Do Trickle Chargers Really work....

[skyhook]

JJ, there are diodes that are made to allow "reverse" voltage, ie breakdown voltage for specific circuits.
These are called zener diodes.

 

[davrow]

I use optimates.

This is the latest generation.

http://www.optimate1.com/optimate-6-ampmatic

They are the best chargers I've ever used to preserve and restore dead batteries. This video shows an optimate 4 smoke the self=proclaimed best smart charger in the world from eight years ago. Optimate has two newer generations now and they all work awesome.

I don't want to contradict anything in this post, but I watched the video and consider it a fluff piece. It is attacking the CTEK, yet both chargers hold the battery at 12.89 volts. When the Optimate does that they say it is good, when the CTEK does that they say it isn't fully charged yet. I think they are playing on people's ignorance of how the two chargers are designed to work. They aren't actually comparing the quality of job done by either.

And yes, I have used multiple CTEKs for years, so I probably do have a bias. But I don't know 'how well' any of these work, I just know what I've read in reviews and what I have experienced. I'm sure I'd like the Optimate, too. But I don't like their comparison video. "Cheap Shot" in my opinion.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I don't want to contradict anything in this post, but I watched the video and consider it a fluff piece. It is attacking the CTEK, yet both chargers hold the battery at 12.89 volts. When the Optimate does that they say it is good, when the CTEK does that they say it isn't fully charged yet. I think they are playing on people's ignorance of how the two chargers are designed to work. They aren't actually comparing the quality of job done by either.

And yes, I have used multiple CTEKs for years, so I probably do have a bias. But I don't know 'how well' any of these work, I just know what I've read in reviews and what I have experienced. I'm sure I'd like the Optimate, too. But I don't like their comparison video. "Cheap Shot" in my opinion.

The CTEK charged, then stopped. The optimate when it stopped charging, the battery held the charge.

I've taken lead-acid batteries that couldn't hold a charge and restored them with the optimates. I've had a very positive experience with them over the last 15 years.

 

[Jay4200]

Read post #3, mine does have "float" on it also.

Okey Dokey. I'm a big fan of the $5.99 harbor freight float chargers - they do the job and I'm running a half-dozen of them at any given moment, although I've had to modify many of them to produce a more desirable float voltage.

 

[RetiredCarGuy]

They can extend the life of a battery that may sit partially discharged for a time. A worthwhile tool for any vehicle owner.

 

[murphy1244]

The Genius chargers will bring back most bad batteries.

 

[dragoneggs]

The CTEK charged, then stopped. The optimate when it stopped charging, the battery held the charge.

I've taken lead-acid batteries that couldn't hold a charge and restored them with the optimates. I've had a very positive experience with them over the last 15 years.

Interesting... makes me want to buy one just to see if I can resurrect a couple old dead 12v batteries.

 

[94BULLITT]

I have several Noco genuis chargers. I have revived several batteries with them. My second choice for a charger would be a CTEK.

 

[dragoneggs]

I've been using the Deltran Battery Tender Plus for my tractor and generator. Wondering now if I could've/should've saved a few bucks and bought the Junior version for half the price? I see the difference is 1.25amp vs .75amp charging but I am guessing the rest of the guts might be a bit better quality and last longer... :confused3:

 

[94BULLITT]

I've been using the Deltran Battery Tender Plus for my tractor and generator. Wondering now if I could've/should've saved a few bucks and bought the Junior version for half the price? I see the difference is 1.25amp vs .75amp charging but I am guessing the rest of the guts might be a bit better quality and last longer... :confused3:

I think the Junior is the entry level one made to compete with the off brand chargers.