<VV> Re: Battery Tenders

[Dennis & Debbie PLEAU]

Ok what I didn't say is after I put the Alt on the Brier, the battery only 
stays has enough power for about 3 weeks and then I have to jump it.  Not 
bad during the warmer weather when I drive it a couple times a week, but 
I've jumped it the last couple of times I've driven it.  I can either put a 
float charger on it or troubleshoot.  I'll probably troubleshoot when it 
gets warmer, but for now...

There is a 2' drift in front of the barn, so it isn't going anywhere any 
way.

dp


>From: "Andy  Clark" <slowboat at mindspring.com>
>Reply-To: Andy  Clark <slowboat at mindspring.com>
>To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>Subject: Re: <VV> Re: Battery Tenders
>Date: Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:24:11 -0800
>
>You're correct about the name "battery tender", but it seems like it's
>becoming the generic name for these devices. Sorta like "Hoover" applies to
>all vacuum cleaners. Anyway, I have one of the Sears Craftsman devices, and
>curiously enough, it looks identical, except for the labels, to the last
>$19.95 one I recently bought at Harbor Freight. They're both made in China,
>and seem to work really well.
>Also, I had a couple of responses regarding how long is "long term" 
>storage.
>Personally,
>when my show cars or infrequent drivers are not being used, they sit with
>"battery tenders" (float chargers) attached. That's just me, I suppose, but
>batteries
>definitely last longer if kept at float voltage during dormant periods.
>I do the same with the boat, because golf-cart house and 8D start batteries
>are expensive to replace (not to mention the strain on my back getting them
>out of the engine room!), so I take extra good care of them. 12 years and
>counting on these, so far. The boat charger is what they call a "smart
>charger". That is, it provides a bulk charge to a depleted battery and then
>switches to "float" when the batt is fully charged. These are a bit
>expensive to have one for each car, though, and probably overkill in that
>application as well.
>As always, YMMV
>Andy Clark
>1966 140/4 Monza Sedan
>1966 140/4 Yenko Clone
>1966 180/4 Cord 8/10 #60