Float charger on a jumper back battery?

[Travelover]

Jumper pack, not back - no editing the header once ya pull the trigger

I just got a couple HF float chargers and it occurred to me that one might be useful to keep my jumper pack always topped off. Then I thought that being a small gel battery, maybe there is a reason not to do it.

Anyone tried this?

 

[kennyd]

Not sure...But I know my neighbor cooked the battery on his standby generator with a Horrible Fright one, then he bought a new battery and a Battery Tender.

 

[Runner]

I don't trust the HF batt. tenders either. When I use one, I always hook it up with a lamp timer so it can't be on more than a couple of hours at a time.

You could do that with the regular jumper pack charger, i.e., just put a lamp timer on it so it could only be on a couple of hours per day.

I'm glad you brought this up because I've noticed that my packs never seem to have a full charge when I need them. I may try the lamp timer on them myself.

 

[Travelover]

Yea, I've been using a mechanical timer and a trickle charger on my tractor - on one hour a day, but I was hoping the HF charger would do the same thing electronically. Of course one should always use the word "hope" in the same sentence with HF...

 

[Runner]

I have the "Everstart" (Walmart) versions semi-permanently mounted in each of my boats, and they don't work much better. I use the timer on them too and it solved the problem.

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

I've got a couple Battery tenders, but most of my equipment are hooked up to Schumacher 1.5 auto chargers. They stay on chargers 24/7.

My Harley has a Gel Battery and it does fantastic on the charger. My diesel battery's last 6 to 8 years with no problems. Your battery's will have a longer life this way. If you leave your equipment on the chargers all the time they will loose less acid and you will have to add water less.

 

[ArTrvlr]

I have been using the HF float chargers (this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Automatic Battery Float Charger) for about 5 years with no problem. I use one on a riding lawnmower and got an extra three years out of a "dead" battery before it just would no longer hold enough charge to start the mower. I have a couple of cars I only drive occasionally and I keep one on each car 24/7.

I am well aware of the questionable quality of HF "stuff" (some say junk) and have bought my share of HF duds, but so far (fingers crossed) the little float chargers have been great.

As always, YMMV.\jp

 

[Travelover]

I have been using the HF float chargers (this one: Harbor Freight Tools - Automatic Battery Float Charger) for about 5 years with no problem. I use one on a riding lawnmower and got an extra three years out of a "dead" battery before it just would no longer hold enough charge to start the mower. I have a couple of cars I only drive occasionally and I keep one on each car 24/7.

I am well aware of the questionable quality of HF "stuff" (some say junk) and have bought my share of HF duds, but so far (fingers crossed) the little float chargers have been great.

As always, YMMV.\jp

I'm encouraged - that 's the first real thumbs up for this charger. I have a whole $12 invested in a pair of 'em.

 

[Bedlam]

Ill give them a thumbs up myself.I use them often , Have a plow car that I have one hooked up permanently and it gets plugged in after each use.I wonder if some who have problems, maybe the battery is more at fault?

 

[kennyd]

I wonder if some who have problems, maybe the battery is more at fault?

As for my neighbor, it was a brand new battery-in a brand new Onan Automatic standby generator...1 month later it would not start and the battery was dry.

 

[Mickey_Fx]

There's no big secret in caring and charging LA batteries. They are typ charge with a constant voltage source. As long as the voltage is well regulated and is of proper voltage, you shouldn't have any problems. If you have problems with battery running dry, the voltage it too high. With proper voltage, water usage will be minimal. Proper voltage should range between (this is for nom 12 V battery) is 13.25 and 13.8. The longer you intend to leave the charger connected, the lower the voltage should be. Typ you will find that multi-stage chargers are set for ~13.25V for their final stage.

LA batteries don't like to be left in a partial/full discharge state. Hard to recover a battery that has been left in a discharged state for any period of time.

I make sure of the charge voltage and for batteries that sit for months during the winter, I make sure they were fully charged at the end of the season. Batteries typ last me 5-6 yrs.

 

[JMynes]

Do yourself a favor and get a Battery Tender. I have two of the waterproof variety, a 4-bank version, and a single. Keeps all the camper, tractor, car and motorcycle batteries healthy year round.