Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

[Christopher R.]

I'm trying to choose an automatic battery charger for my '62 that hibernates in an unheated garage in Boston. Don't want a trickle charger. Trying to choose among automatic float chargers. Saw one at Lectric Limited for $15. Called the "Battery Butler." I'm concerned because float chargers from most other suppliers are much more money. I don't mind saving money. But I'm leary where most chargers are much more money. Am I missing something? Has anybody had any experience with the "Battery Butler"?

[John H.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

I'd also be leery of one for $15.00, especially if it's to be unattended. I've used the "Battery Tender" for many years with zero issues, and others report similar results with the "Battery Minder". There's a new one out there ("C-Tech"?), but I haven't heard any feedback on it.

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

Chris, the one advertised on the NCM website is probably what you want. It's 12V and 1.25A and goes into float mode when the battery is charged. It is made by Deltran as I recall.

They are available on eBay as Battery Tender Plus by Deltran. I know as I bought one this morning on eBay.

Harry

[Bob #36542]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

I also have used the Battery Tender (Deltran) on my 67 & 72 442 for years with no issues. I have seen them now carrried by auto chains where they used to be direct or through numerous resellers. They are not cheap but worth it (my 2cents). They now sell them in multiple "bank" type units up to 4 leads.
Bob

[Gary Schisler]

Any thoughts on the Batt. Tender Jr.

as advertised on the Battery Tender website? Other than being half the amperage of the Battery Tender Plus, I don't see a difference. Anyone with experience with this unit?

Thanks,
Gary

[Dave F.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

Chris,

Get out there and drive the thing. It's real good for the battery. And it even helps heat the engine up too.

-Dave

[Patrick H.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

I use a few of the Battery MINDers, as generally I've heard better things about them. I've had it "rescue" a couple of batteries for me, so it's been worth it.

Patrick

[David G.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

I'm not in garage right now but I have used 5 of the brand sold by Restoration Battery in Cincinnati for about 5 years and they have worked great for me. About $35 ea

[Art B.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

Dave: I wish I could take your suggestion to "Get out there and drive the thing."
The problem I have as well as many others is that it is 15 below zero where I live and the county insists on spreading salt every chance they can get.

[Tom R.]

Re: Battery Extender with Smart Technology

Smart technology is being incorporated into the newer models and add a few more dollars to one's seasonal investment. Smart technology has a microprocessor that figures out when the charge is adequate and goes to sleep. I've used a Battery Tender for use but this season upgraded to Battery Extender by Autometer. I believe Battery Tender now had an upgraded version with smart technology.

But you don't want the constant "trickle charge." You want it to figure out when its full...not unlike your appesat (thingy that controls the full feeling after you eat).

[Dave F.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

Art,

Why would you live in a place like that? Sounds horrible.

-Dave

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Any thoughts on the Batt. Tender Jr.

Gary:
I have both the one you mentioned and the Battery Minder. Both have servrd me well for the several years I have used them both summer and winter. Every time I start my '69 in the summer the battery is fully charged and on first start up after winter storage the enginge spins like top. I wouldn't be without them.
Jeff

[Ralph S.]

Re: Battery Charger for Seasonal Storage

I have used the $15.00 Battery Butler on my 73 corvette and on my Mercedes for 3 years and never had a problem. They both start right up after sitting for 5 months.