Anyone have experience with the multi-wire Battery tender? I've had good luck with the regular ones,but I need 4 hookups, so,,,, 4 Juniors/regulars vs one of these? http://batterytender.com/motorcycle/4-bank-international-charger-usa-western-hemisphere.html
I don't see the advantage of it over 4 single units. The separate units give you more flexibility in wiring (with regular extension cords) and if you drop it you haven't ruined a $250 unit
Currently have one for 4 of my cars and other than saving few dollars from buying four separate units see no advantage. Do not like the junior either separate etc as electronics due not appear as durable. In past had only one unit fail and it was a junior. Docf
Uro: I would have to agree with the above-mentioned comments. In addition, the motorcycle trickle-chargers are really not designed for automotive use, too low amperage and cycles differently. I have a charger from Griot's Garage that I've had very good luck with. What ever manufacturer you go with, make sure the unit is: (i) microprocessor-controlled; (ii) has a built-in desulphination cycle to prevent sulfur build-up on the plates/mats of the battery; and (iii) has alligator clip, cigarette lighter and hard-wired connection capabilities. That beautiful, prize-winning Dino deserves nothing but the best.
Mostly agree, but I have had more failures with the 1.25 and 1.5 amp units....no problems with the smaller 800ma to 900ma "wall wart" type ones. I am also unconvinced of the need for a desulfation cycle, cant hurt, but if the device is used religously, not a necessary requirement..
You will need the optional 25ft extension cords for each outlet to reach each car; get individual ones. Those were really designed for motorcycle shops, where the runs are shorter.
Battery Tender now sells 12 and 25 foot extensions for the output power cord. I like this much better as I can leave the unit on the workbench and run the output cord to the vehicles instead of having the whole unit on the ground.
That is what I was mentioning....I guess everyone has there own requirements, but to me running long runs to each car from a central point seems to invite a tripping hazard. I charge mine through the cigarette lighter and bought the cigarette lighter adapters from Radio Shack, they came with 8 ft cords, so I can easily keep the unit off the floor, yet adjacent to the car. I have three running right now, one for each car and one for my bike. This is the cord, I just spliced on the plug from one of the cable clamp sets I wasn't using. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3802148
Whatdaya trying to do keep all those mini vans in storage for the winter. On a more serious note, as was said above I would think that 4 separate units would be better and for the same price as that one.
I have the batter tender cable mounted to the battery and I run the wire out to the passenger side wheel well. It tucks under the inner fender when not used and stays neatly out of sight.
I have them plugged into the outlets for the garage door openers, with the wires dropping down from the ceiling for individual cars. I always buy the ones that cost a little bit more that have the led light on them so I can tell that they're working. Jay
I too have my Ferrari, golf cart and multiple motorcycles hooked up to individual battery tenders. Question: when you disconnect one from the battery to drive/ride, do you also unplug the unit from the 110v receptacle or do you leave it plugged in?