Need a recommendation for a trickle charger for a roller sitting in my garage for next several months? Are there differences between models? Does the battery even need to be connected at all on a roller awaiting return to service?

Thanks

 

I either wouldn't worry about it or get a harbour freight $5 trickle charger.

 

Get this...comes with the cigarette lighter plug. Got it at AutoZone

 

There is a difference between a trickle charger and a maintainer (like Joe just posted). If you want to be able to leave it on long term without worry, get a maintainer of some variety, lots out there. If it’s a roller and battery is disconnected, it should hold as there is no parasitic drain anyway, so lowpue’s advise is also viable.

 

jtt...What is the difference between trickle charger and maintainer....I thought that was the same?

 

I like my Porsche Battery maintainer, its small,plugs directly into the wall & the cord is about 12 feet long. For faster charging of any battery I like the C-tek chargers.

 

A trickle charger applies a constant low current all the time. A maintainer, has a small brain, that lets it monitor battery voltage, and alternate current applied to maintain peak condition of the battery. Basically, you can leave a maintainer on 24/7 for months, but a trickle can damage the battery if left long term.

https://mechanics.stackexchange.com/...rickle-charger

 

I like the Deltran maintainers. I use a 1.25 amp for winter storage on my 996.

I believe the difference between a trickle charger and a maintainer is the trickle charger constantly provides a low amperage charge...trickle as in water faucet barely turned on. Not necessarily the best for the battery. A maintainer has internal solid state equipment that monitors the battery charge condition and applies a charge only when needed. Some even vary the demand/supply to the battery to keep it more healthy.

Cigarette adapter only works on a vehicle where the cigarette lighter is hot all the time i.e. even when the ignition switch is off like on our 996's

Note: JTT is quicker than I am!

 

That is good to know. Thanks to to both

 

If engine wont be going back into this roller for say 4 months is there a reason/benefit to disconnect the battery vs leaving it connected? Connected or disconnected i will hook up a “maintainer” vs a trickle charger.

thanks for the responses.

 

I've got 5 Battery Tenders

4 single modes for my 911, 335i and MR2 and one for a jumper battery, which are always connected, and one one dual mode that I use as needed for my F250 that has 2 batteries, which is parked in the street.

Haven't ever had a problem w/any of them. The oldest was purchased over 30 yrs ago..

 

I have two Porsche Battery chargers both connected to cigarette lighters. They work great, even prolongue battery life