Topic: Battery Tenders

[mikelj5S230]

I had 3 of these "Battery Tender" named units short out and fail on me before I switched brands 5 years ago.

[rodster]

Update: I just inspected the 4 Battery Tender Junior units I have. 2 seem to be older and 2 are newer. The newer ones have a color code for the light on the top side.  The unit in use was one of the older ones. If the numbers on the back represent some sort of date code, my guess is 2005. All 4 units are made in China.

On closer inspection, I see the case housing is slightly melted and deformed.  I have a call into the manufacturer

I certainly would call them and find out if the older ones may have a design issue or if in fact it is an authentic Deltran unit.  Telling them the case is melted and deformed may get their attention. 

Keep us posted.

[ajd350]

I'm sure it will cause some eye-rolling, but I have been using the low current Harbor Freight cheap maintenance chargers  for about 8 years on four cars. The low current is enough to offset normal discharge but not enough to cause an overcharge. It just can't put out that kind of current. My cars get parked around the end of Nov. and sit until late April. They start up just fine. The Autolite AGM repro is going on 8 years now using these.  The rest are lead-acid and have been fine as well.

[rodster]

I'm sure it will cause some eye-rolling, but I have been using the low current Harbor Freight cheap maintenance chargers  for about 8 years on four cars. The low current is enough to offset normal discharge but not enough to cause an overcharge. It just can't put out that kind of current. My cars get parked around the end of Nov. and sit until late April. They start up just fine. The Autolite AGM repro is going on 8 years now using these.  The rest are lead-acid and have been fine as well.

You are a brave man putting your faith in HF electrical items.             

Don't think would buy them but interesting to hear good feedback on those units.

Not sure other 'brand name' units are much better being made in the same country.

The Battery Tender by Deltran was the name to trust until this post. 

[jwc66k]

I'm sure it will cause some eye-rolling, but I have been using the low current Harbor Freight cheap maintenance chargers  for about 8 years on four cars.

That's my third one, from Harbor Freight. Used it on a spare battery that was sitting on my bench for a couple of months last year. No problems. I do keep an eye on them, an old habit. And it seems that just about anything electrical is made in China (just looked at my mouse - China).
Jim   

[KevinK]

The final update on the Battery Tender Juniors.  I sent my 2 suspect units back to the manufacturer and asked for them to evaluate them.

#1 Transformer case was deformed and this was the unit which caused the exploded Motorcraft Battery in my 88 McLaren Mustang. They said it had low output.  I asked about he deformed/melted case and they did not even notice it.  I was referred to the manager to see if something could be done since they were past the 5 year warranty.  The manager called back asking what I wanted but had no information from the conversation with customer service or the unit evaluation.  He was useless.  In the end customer service offered a replacement at a discount price of $25.  Not sure if that included shipping.  I declined and told them they are available on the internet for that price.

#2 The second unit apparently was a 6 volt charger! I don't know if it was packaged wrong or if I bought the wrong one.  Either way it's out of warranty and of no use to me.  If the battery had over 6 volts it would never turn on, otherwise useless to a 12 volt battery.  I did not expect anything on this one once I found out it was 6 volt.

I told them I was no longer a happy customer and could no longer recommend their products. I told them of these web board discussions.  I also mentioned how their competitor responded very differently.

[hopeto]

I told them I was no longer a happy customer and could no longer recommend their products. I told them of these web board discussions.  I also mentioned how their competitor responded very differently.

What were you expecting the manufacturer of the charger you purchased with a 5 year warranty to do with your 10 year old charger? Just curious?

[KevinK]

I did not expect the manufacturer to do anything but I gave them the opportunity to do something.  I was very polite and professional with them and explained what happen.  I gave them a chance to do something which would have been very inexpensive to them.  Just because the warranty is expired does not mean you don't stand behind you product if it's a good product.

I am happy? NO.  Given the situation, I should not be happy with their product.  I'm not going to lie about them either.  In fact I am really pissed off that I allowed myself to be sucked in to buy such a cheap piece of junk to band aid the real problem.  Honestly, buying a new battery every year comes out cheaper in the long run!

I tried to be opened minded on this site by just stating the facts and let others make and educated choice when using these things.

[67gtasanjose]

I tried to be opened minded on this site by just stating the facts and let others make and educated choice when using these things.

Kevin, Than you for initiating this post. Actually, you did help those of us who have bought the el-cheapo tenders to beware at least...I am now afraid to use mine unattended like I had been doing. It might be worth resetting the clocks and such, to just simply pull the battery out each year or during extended down time at least remove the cable.

Richard

[GT500KR]

Kevin,

 I agree with Richard. Thanks for posting. I'm sure a lot of members who make a habit of using these will be keeping a closer watch on them. Your heads up may have even saved a catastrophe.

[mwizz]

I've used a Projecta trickle charger for years now without an issue but reading this thread will make me pay more attention to it

[deaconhp]

Lectric Limited,

been using their battery tender for several years on my 72 vette, no issues and no trouble turning over the big block ever, even in the winter.