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I'm going to cheat a little but stick with me... I'm also curious what you all use.
I decided to work on my RZR as I am putting a group 31 X2(Odyssey Extreme) in it. The original battery finally drained down a good amount and had to be charged. I also noticed my Group 31 batteries draining down after sitting for a couple yrs.
To keep this relevant...My truck also sits a lot now as I have a work van. as well as i have a slide in camper that probably should have a maintainer as well.
Odyssey has an approved list...Mainly C-Tek, battery minder, and Optimate.
I think maybe I need a mix...like a couple maintainers and maybe a maintainer/ charger. I think many use Noco or C-Tek, possibly battery tender...
Looking for guidance on what I actually need I guess. Also for our trucks with dual batteries, do I need a dual bank maintainer or will a regular one keep both batteries topped off? and how do I know what size I need?
any input would be greatly appreciated...I think I might be overthinking this but currently looking at something like the Optimate 7 or Odyssey says I need a 10A charger/ maintainer for up to 100ah batteries
but maybe I also need a couple of cheaper 2-3A maintainers?
I use the noco genpro10x2 mounted behind the grill. I plug it in as soon as I get home, even though this is a daily driver. My thinking here is that it will prolong the pair of agm batteries, and protect them somewhat in the winter.
My observation is that it always charges a bit even when driven for hours. Does that mean it's working?
Now as far as a dual charger vs single. All I can say is that this device, in fact, monitors and maintains the batteries separately.
It can be done with a single, but the added feedback I get from one battery charging slower or faulting out was worth the extra price to me.
I have been very happy with this unit. It is sealed and takes being mounted to the ex without issue.
I've had years of success with a base model Battery Tender on my Jag XF. You do not want to disconnect the battery on one of these prinking effete machines. I run a $9 cable thru the trunk lid to the charger so when it inevitably goes bad from all the smooshing it's easy and cheap to replace.
My 3 other rigs including the F350 I just have battery disconnects and put them thru their paces after a couple months.
You don't need a dual bank charger for the truck as the batteries are hooked up as one battery to create more amps when commanded. I use a NOCO for the truck and 4x Deltrane Battery Tenders for our other vehicles.
I use the noco genpro10x2 mounted behind the grill. I plug it in as soon as I get home, even though this is a daily driver. My thinking here is that it will prolong the pair of agm batteries, and protect them somewhat in the winter.
x2 here. Although my batts are the flooded type. I am on my third year, with 2 full northern Maine winters in the can. I have no sense that these Interstate batts are having any issues. I also use the desulphate feature 2x per year.
Also, mine is installed on top of the vacuum chamber.
C tek is a good charger although if you don’t use it you lose it referring to the other vehicle systems….when I have to leave something longer than healthy sitting I disconnect the battery not inclined to leave a charger /maintainer plugged in 24/7. Have returned 1 year later reconnect battery immediate start.
I've been using a maintainer for years, since my batteries will self-drain in 6 days if the truck is not driven. Whichever charger you get, make sure it has a quick disconnect adapter with rings to mount on your battery post. Then just zip tie the dongle so it sticks out the grill or side so that you can quick connect without having to open the hood.
So far it seems that NOCO is the more popular choice, but brand doesn't seem too critical. I do like that Marinco style plug NOCO has; it's a nice touch.
Most of my driving are quick short trips to a nearby store, so my batteries aren't getting any time to recharge really. I am back on my Mechman alt, so that might help a hair but probably still not nearly enough. I've never been nice to my batteries and truck has sat for weeks to a month at a time for the past 10 yrs....more so now but i do try to take it to the store once a week at least. never any issues with it starting up.
seems I should get 1 10 amp unit and a couple of the $40-50 options. I appreciate the feedback so far
I use the noco genpro10x2 mounted behind the grill....
Ditto what he said. I run NoCos in my truck, car, wife's car, tractor, boat and riding mower.
haven't had to jump any batteries in about 10 years except when they finally give up the ghost and I have to replace them.
Yes the NOCO’s are nice, I have one in my F350 (10A) and a New Gen 30X3 (10A on each battery) on my boat for all three batteries. A little pricy but nice because each bank is programmable for Lithium/Acid-Wet Cell/Glass Mat
Your Diesel truck has the cross over cable between the batteries so you only need a 1 bank maintainer/charger
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