Don't Trust Battery Tenders

Ed_in_Az · January 05, 2005, 01:08:42 PM

I've got one of those devices that is supposed to go into "float" mode and not continually charge. It will go from a yellow charging light to a green float light. I left the GS on the tender, between the time Kerry bought my bike and when he came to pick it up, about two weeks later. It spent this time in float mode. Still, when we were giving it the once over checkup, I found the battery low on water. Fortunately, it was holding a charge and I just filled it back up. Since I keep pretty close tabs on issues such as oil, battery, chain, etc., I believe the battery tender boiled out the water. So, I don't trust MY battery tender anymore. I just thought I'd offer a warning to others here, check those batteries, just to be safe.

Kerry · January 05, 2005, 01:41:28 PM

Remind me - which brand and model was your charger again?

I've never long-term tested my actual Battery Tender Plus like that, but I'll be careful to monitor it if I do!

se7enty7 · January 05, 2005, 01:42:30 PM

I have a walmart brand tender.. and was careful to route the battery drain hose away from the bike... I always keep an eye on the tender though

Cal Price · January 05, 2005, 02:02:23 PM

I was recently given a very low trickle charger, 12v 300mpa, I was wondering just how long I could leave this charging with worrying about it, I used it for a 16hr stint over the Christmas Break. Any ideas ?

John Bates · January 05, 2005, 10:23:22 PM

Cal Price · January 05, 2005, 11:15:59 PM

Thanks for that John, I happen to have a hydrometer and a voltmeter but like you say it sounds like a lot of messing around. Half a day now and again sound good.

In our recent cold snap I have been so grateful that I can switch off the lights to start up, I have found it make a BIG difference. It must be a pain not being able to do that.

ballyhoo · January 06, 2005, 08:14:40 PM

I bought a Battery Tender Plus last January and it kept the (original I think) 2001 battery in perfect shape until April when I started to ride again.

I left town for sunny CA in mid-October, the battery tender worked fine while I was away. The water levels needed no touch-up.

I remove the battery from the bike and put it on my shop bench.

Stephen072774 · January 07, 2005, 07:21:35 AM

Hmmm... Maybe there's a market for a battery tinder tinder :dunno: :mrgreen:

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Don't Trust Battery Tenders