Has anyone used a battery blanket?

[ragkar]

I'm thinking that it might be a good idea. I was going to use a floating charger, but as I did my research I found a table of battery efficiency versus temperature. My 'desk ref' says that for the range of 30 to 0 degrees F, the battery efficiency drops from 64% to 40% of full charge.

I found this one
Link

What do you think?

MikePA: Shortened huge link.

[MrJimi]

here is your link
BLANKET-TYPE BATTERY WARMER - JCWhitney SUV Parts

I have heard of them but never seen one, it should work if you remember to unplug it before leaving
Jim

[cityfarma]

Ragkar, coming from an area where "real cold" is the occasional night down to 0 deg C in the middle of winter, I am curious as to the need for a battery heater. 50 watts chugging away day, day out seems like a waste to me (refer my first remarks! )

Do you actually go outside at 0 deg F?

Cityfarma

[getindirty]

I have not used one but it makes good sence. I have always turned my lights on for a few minutes before starting the car to help warm up the battery. Also I try to keep good batteries in all the vehicles. Better yet build a heated garage!

0F outside is just getting good. sub 0 even more fun!

[herringchoker]

I've used them for over 20 years on any equipment that must be left outdoors and used in the winter. My standard electrical connection hanging from the tractor or truck was a cord for a block heater and cord(s) for one or two battery blankets (depending on number and size of battery/ies), all plugged into a 3 to 1 electrical plug. That was plugged into a heavy duty extension cord fed from a 20A circuit. I plowed snow commercially and this setup never let me down.
They work. I still have one on my pickup truck. My B7800 doesn't have one because it has a cosy winter home.

[GaryE]

What do you think?

I think a new, well charged battery in the long run would be far more reliable and far more cost effective.


Just my $0.02


Gary

[mrutkaus]

My '95 Mercury Mystique has an insulating blanket around the battery that came with the car; no doubt it is to keep the battery from becoming too HOT under the hood.

Then there is the electric HEATING variety of blanket which I imagine would be useful in very cold conditions.

Mike

[Egon]

As per Herringchocker.

They do work. Use the blanket and block heater with a timer. Of course when a bad storm is predicted have everything plugged in and warm before and during the storm in case of power outages.

They also help brand new batteries. Of course one could remove the battery and take it inside to keep it warm. This has been done many a time.

[crbr]

What do you think?

Battery Tender Plus 12 Volt 1.25 Amp Battery Charger: BatteryMart.com

Done deal.

[john_bud]

If you want to help the engine out more, use a frost plug water heater and fire it up 3 hours before you plan to start. (timer).

Even a 1/2 decent cold battery will fire up a warmed engine. Then again, I rarely use one except when it gets below -20F.

jb