batterie talk

STPPINZ · Post by **STPPINZ** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 4:39 pm

How do you guys maintain your batteries during the winter? I have 6 motorized vehicles with 9 batteries(pinz, 4 wheelers, lawn mower, RV etc) that all have batteries and I am tired of replacing them in the spring.

Do you use trickle chargers or what?

mjnims · Post by **mjnims** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 6:25 pm

just drive them regularly. Great thing about being in a mild climate zone I guess.

On the serious side, for my boat I use a battery maintainer. It is hooked up on the boat and keeps the batteries fresh and charged for when I want to head out to the lake.

NC_Mog · Post by **NC_Mog** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 8:17 pm

I use a solar battery charger for my Dodge CTD that sits mostly now.

milesdzyn · Post by **milesdzyn** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:26 pm

I think if you hook up some solargizers to your batteries, they should be okay. eBay is a good source for them if your patient and look for a good deal.

Miles

David Dunn · Post by **David Dunn** » Sat Sep 06, 2008 9:45 pm

Aaah,only 6 vehicles

:?:

I've been changing to Optima Red and Yellow tops as the lead acid batteries have gone bad. If there isn't a parasite draw, you can easily go 6 months between startups. Each of the vehicle also has an (externally mounted) innerconnect connector for for jumpstarting each other, plus for a maintainer charger and a high amp starter/charger ( with the same connectors).

I am also modifing a 3 pin connector ( for my 24v vehicles) to allow the 2 pin connectors to plug into to for jumping/charging either battery with 12v. The connectors are such that they cannot plugged in backward, plus I have alligator clip pigtails ( w/ polarity leds) to allow jumping to/from another person vehicle.

I'm a big fan of Plug n Go systems......I'm also too lazy to open the hood/hatch everytime

Kirby · Post by **Kirby** » Sun Sep 07, 2008 10:52 am

Sorry no pictures but got this one (x7) at Harbor Freight ~ I use 2 on the boat, 2 on the Pinz, 2 for the Jet Ski's, one for my buddy's boat stored all in Havasu. Have used them for over 4 years, have not replaced a battery yet, and sometimes the boat sits on the charge for 3 or more months. I run them all through a Strip plug device in one way or another.

Chicago Electric Power Tools
AUTOMATIC BATTERY FLOAT CHARGER
Skip the aggravation of a jump-start by keeping your vehicle's battery fully charged.
Use on 12 volt batteries while in storage or during cold weather
Floating circuit maintains a full charge without overcharging
Automatic safety shutoff

10 ft. long leads with copper clamps
ITEM 42292-7VGA

Everything always starts....

STPPINZ · Post by **STPPINZ** » Mon Sep 08, 2008 9:30 am

Thanks for all the tips. Some good ideas out there.