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Recommendations for a trickle charger

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by Netmonkey, Feb 22, 2022.

  1. Feb 22, 2022 at 8:16 AM
    #1
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey [OP] Don't be a Dumbass

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    Icon stage 2 lift, 295 60 20 nitto ridge grapplers, fuel kranks, TRD dual exhaust, TRD rear sway bar
    Hey there,

    Because I work from home now, I rarely drive my truck. This is causing the battery to not get charged regularly. I have replaced the battery 3 times in the last 2 years and the current battery is down to 525cca. So I figured that I could maintain it with a trickle charger. I looked on Amazon and there are so many options and widely varying prices that I cannot figure out which would be the best to get. Some of the chargers only work with a specific battery type. I did not realize that automotive battery types matter for a trickle charger? Any suggestions?

    Thanks,
     
  2. Feb 22, 2022 at 8:45 AM
    #2
    hagrid

    hagrid The most diverse of Diversity Hires!

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    paynuss stretchers
    I, Spraynard, endorse teh Optimate line of maintainers. Others seem to like the NOCO brand.
     
  3. Feb 22, 2022 at 8:45 AM
    #3
    rdiddy5

    rdiddy5 New Member

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  4. Feb 22, 2022 at 9:01 AM
    #4
    hANNAbONE

    hANNAbONE T U N D R A M A

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  5. Feb 22, 2022 at 9:03 AM
    #5
    RitcheyRch

    RitcheyRch New Member

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  6. Feb 22, 2022 at 9:07 AM
    #6
    Outbound

    Outbound SSEM #2.5, Token AmeriCanadian

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    I have a CTEK as well. It does a good job keeping my boat batteries charged up over the off season and when we leave a vehicle parked for an extended period.
     
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  7. Feb 22, 2022 at 10:31 AM
    #7
    baron

    baron New Member

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    CTEK fan as well. Just had one fail after about a decade of service. Always use on my non-daily driven vehicles. I believe the model I have is MXS 5.0
     
  8. Feb 22, 2022 at 10:50 AM
    #8
    YardBird

    YardBird Native San Diegan

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    Schumacher SP1297 Fully Automatic Battery Charger, Maintainer, and Auto Desulfator - 3 Amp, 12V - For Cars, Motorcycles, Lawn Tractors, Power Sports, Marine Batteries

    I bought the above for my automotive battery needs. I've killed way too many batteries by letting my Tundra sit too long without driving.
    This thing works like a champ and was relatively inexpensive.

    My compadre has more vehicles that I can count ~ most of which are on one battery tender or another. He has expensive ones ~ he has inexpensive ones.
    They all seem to do the job.

    Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer: 1.25 AMP Powersport Battery Charger and Maintainer for Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs - Smart 12 Volt Automatic Float Charger - 021-0128

    I sourced the above for the BMW motorcycle we have in the garage. Since the bike rarely gets used it's necessary to have it on a tender as well.

    Never had an issue with either one of these and you quite likely will have the same result. Just my two cents worth . . .

     
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  9. Feb 22, 2022 at 10:57 AM
    #9
    BlueprintYota

    BlueprintYota New Member

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    I've had a few of the expensive ones and to be honest, they've bit the dust. I use a basic battery tender one and it's never had an issue. This one has been the best one hands down that I've owned.

    I would recommend NOCO for the compact battery booster box though. Well worth having.

    https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tend...5556181&sprefix=battery+tender,aps,119&sr=8-8
     
    Mad Max likes this.
  10. Feb 22, 2022 at 11:29 AM
    #10
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    I've got a small, old Schumacher. Very dependable.

    Screenshot_20220222-115214_DuckDuckGo.jpg
     
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  11. Feb 22, 2022 at 11:59 AM
    #11
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    #11
  12. Feb 22, 2022 at 1:14 PM
    #12
    hANNAbONE

    hANNAbONE T U N D R A M A

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    I have my FJR hooked up on the same BTender -- all winter season and thru the riding season too.!
     
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  13. Feb 22, 2022 at 1:18 PM
    #13
    SSPey

    SSPey .

