I need help picking a battery maintainer

BitterBronco

Oct 31, 2022

Update:
Thanks for the help, everyone! I’ve ordered the battery tender and am looking forward to pulling the truck back out in the spring!

Original post:
Hey all!

After years of saving (and being lucky on timing that the bronco came back), I purchased a Bronco to be my “summer car” and am putting it away for the winter. I want to keep this truck for decades so I’m interested in taking really good care of it.

However, since this is my first time storing a car for the winter (live in New England), I’m having trouble picking a Battery Maintainer or Trickle Charger.

Can anyone explain the difference and provide a recommendation for my 2022?

By the sounds of it, the choice between battery maintainer versus trickle charger may be preference (and maybe they’re the same thing?) and sizing the right one seems like a dark art.

Thanks,
Mechanically Inclined but Electrically Ignorant

Haha appreciate it, everyone!

Reservation: 7/16 @ 9:58pm EST
Order: 2-dr Velocity Blue Badlands with Sasquatch & 2.7L
Instagram @BitterBronco

the poacher

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Oct 31, 2022

BitterBronco
Hey all!

After years of saving (and being lucky on timing that the bronco came back), I purchased a Bronco to be my “summer car” and am putting it away for the winter. I want to keep this truck for decades so I’m interested in taking really good care of it.

However, since this is my first time storing a car for the winter (live in New England), I’m having trouble picking a Battery Maintainer or Trickle Charger.

Can anyone explain the difference and provide a recommendation for my 2022?

By the sounds of it, the choice between battery maintainer versus trickle charger may be preference (and maybe they’re the same thing?) and sizing the right one seems like a dark art.

Thanks,
Mechanically Inclined but Electrically Ignorant

Haha appreciate it, everyone!

I have always used a "maintainer" when storing my Mustangs. Never had any issues with the battery from using it. This is the updated version of what I always used.
https://a.co/d/8BVGnGe

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

Bschurr

Oct 31, 2022

My understanding is that "trickle charges" send a constant charge to the battery even if the battery is fully charged (could cause damage). Battery Tenders only send a charge to the battery when needed to maintain an optimal battery charge level. I have used the "Battery Tender Plus 12V 1.25amp" on my 2019 Bullitt for the past 4 winters with no issues starting the car in the spring.

4-dr Cyber Orange, Wildtrak, Sasquatch Lux , MIC, 2.7 - 10 Speed auto, HOSS 3.0, Scheduled to Week of 9/12/2022

lapazleo, the poacher

Oct 31, 2022

Deano Bronc
I have always used a "maintainer" when storing my Mustangs. Never had any issues with the battery from using it. This is the updated version of what I always used.
https://a.co/d/8BVGnGe

I use that same brand on my cars as well. Extends battery life for sure.

Deano Bronc

Oct 31, 2022

I use Deltran chargers for 12 years or so. I have a few of them for my ATV, Tractor, and F-150. One of them is a 6/12 volt. All work well and maintain the batteries without issue. Can get them a Walmart.

Oct 31, 2022

Battery Tender. They're like chicken tenders, only better.

2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole

Deano Bronc, extra toasty

Oct 31, 2022

Can’t go wrong with the Battery Tender brand. Been using them for years on cars & bikes. Maintaining a battery’s health will absolutely extend its life and protect modern vehicle’s electronics too!

- 2023 Raptor / Shadow Black / MGV (DOB 8/30/23)
- 2023 Heritage Limited Edition / Robin’s Egg Blue / 4dr / (stolen from my dealer 11/15/23)

lapazleo, Deano Bronc

Nov 01, 2022

AcesandEights
Battery Tender. They're like chicken tenders, only better.

Can't eat a BT... :0), but Chick-fil-A chicken tenders!!

Nov 04, 2023

Thanks, I just bought a 2023 Bronco Sport 2.0 Badlands version. I love it, but, was worried about not using it daily with all the new electronics, I just joined Bronco Nation and would like your input and encouragement. I have a new version of the "Battery Tender". Do you think it is o.k. to use? Still reading the manual with all the computers. Certainly not used to the "new" as I had several of the old Iconic Broncos - you know no floorboards, heat, etc. and you could tune the electronic points in the distributer with a matchbook cover. Any info appreciated.

Feb 21, 2024

I owned a GMC Denali, Bronco and now have a 2021 RAM with Hemi V8 eTorque and own two Battery Tenders which have worked flawlessly for years. Vehicles, if left garaged for 5 days or more would experience parasitic battery drain, prohibiting starting them. Connect the negative wire clamp from the battery tender to any UNPAINTED nut and connect the positive clip to positive battery terminal.
As a result, not wanting to risk overcharging, believing “simple is best” I use this battery maintainer model available at Amazon for $52.86:

Battery Tender Plus Charger and Maintainer: Automatic 12V Powersports Battery Charger and Maintainer for Motorcycle, ATVs, and More - 12 Volt, 1.25 Amp Battery Chargers - 022-0185G-DL-WH

Since then, I do not encounter a dead 12V battery.

RBJRBJ

lapazleo, Deano Bronc

Feb 21, 2024

#10

Yep Battery Tender brand.

Deano Bronc

Mar 02, 2024

#11

‘23 Hot Pepper Red Wildtrak 2.7L-V6 4 dr. MIC Sas Lux and Lovin’ it!!

Mar 07, 2024

#12

Noco all the way they are Intelligent chargers so they shut off and turn back on when needed so they will never over charge your battery.

TK1215

Mar 07, 2024

#13

We use these at work for equipment that doesn't get regular use and it is the one I use at home for the Bronco. I've had it for many years without issue. With that being said I also have a Battery Tender brand on the tractor , a cheap Home Depot one on the lawn mower and they all seem to do the same thing. I just stay away from the cheap looking plastic ones since I don't like leaving questionable quality ones plugged up . Never used the Noco ones mentioned but they looked to be good . I'll probably try one of those out the next time I need an extra one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher-SC1272-2A-6-12V-Fully-Automatic-Battery-Maintainer/292829937

2Dr Badlands - MIC - Area51 - 2.7 Auto - MGV - Headliner - High Pkg
Reserved 7/20/20 Delivered 5/6/23
"Ford said, hey we're gonna fulfill all reservations and pre-orders before we build stock units."

Mar 07, 2024

#14

NOCO GENIUS2, 2A Smart Car Battery Charger, 6V and 12V Automotive Charger, Battery Maintainer, Trickle Charger, Float Charger and Desulfator for Motorcycle, ATV, Lithium and Deep Cycle Batteries https://a.co/d/5TEn5Pd

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