Battery tender question

[Ohiotj]

I have a Battery Tender brand tender. Is it ok to leave it plugged in and connected and start the car? I know they have a quick disconnect but mine is routed where it is not easy to get to.

[SSGNRDZ_28]

Yes it is OK to leave this permanently connected, this is how it was designed (It is worth checking it every so often just to be safe).

Check out my website in my signature if you are interested in one option for a more convenient battery tender connection.

[Bluecoupe]

Has anyone heard of problems with the Battery Tender brand, specifically the device failing causing the battery to overcharge and explode. I was telling my son that I was installing a battery tender and he told me that the Chevy Syclone forum he is on has had lots of reports of problems with them. I told him the bowtie may have been too tight; he didn't see the humor.

[Steve M]

Has anyone heard of problems with the Battery Tender brand, specifically the device failing causing the battery to overcharge and explode. I was telling my son that I was installing a battery tender and he told me that the Chevy Syclone forum he is on has had lots of reports of problems with them. I told him the bowtie may have been too tight; he didn't see the humor.

I've had the same Battery Tender unit since 2004 - I used it on my Camaro up until I bought my Viper, and it's been hooked to my Viper ever since. I've not had a single issue out of it.

I also have a two bank tender that I use in the winter to keep my lawn mower's battery up to snuff, and I'll occasionaly hook my daily driven truck up to it. Again, no issues.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

The problem with internet gripes is generic names for any trickle charger = a battery tender.

But a Deltran Battery Tender Plus is what most enthusiasts talk about in the exact terms.

I have 5 of them in multi-year use, and one is in a crappy/crummy environment. One is 6volt on my 49 Dodge . And way back when I had one on my POS GMC Syclone (never was a Chevy?)

Yes, you can start and run the car with the unit hooked up and plugged in. "Voltage Hot" or "Voltage Not."

I wish my thousands of $$$ worth of home appliances were as dependable as a $55 Deltran Battery Tender Plus.

[jwolf]

I have 12 of them six single 12 volt, two double 12 volt, and two single 6 volt. I have replaced a couple of the 12 volt singles on warranty 10 year but never any problem with damage to the battery. Next one I buy I may go with a newer pulse technology maintainer.

[Bluecoupe]

And way back when I had one on my POS GMC Syclone (never was a Chevy?)


You are correct Jon, it is a GMC Syclone. not a Chevy. You know whatthey say, they all look the same to me in the rear view mirror :car-smiley-003:

[Ohiotj]

I have had the same one for sixteen years now. I got it back when I was 17 and had a 944. That thing has been treated like with neglect and has preformed perfect.

[BobZap]

I haven't noticed yet but where is the best place to hook up to the battery with a Battery Tender?

[SSGNRDZ_28]

The best place, electrically speaking, is directly to the battery. The second best would be under the hood. Cigarette lighter may or may not work depending on the year (some are not always connected to the battery when the car is off).