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    I use Battery Tender Jr for my boat, cheap and works great
     
  14. Feb 22, 2022 at 1:34 PM
    #14
    Half Assed

    Half Assed me ne frego

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    $10 harbor freight special works fine for me
     
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  15. Feb 22, 2022 at 2:14 PM
    #15
    Radarninja

    Radarninja New Member

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    We use these at work, these are the only reliable ones we’ve found.
    The larger 1.25 amp shit the bed after a short time. Stay away from any battery tender. Unless it’s the size this guy posted.
     
  16. Feb 23, 2022 at 5:23 AM
    #16
    Netmonkey

    Netmonkey [OP] Don't be a Dumbass

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    thanks for all the feedback.
     
  17. Feb 23, 2022 at 5:28 AM
    #17
    Johnsonman

    Johnsonman New Member

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    + on the NOCO Genius 1, smart charger with temperature adjustment, have them on small engines and the lesser used autos i own.

    https://no.co/genius1
     
  18. Feb 23, 2022 at 6:09 AM
    #18
    Rolling Biome

    Rolling Biome New Member

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    How about a solar panel? That was my solution since the truck is parked on the street and running a power cord wasn't an option.

    I also have a CTEK just in case
     
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  19. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:31 AM
    #19
    Nueces

    Nueces New Member

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    I wanted a permanently underhood mounted one for the Jeep, but the makers I spoke to all recommended against that because their electronics would not survive underhood temps. Then, NOCO came out with the NOCO Genius2D 2 amp unit, which is designed for the underhood environment. It's permanently wired to the battery and needs only to be plugged in to an AC outlet. It's small enough to be easily secured with zip ties. I now have one in three vehicles, including the 2002 Tundra. The power pigtail leads out in front of the radiator, so plugging it in is easy. They have worked well over two winters.
     
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  20. Feb 23, 2022 at 4:28 PM
    #20
    Tundra1078

    Tundra1078 New Member

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    I use the one from Costco (in store) I have it on 4 of my vehicles and no problem So far.
     
  21. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:10 PM
    #21
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    If they still have them, the Noco Genius G750 has been tending my same Optima Red Top 6 volt battery for 10 years.
    D5117329-B224-43D9-BC30-AAC8F09D808C.jpg

    But never discount the staying power of the stolid ELECTROMITE…
    3A09C0C0-5F7C-40DC-B0FD-685A0FE537E8.jpg

    The older ones that still work will always be reliable, consistent, and bulletproof until they die. The Electromite absolutely still works.
    The newer ones have some handy technology, are smaller and more convenient, but seem to be less consistent. Noco for sure has pissed a few people off.
     
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  22. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:14 PM
    #22
    panicman

    panicman Everyone remain calm.

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    I should point out that I have charger/tenders that feed 6 and 12 volt batteries. That drove my choice when purchasing.
     
  23. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:19 PM
    #23
    alb1k

    alb1k Always Coming From Take Me Down

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    It's good
    Seems like there is a preferred smart charger that many like, but I can't remember the name. Others posted, it's CTEK. I would have got that but got the NOCO on a black Friday deal
     
  24. Feb 23, 2022 at 10:28 PM
    #24
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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  25. Feb 24, 2022 at 4:18 AM
    #25
    Spyker

    Spyker I’m a dude,playin a dude,disguised as another dude

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    Big fan of CTEK! Would recommend
     
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  26. Feb 24, 2022 at 5:04 AM
    #26
    DSTundra

    DSTundra New Member

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  27. Mar 1, 2022 at 2:34 PM
    #27
    GREENwithENVY

    GREENwithENVY New Member

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    I've got a CTEK with a Comfort Control (wires on the battery posts, has LEDs, and plugs directly into charger). My question: Do you all think there is any harm in using the control and charging the battery without unhooking it from the vehicle? I've got mixed feelings on doing that and frying electronics.

    Any thoughts?
     
  28. Mar 1, 2022 at 2:38 PM
    #28
    Moe2o4

    Moe2o4 New Member

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    I purchased a Noco about 2 years ago and I use it regularly and their great! Highly recommend them off of Amazon! I also use a Noco GB70 jump starter and I love that thing as well!!!
     
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