Trickle charger advice

[rocks]

You might like the NOCO x connect. They have a hardwired connector with an LED battery readout.

Thanks but I've used my present unit with the red, blinking green at 85% and full green when charged and the connections for a couple of decades plus without any issues. Plugging and unplugging is very easy. I just have to buy a bigger cable clip (coming from Amazon) for the first clip so I can ease back the thicker part end connection from the top back when not in use and out of wet weather or washings. The wire caps are said to be waterproof which they probably are except maybe submerged under water which won't happen but I like an extra precaution.

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[Devil6]

Thanks but I've used my present unit with the red, blinking green at 85% and full green when charged and the connections for a couple of decades plus without any issues. Plugging and unplugging is very easy. I just have to buy a bigger cable clip (coming from Amazon) for the first clip so I can ease back the thicker part end connection from the top back when not in use and out of wet weather or washings. The wire caps are said to be waterproof which they probably are except maybe submerged under water which won't happen but I like an extra precaution.

Sounds like yours is similar. The cover for the connection has never impressed me as waterproof but, it’s never failed, even the one that partially melted against an engine block head still works. Maybe these things don’t actually have to be waterproof.

 

[rocks]

Sounds like yours is similar. The cover for the connection has never impressed me as waterproof but, it’s never failed, even the one that partially melted against an engine block head still works. Maybe these things don’t actually have to be waterproof.

The covers are very tight. I doubt rain would get in. Still have some fear the rain may. However, I believe if the connections inside get wet, only the battery tender fuse would blow which is no big deal. Then again maybe not as there's no electric feeding the battery unless the connection is wet and you connect it.

 

[Escape2Bronco]

Yes and battery tender are the worst trickle charges out there.

I suppose it depends on what you mean by worst. trickle chargers out there. I've used several Battery Tender Jr's over the years have had good luck. At least one of them is nearly 30 years old. I did have one quit working but that was after many years. I have a couple from Griot's garage that my dad used. They are a little fancier but I really don't need a ton of LED's to tell me if it is charged up or not. A simple bi color seems to work fine for me. I also prefer connector on the Daltron's compared to the Griots. YMMV.

 

[sajohnson]

The covers are very tight. I doubt rain would get in. Still have some fear the rain may. However, I believe if the connections inside get wet, only the battery tender fuse would blow which is no big deal. Then again maybe not as there's no electric feeding the battery unless the connection is wet and you connect it.

Water is not an issue. You can connect them when wet.

Maybe there would be some excitement if it was 1,200V, but with 12V there is no reason to be concerned.

Those covers are more like dust caps, but they do keep excess moisture out.

 

[rocks]

Water is not an issue. You can connect them when wet.

Maybe there would be some excitement if it was 1,200V, but with 12V there is no reason to be concerned.

Those covers are more like dust caps, but they do keep excess moisture out.

All these years I've been worried about the connector tips getting wet. ?
Thanks for the info!

 

[sajohnson]

All these years I've been worried about the connector tips getting wet. ?
Thanks for the info!

No problem.

That's a natural concern -- after all, water + electricity = generally bad combo.

The main concern with water in any electrical connection is oxidation/corrosion. With low voltage there is no shorting or shock risk, but needless to say, it's best if everything is dry.

Think about everything that gets wet -- trailer connectors and everything under the hood.

I have 120V extension cords that I leave out. They get wet but have never tripped a breaker -- occasionally there will be enough leakage to trip a GFCI outlet, but they are very sensitive, a 5 mA difference in current will do it.

A related issue is that there are situations where high voltage won't kill you. Take an electric fence. They can be 8-10,000 volts. You can get a direct hit (hot to ground) and while it will wake you up, no harm is done.

 

[rocks]

No problem.

That's a natural concern -- after all, water + electricity = generally bad combo.

The main concern with water in any electrical connection is oxidation/corrosion. With low voltage there is no shorting or shock risk, but needless to say, it's best if everything is dry.

Think about everything that gets wet -- trailer connectors and everything under the hood.

I have 120V extension cords that I leave out. They get wet but have never tripped a breaker -- occasionally there will be enough leakage to trip a GFCI outlet, but they are very sensitive, a 5 mA difference in current will do it.

A related issue is that there are situations where high voltage won't kill you. Take an electric fence. They can be 8-10,000 volts. You can get a direct hit (hot to ground) and while it will wake you up, no harm is done.

Great points!

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