Battery charger okay?

[mugs]

I was wondering if anyone has experience using one of those little plug-in battery chargers ('maintainers'). I was going to plug mine in for the day so I could make it to town later, but after reading the manual I'm hesitant. Any thoughts?

The story:
My deli had it's first official 'i won't start up' moment this morning, after someone left the door open and lights on last night...

Sounds like a battery issue, yes. So I tried to start her up a few times, give her a little gas, etc. No go.
My neighbour came over to jump her, it sounded so close to starting, but wouldn't turn over. Even after being attached to my neighbour's wagon for a few minutes - no go.
I have a '92 Super Exceed with the dual battery system. It appears that the original batteries (Japanese writing) are still in there. I have seen 'the light' recently, (but it has been randomly coming on with the fuel filter and A/T temp light at the same time - see my other post..) so maybe an alternator.

Will I cause any further harm by plugging it in?

Should I remove the battery from my deli before charging it (as the manual suggests due to hydrogen gas emissions)?

Any feedback is much appreciated! For the day I'm stuck at home.

[delicat]

If your batteries are really down your maintainer might not do the job. With a regular charger, just put it for 6-8hrs depending of your charger (1 option for charging or 3?) and you should be fine unless your batteries were really bad to start with. If they are really bad you might need to "shock" them with higher initial charge then lower for a longer charge.

Where about are you?

[mugs]

Thanks Delicat,
I've now got her hooked up to a proper battery charger and will hopefully get her to start up in a few hours.

[Green1]

the little "maintainers" deal with little issues, I've used them extensively on a vehicle with a small draw that I just couldn't track down, they'll also help on "weak" batteries, but not on "dead" ones.

They're good at what they do, but to bring a completely dead battery up to snuff with one could take a while!

[almac]

so what about hooking one up to duel batteries?
if the maintainer only has 1 pos and 1 neg clamp, where do i hook the clamps?
the pos on battery#1, and the neg to battery#2?

[loki]

so what about hooking one up to duel batteries?
if the maintainer only has 1 pos and 1 neg clamp, where do i hook the clamps?
the pos on battery#1, and the neg to battery#2?

shouldn't matter as the terminals are connected to each other making them act as one.

[PHIL]

I have a C-tek charger, and have had very good results with it, from the truck, to the RV, to the bike. It has brought back a battery that I thought was done for.

But these small chargers won't bring your truck up to start right away, if you leave your lights on overnight etc,. as you know. But they are very handy to have.

[danfromvan]

My ride is on life support on my C-Tek charger right now until I get my new Odyssey battery installed.

It brings two very old and tired batteries up to snuff overnight and keeps them there with an automatic trickle if I don't drive for a few days. Works very well.

Best thing I ever bought at crappy tire - $60.

[almac]

looks like CT is having a sale on maintainers. they even have a mounting option.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/produ ... 9466531745

better one?
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4 ... 252B4A.jsp

[Erebus]

looks like CT is having a sale on maintainers. they even have a mounting option.

Can't say if they are any good, but the second one is 4A, the first one is 2A.

I've got a Jay (TardisDeli) special setup of a shorepower connection for my block heaters. Whenever the Deli is plugged into AC power, it is charging with a small charger -- 6A? -- which is quite handy in this hideous weather. (It is -14 right now. I am SO not ready for winter.)

[almac]

yes. i had tardisjay help me with a shore power outlet.
haven't really had a chance to use it yet tho.

[Erebus]

I have to ask Jay for suggestions. The shore power connection is designed for boats; in other words not very cold and very humid. In Calgary, where it is very dry and cold, I've noticed that even in warm weather, the cover doesn't fit too snugly. And now in the cold, I close the cover and it opens again, because the plastic is stiff and has been open for 24 hours.

Jay, any suggestions? I love my outlet though.

[TardisDeli]

The Tardis Deli's plug cover is doing the same as yours Fred and yet Delicats is staying put nicely.Maybe it's a white plug versus a black thing.Anyway i don't have any better ideas other than wrapping the plug with tape? Cheers Jay Tardis Deli

[Erebus]

Maybe it's a white plug versus a black thing.

You'd think the black plug would absorb sun's heat better and flex. Oh well. Good to know the climate here isn't to blame. Still loving it.

[almac]

my plug seems to be fine, although i haven't really been using it yet.