Being retired now, my F350 DRW will be parked in the garage for weeks on end, maybe months. Knowing the keepalive and battery life do not get along, F150 during Covid needed a new battery, dead after 2 months sitting, I want to put a tender on , but its dual battery AND I have had issues with boiled batteries from using a "battery maintainer". Who has one that will keep both batteries topped off and not worry about it overcharging? Would be especially useful if it has a quick disconnect.

 

Have been using this on my truck for six years now. Also use a tender on my SUV, trailer, and motorcycle. Buy the quick disconnects that go with them and you are GTG.

 

With today's electronics in all vehicles, I put all mine on the charger at least monthly. I've used this one for about 10 years and it never overcharges. In fact, I left my RV batts in storage on this charger for three years straight when I lived overseas. Nary a problem. I have the dual batts too on my last and current SDs. Hook up to one, charges both.

 

NOCO Genius from Amazon. Been using for years on cars, trucks, SXS, ATV, lawn mower, and generators.

They can be had in many different amperage ratings an from one to five connections to charge multiple batteries simultaneously (but you only need to connect one, as your batteries are connected in parallel).

I have used 2 different types of thier quick disconnect solutions:

One is simply a cable that permanently connects to the battery (O-rings) and you have to connect the charger to that cable.

Here is the eyelet connector cable (available in different eyelet sizes). It pairs with most any one of the current model NOCO chargers:

https://a.co/d/j0YhUdM

For the charger, if your primary goal is maintaining batteries, I'd run at minimum a 2A charger, but likely would get the 5A:

2A - https://a.co/d/hgzmF6L
5A - https://a.co/d/3EiugXo

With the other solution, you actually permanently mount the charger under the hood and then mount thier 110V AC port somewhere accessible (like RVs have) and to connect, you simply plug a standard extension cord into the port.

AC port: https://a.co/d/7qNvurp

Use with a permanently mounted charger model like this 2A version: https://a.co/d/8SzdbHS

I prefer the latter, as plugging/unplugging an extension cord without opening the hood is easier. Plus, if you happen to be away from home and want to charge, all you need is to borrow an extension cord as the charger is permanently mounted on the vehicle.

On a permanently mounted charger, I guess you could just dangle the 110V cord in the grille like the engine block heater cord, but I like clean installs where possible and the NOCO AC port has a cover to keep rain and such out of it.

 

I have used a Battery Tender for a long time which charges and maintains on both my SD and my car as I alternate use. I have never had a problem with over charging. My last SD was 7 years old on the original battery. My car is 9 years old, same thing. However, my wife’s Grand Cherokee is 5 years old and I have never used it on that because I never know when she is going out. The result… had to replace the battery this year and the GC has two with a back up for auto start/stop. $$. Just check the fluid level periodically and I think you should be good.

 

Can't recall the last decade I bought a vehicle that did NOT have a maintenance-free battery.

 

I have a Schumacher 1.5 amp zip tied in place and a cord run to a spot behind the grille that I can grab to plug it in. It's done the job for me.

 

Adding a NOCO AC port like this post shows has been on my list of mods. My plan is to mount the Noco Genius10 under the hood paired with the AC port.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...m_content=post

 

I have been using the Noco Genius Noco for about 2 years now. I have the power cord routed down below the radiators. When I park at home andt to use the truck for a few weeks, I plug it in. 2 amps is enough to keep both batteries charged.

 

Spend a little more for a fully potted charger. Then you can mount it on the truck. Just run an extension cord.

https://www.zoro.com/guest-6a12v-1-bank-120v-input-on-board-battery-charger-28106/i/G4549276/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaig n=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shop ping%20clicks&campaignid=21417797641&productid=G45 49276&v=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid= 21417804934&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhqniudSwkAMV9wGtBh0k OhxCEAQYAyABEgKKJPD_BwE

 

If you want to go all out, Victron. I use Victron hardware for RV and truck batteries. Multiple outputs allows you to direct connect each battery to maintain the individual characteristics of each. Bluetooth allow you to monitor history from phone app.
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...20-VAC-EN-.pdf

 

I do too many short trips so the batteries do not get a chance to charge properly so about once a week it gets plugged in for a good top-off overnight.

One day I may re locate the plug behind the grill but the custom mount for the dual NOCO plug works for now. Twin plug has one side to the maintainer/de-sulfater/charger, the other goes to a thermal cord for the block heater. The heater only gets tripped when below 38 and goes off above 45 so fully automatic battery and heater plug, makes winter easy, with healthy batteries always topped off.

The the under hood work is custom hammer bent aluminum attached to the radiator supports pre cut holes for U-clip nut plates.

 

I would never connect two separate chargers to two batteries that were wired in parallel.

 

Nice ...

 

I have Nocos on my duallies. They charge and maintain well until they quit. I've got a pile of the and when it's gone I'm going to look elsewhere. They only last JUST OUTSIDE warranty.