Battery charger/maintainers

Post by **silverdorking** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 1:35 pm

Anyone got any recommendations for battery maintainers, which can be left to keep an occasionally used MM fully charged and ready to go? I believe there are some devices that can also relieve sulphation and others that can maintain a number of batteries.
All suggestions appreciated
Andrew

Post by **8009STEVE** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 3:16 pm

Why double posted?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 4:44 pm

Not required if the battery is in good order. If it won't hold a charge -buy a new one.

Post by **MarkyB** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 5:48 pm

Optimate is the name you are looking for (other brands may be available).
Very popular with bikers who plumb in the connector so the battery is always fully charged when needed.
A dead flat battery may need a charger with a bit more oomph to get charging started.
If your battery is going flat after several weeks or less there is probably a drain from somewhere. I was in this position and fitted and isolator switch which has sorted it for me and could be considered an antitheft device of sorts.

Post by **alanworland** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 8:18 pm

I use a 'maintainer' from Halfords on 2 vehicles and they work a treat and maintain the battery fully charged - have used them 24/7 for 2 or 3 years now and wouldn't be without!
I believe they are still less than £20, my first one (from Frost) was double this and would allow the battery to slowly discharge.

Post by **alanworland** » Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:41 pm

I think the ones I have are able to supply 750mA and then 'throttle back' when full charge is achieved

Post by **silverdorking** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:05 am

Thanks all for the info
Alan you say that you use a 'maintainer' from Halfords on 2 vehicles and they work a treat. Does the one unit cope with both vehicles or have you two?
Andrew

Post by **alanworland** » Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:24 pm

Sorry for any confusion, I have 2 units - one for each battery.

Post by **purplebargeken** » Sun May 10, 2009 2:18 pm

I have a Halfords charger. Brilliant bit of kit and reasonable price too. £35 or so.

Ken

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon May 11, 2009 12:19 am

Maplin have a sale on at the moment - their solar charger suitable for maintaining 12 volt car battery is down to £8 - cheapest price anywhere. I bought one and have installed it where it will get maximum sunlight - it will recharge my railway Bardic lamp batteries FOC!