I need some kind of trickle charger for the Mach since it doesn't do daily duty anymore. Every time I go to drive it the battery is dead. What do I need to look for in a charger? I would like something that doesn't require me to pull or disconnect the battery but if that's what I need then oh well. Would also be great if it could be charged up and taken someplace if I needed to jump start another car.
I've never seen a jump box that also does trickle charging (or vice versa) but maybe someone else has... Battery Tender is what we had for the old Mustang ages ago: http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1329745373&sr=1-2-catcorr But how long are you letting it sit? Could it just need a new battery or have a charging problem? I let the Cobra sit 2+ weeks sometimes and she always fired right up.
Been sitting 3 to 4 weeks at a time since my dad and wife have been parking in the drive and blocking it in the garage. Have to keep her in the garage now because the Texas sun was just destroying the interior and the clear coat.
This is the kind of thing I keep seeing though the specs vary a bit. Not all of them are so big either or have all the fancy diag meters. http://www.tractorsupply.com/schumacher-manual-wheel-charger-6-12v-4700068 200 amp 12 volt/100 amp 6 volt engine start - for emergency starting 40 amp rapid charge - charges in 1/2 to 1 hour 10 amp fast charge - for everyday charging needs: Charges in 3 to 5 hours 2 amp trickle charge - charges a small 12 volt battery in 2 to 12 hours Multi-function tester Two rotary switches "Hold" position on timer switch - for continuous charging Voltmeter for battery testing UL Rating: 2/10 amp and 40 amp continuous, 200 amp start Discharge Rating: 3/12/50 amp CUL Listed: Model SF-4022 Limited warranty Can I pretty much go with any 12v trickle charger? And am I going to have to yank the battery to hook it up safely?
Any trickle charger with a timer or float mode will do the trick. Those big high-amp units are only necessary if you aren't planning to leave it on the charger all the time, it's actually better for the batteries to charge at low amps but takes longer of course. That Schumacher you posted is ridiculous overkill for what you need, what you need should cost less than $50, like this one: http://www.tractorsupply.com/schuma...r-controlled-charger-maintainer-6-12v-1030951 No need to disconnect the battery to hook it up, although depending on the layout of your garage you might have to creatively route the power cord to keep people from tripping over it. Clip the alligator clamps on the batter terminals and lower the hood (slowly so it doesn't close all the way) and you're good to go.
I just use a $20 battery buddy I got from TSC (or was it Advance Auto?)--have for years, and no issues whatsoever. :|
