Battery tender questions

[jymbee]

We'll be leaving our 2012 GMC diesel in our unheated garage for a couple of months this winter. Temps often get well below zero and I'd like to able to fire it up when we return so I've been been looking at these battery tenders as an option. Deltran seems to be one model recommended often. Would one of these tenders be a worthwhile/effective option?

Also, the truck has two batteries and I'm actually not sure how they interact. Would I need a tender for both?

 

[RNeumann]

Typically they are isolated when the vehicle is off so either two battery tenders or you will need to figure which one is the primary one for starting.

Any of the chargers that have a float option will be fine. I’ve used $10 models and have used models that cost hundreds! As long as they are a smart/float type charger it should do the trick.

 

[Motorboatin]

This unit will maintain both batteries. You can find it for less than $90 online

22-165-DL-WH

 

[Aquamoose]

Check the owners manual for a certain fuse you pull out for long term storage. New cars on dealer back lots usually get one or two fuses not installed until it’s on the sales lot to prevent excessive battery drain. It just might be a viable 3-month solution.

Other things to consider:
- Steel wool in mufflers
- Top off gas
- Change oil
- Set on stands & remove wheels
- wash & cover w/ waterproof cover
- mint laced mothballs on the ground to deter mice.

 

[tomplum]

I never felt comfortable using the cheapo trickle chargers myself. I have one vehicle that I have a Deltran Battery tender JR with several others to use when I need them. You could get 2 shipped to your door for under 50$. In a service truck with dual batteries linked together I use a Battery Minder 12117 . This had worked for 5-6 years and now has become flaky to where I should replace it.

 

[Gunny]

I installed one of these on my Ford diesel, just mounted it to the inner fender well and ran the cord down to where the block heater cord meets the bumper. Does a great job of overcoming parasitic drains and it won't overcharge.
Not sure about the GMC diesels, but the Ford has cables connecting both sides, so only one tender is needed.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tend...attery+tender&refinements=p_89:Battery+Tender

 

[oosik]

I keep a "smart" battery tender - Deltran by brand - on the tractor and motorcycle. This time of year those two vehicles see seldom use. The pickup and Jeep are used often enough to keep the batteries charged.

Last year I put an Odyssey AGM Group 31 battery in the tractor. The Deltran model 022-0211 is designed to work on AGM batteries.

 

[jaxs]

Deltran all the way for me and never had one fail although I've had 3 for more than 15 years and have them on something most of the time. My batteries last twice as long as neighbors and friends that use nothing other than booster cables when batteries are discharged.

 

[oosik]

Yes - now that I have the Odyssey Group 31 on the tractor - longevity is a DEFINITE factor. The other thing - I ALWAYS know that no matter how cold it is outside - with the tender on the battery - the tractor will always start. No matter how stupid I am for being out in such cold wx.

However - I find as of the last few years - when the old thermometer dips below zero - it is really difficult to find a legitimate reason for being outside.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I never knew the two batteries are isolated. Sorry, I would want verification on that. Yes, when an upfitter installs a second, they are, but OEM?

I noticed today, the Princess Auto (like HF) flyer has a tender for 8 bucks. They have an adapter (wall wart) so the non UL line voltage thing would not scare me. I might get a couple to try, one for my small dump trailer.

The good thing about Princess Auto, they have a no sale is final policy. I have borough back ten year old recon chainsaws!