Battery Minder question

[Jeffrey S.]

For years I have been using a Battery Minder to keep my older (lead/acid) Restoration battery charged on my '69. It is used whenever the car is parked in the garage, 12 months a year. The leads have always been attached to the battery with the "alligator" clips supplied with the unit and the lead is fed under the headrest and through the clip that guides the shoulder belt since with the spring ring cables you can't permanently affix the leads to the battery posts. When I park the car I simply plug this lead into the lead coming from the part plugged into the wallplug. I also have a battery disconnect in use. The problem with this arrangement is that the battery compartment door has to be left open and it flops around while driving. My question is- can I use a cigaret lighter adapter to connect to the charger? Is there any danger that the wiring from the lighter might overheat or something? Thanks for your advise!
Jeff

[Patrick H.]

Re: Battery Minder question

I just unclip the alligator clips each time rather than disconnect the plug in the middle of the wire as you describe. No flopping at all then.

[Terry M.]

Re: Battery Minder question

The Battery Minder, and like products, put out at most 2 amps, and most often less that that. The cigar lighter draws over 10 amps in normal use. It is hard to imagine the battery maintainer (to use a generic term) would overload the cigar lighter socket or the automotive wires. However, I have spent over 40 years int eh electric utility business responding to and repairing failed electric equipment. Over time I have come to the conclusion that Stuff Happens.

You might want to take a look at the C6 segment of Corvette Forum. There are some innovative connections for battery maintainers. One is a magnetic connection that will separate if you pull the car out without disconnecting the battery maintainer wires.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Battery Minder question

Thanks Patrick and Terry.
Patrick- Replacing the cables each time is a bit difficult with the T tops stowed which is where they are from May until October.
Terry- I tried your suggestion and looked on the Corvette Forum but couldn't find anything about magnetic connectors. If you could help me in that area I would appreciate it. I think I will try the cigarette lighter adapter since the consensus here and on the Forum is that it is safe. Thanks again for your advise.
Jeff

[Ken P.]

Re: Battery Minder question

Thanks Patrick and Terry.
Patrick- Replacing the cables each time is a bit difficult with the T tops stowed which is where they are from May until October.
Terry- I tried your suggestion and looked on the Corvette Forum but couldn't find anything about magnetic connectors. If you could help me in that area I would appreciate it. I think I will try the cigarette lighter adapter since the consensus here and on the Forum is that it is safe. Thanks again for your advise.
Jeff

As long as the lighter works with the key off. Just a thought.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Battery Minder question

I found brass pieces that go on under the battery posts (mine are for top post, but they also have side post) that have three (3) male faston connections on them (bought at Auto Zone). You can easily bend the fastons to suit, then connect to the cord and place the inline male/female connector at a convenient location. My inline connector has a dummy cap to cover over the live pin connections from the battery as well. With the three fastons, I not only connect to my Battery Minder cord, but also to an LED battery strength meter. Of course, my pieces (on a C-2) are all under the hood, but could easily be adapted to in car locations. My meter is mounted to the firewall with velcro, so it too is easly removed. I had a wet battery before and went through a lot of grief trying to keep in charged due to water evaporation here in the Florida heat which finally led to its demise.

Stu Fox

[Patrick H.]

Re: Battery Minder question

Thanks Patrick and Terry.
Patrick- Replacing the cables each time is a bit difficult with the T tops stowed which is where they are from May until October.

Jeff

Noted. I essentially never take them off any of my cars so I don't even think about that.

[Dick W.]

Re: Battery Minder question

Two prong trailer cord with the B + on the starter hot wire and the B - on the starter ground connection. Very inconspicuous. Did add a 15 amp inline fuse for good measure.

[Terry M.]

Re: Battery Minder question

Thanks Patrick and Terry.
Patrick- Replacing the cables each time is a bit difficult with the T tops stowed which is where they are from May until October.
Terry- I tried your suggestion and looked on the Corvette Forum but couldn't find anything about magnetic connectors. If you could help me in that area I would appreciate it. I think I will try the cigarette lighter adapter since the consensus here and on the Forum is that it is safe. Thanks again for your advise.
Jeff

I knew it would not be easy to find over there, but I couldn't take the time to look for it while I was at work -- too much going on today.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-corvette-general-discussion/3029517-video-new-product-the-most-revolutionary-method-to-hook-up-a-battery-tender.html

Standard disclaimer:
I have no connection to this company and have not seen one of these in person. I have only seen their ad on CF.