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  •  » Time for a new battery charger

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    10/26/2018 8:28 AM  #1

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,983

    Time for a new battery charger

    I'm looking at these two units any one here actually  have one of them to render an opinion?
    I have an Optima battery in my 68, about ten years old and still performing well and would like to get the best charger for it. The car and battery sit all winter in a heated shop  and I need to have a charger on it unattended for extended months.

    https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/3-15a-fully-automatic-battery-charger/A-p8773277e;jsessionid=4niuVkCiJ+KAfIC46DijJuYz.pal-prod-com2

    https://www.amazon.ca/Optima-150-34178-Digital-Battery-Charger/dp/B009M3PQFA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540563846&sr=8-1&keywords=optima+digital+1200

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    10/26/2018 9:12 AM  #2

    rpm
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    From: Bakersfield, Ca
    Registered: 9/17/2013
    Posts: 3,673

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I've had the Schumacher for about a year without any issues. My brother has had one for several years and it's still going strong. I have no reservations recommending the Shumacher.

    Edit: I too have an Optima. My Shumacher has 3 settings for charging, but I've only used the trickle setting.

    Last edited by rpm (10/26/2018 2:22 PM)

    Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
     

    10/26/2018 10:58 AM  #3

    lowercasesteve
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    From: Auburn, Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I've used a trickle charger for years.  Various brands.  If you connect them to a fully charged battery (even still connected to the car), they will keep the charge for months.  I've done it for 6 months with no problems.  

    I've never had an after market battery charger work for crap.  They have all been recycled is favor of a trickle charger.

    Original owner - 351w,T-5, 4whl disks, power R&P
     

    10/26/2018 2:51 PM  #4

    Hakan
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    From: Långrör, Sandarne, Sweden
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 810

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I 'm using a CTEK brand charger that I've had for longer than I can remember, always worked as expected when charging my cars that's kept in storage over the winter. Seems to be available to buy online here: https://smartercharger.com

     

    10/27/2018 6:14 AM  #5

    Jim Bowie
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    From: Mequon Wis
    Registered: 4/08/2013
    Posts: 261

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I have been using the Battery tender for the Optima for the last 9 years still going strong, its about $49.00. Car is in heated garage all winter in Wis.

     

    10/27/2018 6:34 AM  #6

    Alessandro
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    From: Modena -Italy
    Registered: 7/08/2016
    Posts: 707

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    Hakan wrote:

    I 'm using a CTEK brand charger that I've had for longer than I can remember, always worked as expected when charging my cars that's kept in storage over the winter. Seems to be available to buy online here: https://smartercharger.com

    I agree !  CTEK  is the best i had , and still work ,  last forever , without any issue .   Find the right one for your need and will be the best buy for years .  plenty to choose from !

     

    10/28/2018 1:13 AM  #7

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,428

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I've had 2 Cteks, each one fried an Optima.

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    10/28/2018 6:03 AM  #8

    Hakan
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    From: Långrör, Sandarne, Sweden
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 810

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    50vert wrote:

    I've had 2 Cteks, each one fried an Optima.

    So what you're saying is that you used the wrong charger to charge the wrong battery and want to blame the manufacturer for your lack of knowledge?

     

    10/28/2018 7:29 AM  #9

    John Ha
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 942

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I like the Battery Tenders.  They're reasonably priced, widely available and work well.  They do seem to be somewhat susceptible to power spikes though (kills them) so I have mine plugged into surge suppressor outlets. 

    I have no data to back this up but it seems like my batteries last longer if I keep them plugged into the Tender when the vehicle is not in use.

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    10/28/2018 8:24 AM  #10

    Bolted to Floor
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    From: Houston, Texas
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    I like the battery tenders too. Bought one on sale at Hime Depot for $20 last year at Thanksgiving. Plug it in and forget about it. I using batteries from Interstate batteries and Oreillys, I haven’t ever stepped up to an Optima.

    John  -- 67 Mustang Coupe 390 5 speed
     

    10/28/2018 11:03 AM  #11

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    Hakan wrote:

    50vert wrote:

    I've had 2 Cteks, each one fried an Optima.

    So what you're saying is that you used the wrong charger to charge the wrong battery and want to blame the manufacturer for your lack of knowledge?

    Each one had an AGM setting and was recommended by Optima wholesalers as the best at the time. One also fried a conventional battery on the correct setting.
    I wanted to repair the last 10 amp Ctek, but the Australian importer?distibutor, told me they were unservicable.
    I kept it just on the off chance that maybe it could be fixed. Do they repair them in their home country?

    Last edited by 50vert (10/28/2018 11:13 AM)

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    10/28/2018 12:31 PM  #12

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 3,983

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    Looks  I'm going to go with an Optima charger since I have an Optima battery. I have not had any issues using a 50 year old charger on regular batteries and occaisonally on the Optima but I wanted one that is able to keep the Optima up to snuff in the off season.
     My guess is that Optima should know what is best for their products.
     Thanks for all the responses.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
       •Thread Starter
     

    10/28/2018 10:22 PM  #13

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    Hakan, I'm just an Ozzie yobbo, with lots of gaps in my knowledge, this is the last one I tried.
    https://www.ctek.com/au/products/vehicle/mxs-10
    This blurb from the site you linked to.
    "The MXS 5.0 (part# 40-206) features capabilities for improved charging in all weather. It is the perfect charger for the user with multiple vehicle types and higher demand battery charging and maintenance requirements. The MXS 5.0 offers features such as a special reconditioning function that restores stratified and deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging and the charging of demanding AGM batteries (i.e. Optima). The charger is splash and dust proof, designed to protect vehicle electronics and non-sparking, reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof. It is delivered with a 5-year warranty. Provides an outstanding charging experience!"
    It was used on an Optima red top.
    Can you explain which is the correct charger, or the correct battery?
    I'm obviously not as knowledgeable as you in the field of Swedish battery chargers, because you knew I used the wrong one.
    Please educate me.
     

    Last edited by 50vert (10/28/2018 10:35 PM)

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

    10/29/2018 1:08 PM  #14

    Hakan
    FYI FORD Moderator

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    From: Långrör, Sandarne, Sweden
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 810

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    50vert wrote:

    Hakan, I'm just an Ozzie yobbo, with lots of gaps in my knowledge, this is the last one I tried.
    https://www.ctek.com/au/products/vehicle/mxs-10
    This blurb from the site you linked to.
    "The MXS 5.0 (part# 40-206) features capabilities for improved charging in all weather. It is the perfect charger for the user with multiple vehicle types and higher demand battery charging and maintenance requirements. The MXS 5.0 offers features such as a special reconditioning function that restores stratified and deeply discharged batteries, unique maintenance charging and the charging of demanding AGM batteries (i.e. Optima). The charger is splash and dust proof, designed to protect vehicle electronics and non-sparking, reverse polarity protected and short-circuit proof. It is delivered with a 5-year warranty. Provides an outstanding charging experience!"
    It was used on an Optima red top.
    Can you explain which is the correct charger, or the correct battery?
    I'm obviously not as knowledgeable as you in the field of Swedish battery chargers, because you knew I used the wrong one.
    Please educate me.
     

    I'm really sorry for overreacting and writing something provocative, but you triggered my reflex to always protect and defend what's Swedish in a big and dangerous world.

     

    10/29/2018 6:46 PM  #15

    50vert
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    From: QLD Australia
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,428

    Re: Time for a new battery charger

    Thanks Hakan ... we're good.

    "Those telephone poles were like a picket fence"
     

     

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