$5 alternative to a Battery Tender?

[jmazza]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=42292

Someone at modernvespa was saying that they use this with great results on their battery.

Does anyone know if it's as good as a Battery Tender?

[illnoise]

Does anyone know if it's as good as a Battery Tender?

I'm sure it works. HF's quality is a little spotty sometimes, and Battery Tenders have some nice features that those don't have (quick-release leads, etc) but I saw Battery Tender's trade show booth, and that's probably what 3/4 of the cost of your Battery Tender is going to, ha.

A Battery Tender Junior is only like $20, it might just be worth the peace of mind to have a name brand and the simplicity of the quick-release lead.

[ScooterTrash]

I use the 20 dollar Bell charger from walmart

[jmazza]

A Battery Tender Junior is only like $20, it might just be worth the peace of mind to have a name brand and the simplicity of the quick-release lead.

Or it might be nice to have a generic battery tender and almost TWO SIX PACKS OF REALLY GOOD BEER!!!!

Gotta think of all the angles, Illnoise!!

[ScooterTrash]

Does anyone know if it's as good as a Battery Tender?

I'm sure it works. HF's quality is a little spotty sometimes, and Battery Tenders have some nice features that those don't have (quick-release leads, etc) but I saw Battery Tender's trade show booth, and that's probably what 3/4 of the cost of your Battery Tender is going to, ha.

A Battery Tender Junior is only like $20, it might just be worth the peace of mind to have a name brand and the simplicity of the quick-release lead.

The battery tender Jr is 30 and the bell was 15 to 20 at walmart. The bell has the same exact features, the wires have the same connection

[jmazza]

I think JC Whitney has the 12v Battery Tender Jr right now for $24. But still... beer...beer...beer.

[ScooterTrash]

I think JC Whitney has the 12v Battery Tender Jr right now for $24. But still... beer...beer...beer.

+shipping, i don't like to wait if I don't have to

[BuddyRaton]

jmazza you really shouldn't need a tender unless your going to let it sit for a few months. I have never had to charge up or kick start the Buddy. Ah the joys of year round riding!

[jmazza]

jmazza you really shouldn't need a tender unless your going to let it sit for a few months. I have never had to charge up or kick start the Buddy. Ah the joys of year round riding!

Yeah I know but these recent cold days (I think it got down to what, 48!!) have got me wondering!

Actually, the only time I've had some trouble starting was after my longest ride - last Sunday afternoon with the SoFla Scooter Group (you know the one you skipped!!). I had some trouble with the electric starter after that, and I wonder if it had to do with my upgraded headlight (that was on high for 40 minutes) draining the battery some? I think probably not since I was going at least 40 mph the whole time...

Anyway, I just saw this being talked about on modern vespa and thought for $5 it wouldn't be a bad idea!

[Drumwoulf]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=42292

Someone at modernvespa was saying that they use this with great results on their battery.

Does anyone know if it's as good as a Battery Tender?

What year Buddy do you have? If it's an '07-'08 you can use a Battery Tender with the $12 accessory lighter plug. Whole outfit costs a bit more, but the convience is fantastic; it plugs right into your Buddy's power outlet socket and charges (and maintains) the battery that way...

I keep my scoots on battery tenders alla time when I'm not riding them, and not only in the winter. It keeps them at peak charge, and it's said that it also makes the batteries last longer...On my Vespa GT I have a quick-disconnect lead coming out from under the floorboard so I don't have to get at the battery terminals alla time..!

[pocphil]

$100 Harbor freight Chargers $5 x 20 (1 for each of the 20 bikes in my garage).

$40 for quick disconnect kits from Radio Shack.

$500 for 6 dead batteries 3 months later.

$300 for 3 dead batteries 2 months later. *2 were BMW batteries at $129 each*

Testing all 20 Harbor Freight Chargers revealed that 16 of them were dead as a doornail. Meaning that not only were they NOT charging. They were using my batteries power to power the little red light and send power to the transformer backwards. Thereby killing my batteries deader than dead.

$940 Gone and about 8+ hours making quick disconnects and changing dead batteries. Considering my time is actually worth $30 per hour, I figure I'm out about $1180

I went out and bought 20 Battery Tender Jr.'s that was a year ago and all of my batteries are still tip-top.

We've been selling Battery Tender Jr.'s at the shop ever since.

[jmazza]

$940 Gone and about 8+ hours making quick disconnects and changing dead batteries. Considering my time is actually worth $30 per hour, I figure I'm out about $1180

I went out and bought 20 Battery Tender Jr.'s that was a year ago and all of my batteries are still tip-top.

We've been selling Battery Tender Jr.'s at the shop ever since.

Wow, that sucks!! So you're saying no to the original question? Thanks Phil- that's exactly what I was looking for! if I ever need one, Battery Tender it is.