Battery trickle chargers - CTEK products??

[jameshoward]

I am thinking of getting a trickle charger for my battery. As I am away a lot at present, the car isn't used a vast amount. I was thinking of getting a trickle charger to look after the battery. I know nothing about these things, but have stumbled across a company called CTEK apparently from Scandanavia who it seems make the chargers for MB - that they sell on for a vastly inflated price. I wondered if anyone had any experience or advice to offer? Are they even necessary?

Thanks,

JH

[waqas]

On longer trips, I simply disconnect the negative battery cable.  I've never felt the need to re-charge the battery for shorter lengths of time (2-3 wks).

[jameshoward]

Waqas,

That's what I do. I've only ever once had a flat battery (own fault) and a long drive sorted that out. I think I may put the money towards some re-chroming now I think about it some more.

Thanks,

James

[mbzse]

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward

../...trickle charger for my battery.../.. have stumbled across a company called CTEK../.. I wondered if anyone had any experience or advice to offer?

I have several of these, very pleased with the Ctek
http://www.ctek.com/EN-US/Default.aspx
I use them to trickle charge my hobby M-B cars during the winter hibernation
.

[jacovdw]

I bought the CTEK Multi XS7000 charger a while back and I am VERY happy with it. Good investment for battery care considering that they are a bit on the expensive side compared to your garden variety chargers.

Very popular with the off-road 4x4 fundis in South Africa.

[Naj ✝︎]

Jaco,

 

quote:Very popular with the off-road 4x4 fundis in South Africa.

Is that the same as tree shade bodgers?

naj

[jacovdw]

Nope, not the same Naj. The off-road brigade are very serious about their hobby - all hi-tech stuff and generally very well informed people.

[Cees Klumper]

I have two CTEKs, one for the Pagoda and one for my Husqvarna motorcycle. Allowing your battery to completely discharge can ruin it. The cost of these CTEKs is relatively minor, 40-60 euros depending on the capacity. I have an alarm system on the Pagoda that goes off if I disconnect the battery cable (has its own power backup battery) unless I go through a dis-arming drill. I also like the idea of having the battery maintained at peak capacity after having tried starting the Pagoda a few times when the battery was too low. So for peace of mind, these chargers are great.

[Martijn]

James,

I have a CTEK Zafir 90. It's probably an older model since I can't find it on their website anymore. The Multi XS 3600 is similar. I think it is a great little device, I'm very happy with it. It is very easy to use and it keeps your battery in good shape. I have read somewhere that these CTEK chargers are now standard equipment for new Ferraris.

Martijn

[Cees Klumper]

One thing I forgot to mention: the CTEK I have for the Pagoda (got it from SLS, it's the slightly more expensive Mercedes-branded variety) hooks up to the car with a small plug that goes into the ... female recepticle on the firewall (the one used also to power the illusive emergency light).

[Bob G ✝︎]

I have three CTECK charges and they are wonderfull to have if uou do not drive your car alot.  Just bullet proff.

Bob Geco

[jameshoward]

Hi Cees,

I looked at the one on SLS and it SEEMS to me that one is paying quite a lot more for a CTEK charger with the MB logo on it. However, if you are saying that it comes with the male to female plug that goes into the firewall do-dad than presumably that makes the difference. However, thinking laterally, do you know of a place where it is possible to get the male plug for the hole? If you don't, I will then try good old SLS.

Thanks,

James

[Cees Klumper]

SLS told me also that it's just the MB logo that makes it more expensive; the smaller plug is a standard item available anywhere, and it may even come as a standard feature in the non-MB generic version. I just went sentimental and insisted on "MB-Only!" this time, but next time, and my advice, is to go with the standard CTEK apparatus. They go for about EUR 50 here, for the correct amperage one (I also have a lighter one for my motorcycle).

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward

Hi Cees,

I looked at the one on SLS and it SEEMS to me that one is paying quite a lot more for a CTEK charger with the MB logo on it. However, if you are saying that it comes with the male to female plug that goes into the firewall do-dad than presumably that makes the difference. However, thinking laterally, do you know of a place where it is possible to get the male plug for the hole? If you don't, I will then try good old SLS.

Thanks,

James

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by jameshoward

Hi Cees,

I looked at the one on SLS and it SEEMS to me that one is paying quite a lot more for a CTEK charger with the MB logo on it. However, if you are saying that it comes with the male to female plug that goes into the firewall do-dad than presumably that makes the difference. However, thinking laterally, do you know of a place where it is possible to get the male plug for the hole? If you don't, I will then try good old SLS.

Thanks,

James

Hi, James,

The plug for the firewall is a standard DIN size cigar lighter plug and available at Auto Stores as Cees says. On some normal cigar lighter plugs, there is a red sleeve at the end which can be unscrewed to convert it to DIN size.
I probly have a spare one if you can't locate 0ne.

naj

[gugel]

A naive question:

I want to keep my battery charged when the car isn't driven for a while.  What makes the CTEK charger better for that purpose than, say, a standard battery charger from Sears?

Chris

[jameshoward]

Chris,

My limited understanding: CTEK is just a brand of charger, like Sears have different brands. However, it's of a type that trickle charges ones battery rather than just giving it a dose of juice to bring it up to speed. CTEK has chargers that condition the battery, so they monitor it's current charge and then apply small amounts as necessary. If you left a normal battery charger plugged onto your battery you'd damage it quickly. Some CTEK chargers also have a function that allow your car to use the charger to run the internal electronics - which amounts to a clock and maybe an alarm in our cars - thus taking the strain off the battery.

If you're in the market for a charger, I think it might be worth you looking on the interweb to find out about the different types and see what trickle chargers have to offer.

JH

[DavidBrough]

I have an old Datatool motorcycle trickle charger that I always plug my car into when not in use. It has a waterproof connector that I have wired through the front grill for ease of use. Works very well and I wouldn't be without it.

[k]

Can one use the $30 Battery Tender Jr. that plugs directly into your SL cigarette lighter?

Its got a chip and light on wall plug that indicates red/green for trickle/charge status.

I know some cars the lighter socket is not live unless key is in ignition.

http://www.batterystuff.com/battery-chargers/brands/battery-tender/BTjr12v021-0123.html

[tuultyme]

On my car the cigarette lighter is not active unless the ignition is on.  This is also true with my C230.  Also a plus on the C230 is the fact that the garage door opener does not function unless the ignition is on.  On most cars if a person broke into the car in the drive way they could easily get into the house.  So I do not have to worry about that if and when I leave my C230 out.  I little off topic but just a security note.