![]() In that instance, you need a charger that also includes ring terminals. While alligator clips are remarkably versatile and allow you to connect to a wide variety of batteries, sometimes, such as when you need to charge a motorcycle battery, they’re just too large to fit. ![]() They should seek a water-resistant trickle charger that's designed to operate in more extreme temperatures. Some individuals may not have a carport or garage that's readily accessible for their needs. ![]() WeatherĪ trickle charger should only be used in areas with adequate ventilation that also provides shelter from the elements. If you're looking for something small that will fit in the trunk or even the glove compartment yet still offer advanced features, that option is available, but it will cost considerably more than a basic trickle charger. However, some of the higher-end models - the ones that offer greater versatility - can be a bit larger. Most trickle chargers have a compact design, so size isn't a huge factor. Indicator lights can tell you when the unit is on, what operating mode it's in, the level of charge in the battery, and if there are any problems with the charger or the battery. The more information that's available at a glance, the more safely you can operate your trickle charger. Some models have built-in technology to reduce or eliminate sparking that may occur when connecting the leads from the charger to the battery. Beyond a shock hazard, sparks around a car battery could cause gases to combust. Reverse polarity protection prevents your trickle charger from operating if it isn't properly connected to your battery. Reverse polarity: If you connect your charger incorrectly and turn it on, you run the risk of damaging the charger, the battery, and any components that are connected to your vehicle's electrical system. Once connected to your system, these models can diagnose and check other components in your vehicle, such as your alternator, to be sure a low battery charge is really what your problem is. On the higher end of the price scale, you can purchase a trickle charger that does more than charge. A model that isn't considered smart just means that it's fully manual. When a trickle charger is labelled as smart, it means that the device has fail-safe features built in to monitor such items as charge level, temperature, and other critical factors. They currently don't connect to your phone and allow remote access. Trickle chargers are not "smart" in the way that home appliances are smart. Lithium-ion: Other models have modes that make it possible to charge a lithium-ion battery as well as a lead-acid battery. This allows you to essentially bring a battery back to life after it has been discharged beyond typical levels. Recovery: One example is a recovery mode. Since the modes can vary from model to model, look for a charger that features modes that match your needs. This isn't hard, but if the battery has been charging for 18 hours, it's a task that’s easy to forget.īesides overcharge protection, some trickle chargers feature modes that are unique to the model. If you don't, you'll need to keep an eye on the charging process and manually shut off the unit when it's done. To protect your battery, look for a model that has some type of overcharge protection or tender mode. Overcharge protection: Trickle chargers feed a slow and steady charge to a battery, but even a glass that’s filled one drop at a time can overflow. Unfortunately, these features can vary greatly from model to model, so you'll have to do your research to make sure the one you're considering has all the features you desire. Trickle chargers have a number of features that are designed to make them safer and easier to use. For more information on amps, see the FAQ section below. Some higher-end models boast a 3-amp or 4-amp charging speed. The greater the number of amps, the faster the unit will charge. The average trickle charger is designed to work slowly because it’s safer to charge a battery slowly. If you have a different type of battery in your snowmobile or motorcycle, for instance, you'll want to purchase a trickle charger that’s designed to accommodate all of your battery charging needs. However, that isn’t the only type of battery that could benefit from a trickle charger. This is the type of battery that’s normally used in automobiles. In most instances, you’ll need a trickle charger that’s designed for a 12-volt lead-acid battery. You need to know the type of battery or batteries you’ll be charging (for example, car, motorcycle, snowmobile, marine, 12 volt, 6 volt) and how quickly you want your charger to work. There are two main areas to consider when shopping for a trickle charger. Once it drops below 12 volts, you may not be able to start your car. A healthy car battery has 12.4 to 12.7 volts.
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