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Using a Battery Tender

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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 05:56 AM
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Using a Battery Tender

I think instead of freezing to death all winter in this cold @ss 6.7 diesel, I'm going to park it and drive my Jeep. Which means, I'll need to keep the 6.7 on a battery tender so the batteries won't be depleted by parasitic draw and weather. Since the batteries are wired together, does it matter which one I hook the tender to? Is one of the batteries the "correct" side to charge from?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 06:20 AM
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Originally Posted by WXboy
I think instead of freezing to death all winter in this cold @ss 6.7 diesel, I'm going to park it and drive my Jeep. Which means, I'll need to keep the 6.7 on a battery tender so the batteries won't be depleted by parasitic draw and weather. Since the batteries are wired together, does it matter which one I hook the tender to? Is one of the batteries the "correct" side to charge from?
I don't think it matters. I have mine wired into the passenger side battery and haven't had any issues.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 07:07 AM
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If you don't already have a tender, I highly recommend the Victron brand. Those guys know their stuff when it comes to producing a quality charger/tender. I have two of them and they've resurrected two batteries where other cheaper brands failed to perform. Well worth the cost, IMO.

Amazon Amazon


 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 07:50 AM
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Allegedly some trucks have BMS's in them. Want to make sure I am charging it properly as I do use a tender. I have seen the video (F150) where you have to be on the opposite side of the current sensor which my batteries do not seem to feature like the one in the video.

 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 08:18 AM
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I use a NOCO Genius2 2 amp charger connected to the passenger battery.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 09:44 AM
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Thanks. I have the Harbor Freight battery charger with "microprocessor intelligence" so that it will automatically turn on/off as needed and charge at 2, 8, or 15 amps. I usually set it to 2 amp, 12 volt, "winter" mode which is the automatic setting. The two batts are wired parallel, right?
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by WXboy
Thanks. I have the Harbor Freight battery charger with "microprocessor intelligence" so that it will automatically turn on/off as needed and charge at 2, 8, or 15 amps. I usually set it to 2 amp, 12 volt, "winter" mode which is the automatic setting. The two batts are wired parallel, right?
Yes, they are in parallel, otherwise you would have a 24 volt system.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 10:10 AM
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I have about six of these HF Viking chargers, and they're perfect for my small equipment batteries (small AGM's and moto batteries). But, I use the Victrons for the larger batteries.


The older models had the panel that was backlit, but for some reason the newer ones don't. In any case, they're good for light-duty use, in my case.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 10:48 AM
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I use CTEK and NOCO chargers for my automotive batteries using quick connects so I don't have to open the hood. The Victron is a quality unit.
 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 03:05 PM
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This is the brand I use for my vehicles, motorcycle, and trailer. This one is for the 350

 
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Old Nov 15, 2024 | 10:17 PM
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I also use the Battery Tender brand, but I think mine is only 1.25 amps............I have a 2022, and have had it hooked to either of the batteries with the same results......
 
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Old Nov 17, 2024 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeUser;[url=tel:21402686
21402686[/url]]If you don't already have a tender, I highly recommend the Victron brand. Those guys know their stuff when it comes to producing a quality charger/tender. I have two of them and they've resurrected two batteries where other cheaper brands failed to perform. Well worth the cost, IMO.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CSFX6K1

I just recently discovered Victron and bought the 10 amp version of this charger. The Bluetooth feature is really cool. I plan to wire the cord to the passenger battery so I can plug in the charger without popping the hood.



 
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Old Nov 17, 2024 | 07:39 PM
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That's exactly what I did, initially. I used one of those remote plug-in ports on the front of the lower grill. I say initially, as I ended up needing the Victron for other charging needs (plus, I drive almost daily, so not as much need to plug in overnight).

I still have a small NoCo that I might wire back up again, but it's a low priority at the moment.
 
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Old Nov 17, 2024 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeUser;[url=tel:21405099
21405099[/url]]That's exactly what I did, initially. I used one of those remote plug-in ports on the front of the lower grill. I say initially, as I ended up needing the Victron for other charging needs (plus, I drive almost daily, so not as much need to plug in overnight).

I still have a small NoCo that I might wire back up again, but it's a low priority at the moment.
I bought the extension cord and will use that with the eyelets on the super duty. I can use the clamps when needed to charge other batteries.
 
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Old Nov 17, 2024 | 08:48 PM
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The charger is now in storage mode.


 
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