Truckers Report Jobs

Find Trucking Jobs

Company Driver Company Driver Dry Van Dry Van Flatbed Flatbed Refrigerated Refrigerated Specialized Specialized Owner Operator Owner Operator
More Trucking Job Searches ⌄ Fewer Trucking Job Searches
⌃

Battery tender/jump starter recommendation

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by SwRI_Tech, Mar 26, 2012.

  1. Mar 26, 2012 #1
    SwRI_Tech

    SwRI_Tech Bobtail Member

    2
    0
    Mar 26, 2012
    San Antonio
    0
    We have a truck that only gets periodic use (mainly a technology development platform, demo truck, occasionally used to haul other vehicles for tech demos (a couple times a year generally)).

    I came in this morning to move it out of the bay in our lab and the battery was dead (it's been sitting for about two weeks without running). It's been on a charger for a couple hours now and still drawing a full load (all we have right now is a small charger that's been plenty for our other vehicles), so I'm hoping we'll be able to move it by sometime this afternoon.

    I'm looking for recommendations on a good jump starter and a battery tender. Preferably separate units (portable jump starter that could be carried in the truck when it's out and a battery tender that will be left in the bay and used any time the truck is parked).

    What I've found so far (unable to post links here yet):
    Jump Starter: Jump-N-Carry-JNC950-2000-Peak-Starter

    Battery Tender: Battery Tender DVS - 40 Heavy - Duty

    I have the smaller version of the Battery Tender at home that I use when I'm not on my bike and it's done well.

    Anyone have experience with either of these on a truck? Recommendations on something else?

    Thanks,
    PK

    --
    '07 Freightliner Century
     
    SwRI_Tech, Mar 26, 2012
    SwRI_Tech, Mar 26, 2012
    #1
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. Mar 26, 2012 #2
    Hardlyevr

    Hardlyevr Road Train Member

    3,270
    2,538
    Jul 30, 2009
    Mapleton Depot,PA
    0
    perhaps the simplest thing to do would be to disconnect the batteries when not in use and use something like the tender you mentioned.

    Letting the batteries get completely discharged is terrible for them and shortens or ends their service life.
     
    Hardlyevr, Mar 26, 2012
    Hardlyevr, Mar 26, 2012
    #2
  4. Mar 26, 2012 #3
    leftlanetruckin

    leftlanetruckin Road Train Member

    3,607
    3,160
    Mar 12, 2009
    Mo Via Blackpool,Lancs.
    0
    A Battery Tender will work fine. If the batteries are pretty much charged, I leave mine on a 2 am charge when at home.
    I have this one:
    http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...eyword=charger&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1
    If the gauge reads a high load when I get home, I sti8ck it on a 40 amp charge for a couple of hours, then switch it to 2amps for the duration of my home time. I set it on a milk crate under the hood, hooked to the jumper post there. Keeps it out of the rain and off the ground with the hood down.
    Can also use it to jump start most vehicles too.

    Martin
     
    leftlanetruckin, Mar 26, 2012
    leftlanetruckin, Mar 26, 2012
    #3
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.