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Battery charger/tender question...

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by 82XJ, Jun 24, 2007.

  1. 82XJ

    82XJ Member

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    I just picked up a DieHard "Battery Charger/Maintainer" from Sears. Now it says that it's designed for maintaining a charge on motorcycles/ATV's/Classic cars/ etc. and that it slow-charges, 2 amps @ 12 volts.

    But I'm just wondering, I thought I read somewhere here that even 2 amps might be too much (but I can't find it with the Search...). Can anyone tell me whether it'll be OK, or if I should return the thing and start looking for another?

    Thanks...
     
    82XJ, Jun 24, 2007
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  2. bluepotpie

    bluepotpie Member

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    I've never had a problem with a 2 Amp charge. In most cases, 2 Amps is a trickle charge so i wouldn't worry. Just don't try charging with like a 6 Amp charge.
     
    bluepotpie, Jun 24, 2007
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  3. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I've had batteries cook at 2 amps, I'd be sure to unplug it after a day or two. Should you care for more information about charging of batteries and battery maintaining chargers, hit the Yasua (OEM supplier to most bike manufacturers) website. They have a FAQ section that should answer most if not all of your questions.
    http://www.yuasabatteries.com/
     
    Robert, Jun 24, 2007
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  4. 2001FZ1

    2001FZ1 Member

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    2001FZ1, Jun 24, 2007
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  5. bluepotpie

    bluepotpie Member

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    I would definitely have to agree that a 2 Amp charge over time could do damage, but if it is a "smart" charger (one that knows when to stop charging) you should be ok. Even at that, i've never had the need to have a battery plugged in more than a day or so, so unplugging it wouldn't be a bad idea.
     
    bluepotpie, Jun 24, 2007
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  6. Jim_Vess

    Jim_Vess Member

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    If it's a smart charger with a "float" mode, you can hook it up and forget it. It won't overcharge your battery.

    I hook smart chargers up to both bikes over the winter and have left them plugged in for months. They've never cooked a battery.

    Just make sure you charger has a "float" mode and you'll be fine.
     
    Jim_Vess, Jun 24, 2007
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  7. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    Every fall I put the boat, lawn tractor and now motorcycle on a charger/maintainer. My batteries last for a VERY long time. Two of the ones I use are DieHards.

    Double check your documentation. If it's a true charger/maintainer it will run 2 amps until charged, then back off to just enough to keep the battery topped up.
     
    MiCarl, Jun 25, 2007
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  8. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    use a plug that goes off and on with the lights
    the original battery tender
     
    Polock, Jun 25, 2007
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