Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

[Deuce]

Anyone have any history with battery tenders when storing a vehicle for the winter? I've never stored a vehicle before (ie. sitting in my garage (not heated) for 4-6 months without being driven/started) so was wondering what others do who are in the same situation. It seems that a simple "smart" (ie. float charge) battery tender for about $50 is cheap insurance to make sure she starts in the Spring. Of course, if the vehicle was older, I'd probably just totally disconnect the battery and store it in the basement. However, with these modern cars, I'm always hesitant to fully disconnect the battery and have all kinds of issues next year when I connect everything next Spring.

Anyhow, if anyone has any experience and/or recommendations... would love to hear 'em!

[onceover]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

I've got 3 Noco genius chargers for the summer beaters. They've been great. Go on sale at Canadian tire occasionally too. If all you want to do is maintain a charge, you can get away with the smallest one. If you want to bring batteries back from dead you're better off buying the size up.

[syncrovan]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

I bought one of those and I'm really happy with it.

http://www.batteryminders.com/

Little more expensive but worth it if you compare it to the price of a new battery......

[EmJay]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

My M Coupe is plugged in for roughly 6 months of the year using the BMW charger (82110026663). Works really well and car fires up without issue once it's ready to come out of storage. As part of my winter routine I also make sure to over inflate the tires by a few extra PSI and also add some stabil to a full tank of gas. Other than that I just let it hibernate.

[stefan]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

Just don't use whatever this guy used
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/britis...home-1.2502038

[skhan91]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

Noco Genius chargers are amazing! i highly recommend them.

[Kor]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

The CTEK tenders are the ones that BMW and Porsche and Lamborghini rebrand and sell in dealerships. I've used one for years.



They go for $70 US

In my experience it's great and never gets hot etc.

[T-Dubbs]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

The CTEK tenders are the ones that BMW and Porsche and Lamborghini rebrand and sell in dealerships. I've used one for years.



They go for $70 US

In my experience it's great and never gets hot etc.

CTEK ones are the best.
Tunerworks sells them, and i recommend them to anyone who asks.
I might even have one or two BNIB that I'm not using that could possibly sell.
if interested, PM me

[Deuce]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions guys. I actually ended up borrowing Derek's spare CTEK for the winter. Seems like a solid piece of kit. I believe it's the 4.3 model.

After chatting with Derek and hearing that he charged the 911 through the cigarette lighter, I wondered if the RS4's cig plugs were switched or not. Obviously, the ability to charge through the lighter socket seems super slick compared to popping the hood, wiring up the battery, etc. To my satisfaction, they are not! I believe the one in the trunk is (can't remember now) but since I'll be charging through one of the interior ones, it doesn't matter. Anyhow, a few clicks on Amazon and... voila... Comfort Indicator Cig Plug received today. Will likely hook things up this weekend.

Thanks again all and especially to Derek for the loaner. She's coming back to you in the spring... plus one CTEK Comfort Indicator Cig Plug adapter as rent!

[JVD]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

I use a Noco G7200. It works well. It's kinda a multi purpose thing for me though because I need it for charging as well. Not just floating.

My dad had that CTek one for his 911 I think. Was pretty nice.

[Natty54]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

CTEK in stock!

[Deuce]

Re: Winter Storage: Battery Tender Experiences/Recommendations

All hooked up. Damn... that was easy!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk