-Chargers/
http://www.batterytender.com/Connecting-Chargers/