Battey Tenders do they discharge during power outages?

[dcyrilc]

The primary difference between a good battery tender and a trickle charger is that a battery tender monitors the state of charge in the battery and charges as needed. A trickle charger outputs a small continious charge and can actually cook a battery dry over extended periods of time.

Esentually, long term storage = battery tender, short term storage = trickle charger or battery tender.

 

[whistlepig]

Some of the newer chargers now will both tend a battery and charge them. Save A Battery

 

[Travelover]

If you are worried about discharge, you could stick a diode from Radio Shack on one of the terminals.

 

[foggy1111]

After I asked the questions above....I did some reading on battery tenders / chargers on this site and others. The end result was that I purchased a few Battery Float Tenders from Harbor Freight. Price $9.99 ea. I have some marine, ATV, and automotive needs....so these look pretty affordable compared to others....and many folks give them a good review.

The float chargers are said to not overcharge your battery and thus cook out the juice. :thumbsup:

 

[ultrarunner]

I've got 6 tenders, 2 tender juniors and recently bought 4 Sears automatic float chargers on sale for $19.95.

So far... they all work well and I do get good life from my batteries... although I do live in a mild climate and that helps.

Keep dedicated ones on several antique cars and use the accessory lead to make a permanent connection that just plugs into the tender and sears chargers without raising the hood.

 

[ccsial]

If you are worried about discharge, you could stick a diode from Radio Shack on one of the terminals.

If you have a smart tender the diode will drop about .7 volts and confuse it.

 

[RickB]

I keep my tractor batteries, cables and connections in good condition. That negates the "need" for cheap (Chinese) appliances plugged in and operating in my shop unattended.

 

[kennyd]

After I asked the questions above....I did some reading on battery tenders / chargers on this site and others. The end result was that I purchased a few Battery Float Tenders from Harbor Freight. Price $9.99 ea. I have some marine, ATV, and automotive needs....so these look pretty affordable compared to others....and many folks give them a good review.

The float chargers are said to not overcharge your battery and thus cook out the juice. :thumbsup:

Carefull with those Horrible Fright ones, my nieghbor had one on his generator and in 2 months the battery was bone dry-he now has a REAL Battery Tender Jr.

 

[foggy1111]

Carefull with those Horrible Fright ones, my nieghbor had one on his generator and in 2 months the battery was bone dry-he now has a REAL Battery Tender Jr.

Shoot! Now I wont be able to sleep at night.

Kenny....based on what YOU said......I called HF and canceled my order for the cheap chargers.....and bought the REAL Battery Tender Jr's at about double the cost.

These are going to spend the winter in an unheated and unattended garage.....so.......(grrrr......I just cant trust HF electrical stuff.)

I'm not sure if Kenny's word just cost me or saved me money. (grin)

 

[tsteahr]

I also had problems with a cheap HF battery tender. I believed it killed my lawn mower battery in about one winter season. Now I also have a real Battery Tender Jr. No problems so far.