[Mark]

Does anyone recommend any specific one? I found a pretty good one that does several different kinds of battery types and does reconditioning at the local SAMS CLUB for 50 bucks. Seemed like a good buy to me. What are the thoughts of all your fools!??

 

[Muzikman]

Really depends on what you are looking for it to do. For normal car batteries I like my Vector, but it doesn't do well with the deepcycle off road batteries, though it might be the model I have.

 

[Mark]

I want it to charge my battery.

 

[lostboy]

I want it to charge my battery.

My dad has an old one from sears, don't know if it's craftsman or not. Anyway, the thing is so ancient you can't even read the directions you just have to know which way to flip the switch. Charges a battery great though. It might be older than me.

 

[Muzikman]

Just curious, why do you need to charge your battery?

 

[Mark]

Well, firestone, and then the dealer tested it for me last time i was there. They said that it was below the norm, and it was probably because i had extra lights hooked to it, and my winch. They couldnt explain its numbers being "low" though after i told them the winch doesnt get used and the lights are never "on."

So i figured it wouldnt hurt to have the charger on hand.

 

[k1w1t1m]

Well, firestone, and then the dealer tested it for me last time i was there. They said that it was below the norm, and it was probably because i had extra lights hooked to it, and my winch. They couldnt explain its numbers being "low" though after i told them the winch doesnt get used and the lights are never "on."

So i figured it wouldnt hurt to have the charger on hand.

More likely they just wished to sell you a new battery. If you're that worried about it I'd get a second opinion from someone you trust and/or learn how to read the test equipment.

 

[lostboy]

I think for $50 and peace of mind and own something that will come in use more than once. Lawn mowers, atvs etc it's not a bad purchase.

 

[Mark]

I did get a second opinion. "Well, firestone, and then the dealer tested it for me"

The uy at the dealer is a bud, he said the same thing firestone did. He didnt say i neede a new battery, but did say its in operating ranges, but lower than it should be.

 

[Muzikman]

I wouldn't doubt that your battery is going bad and to be honest, I would just put the money towards a new battery.

A charger isn't going to do squat for you. I only use mine to keep the battery in my Jeep in top shape since I don't drive it all the time.

When they tested the battery, did they test the alternator? Maybe the alternator isn't fully charging the battery.

 

[miles]

what kind of battery do you have...? original...optima....

 

[Mark]

I just have the stock battery it came with. And yeah Jason, i did ask the dealership to test the alternator, and its in tip top shape so far.

 

[Lonesome Crow]

Mine was bad to the point of needing to be replaced. http://thenewx.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=5213&highlight=battery
If you are worried about being stranded with a dead battery then you might want to look @ http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_7962_7962.

I would just replace the battery and not worry about it.

 

[k1w1t1m]

From what you've said you're probably better off putting the money aside for a battery purchase. A battery charger is good for keeping a battery topped up in a vehicle or battery that doesn't get much use.
My experience with modern batteries is that they die a sudden death and will leave you stranded somewhere. It sounds like you've received your warning.
Good luck

 

[silver_sancho]

I would suggest a battery tender: link

We use these on our tractors at the farm and they really do a better job than a trickle charger.