08-30-2011, 12:34 PM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: California
Posts: 2
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Trickle Charger Recommendations?
We've got a 99 Boxter that we don't drive too often (side effect of having small children). I'd like to get a trickle charger for it.
Porsche makes some pretty expensive ones and I'm trying to figure out what the minimum specs should be and/or recommended brands/models. 12V? 0.75A or 1.25A? Also, for that model year, would the cigarette lighter adapter work, or do I need to connect directly to the battery? Any recommendations would be appreciated!
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08-30-2011, 12:59 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: It's a kind of magic.....
Posts: 6,273
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By far, one of the best out there are the Ctek models. They make the units for Porsche, which you can buy much cheaper online as Ctek. All Ctek units have an auto de-sulfating step in their programming, which is critical to extending battery life. Many cheaper maintainers do not have this critical mode, so you do "get what you pay for" with a quality unit. Some of their models include the ability to recondition a severely discharged battery, and a constant power supply to hold electronic settings while disconnecting the battery. Nice units with a lot of features, and at a fair price.
__________________
“Anything really new is invented only in one’s youth. Later, one becomes more experienced, more famous – and more stupid.” - Albert Einstein
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08-30-2011, 01:00 PM
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#3
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Porscheectomy
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Seattle Area
Posts: 3,011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bitterdave
We've got a 99 Boxter that we don't drive too often (side effect of having small children). I'd like to get a trickle charger for it.
Porsche makes some pretty expensive ones and I'm trying to figure out what the minimum specs should be and/or recommended brands/models. 12V? 0.75A or 1.25A? Also, for that model year, would the cigarette lighter adapter work, or do I need to connect directly to the battery? Any recommendations would be appreciated!
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Don't buy a trickle charger, don't ask for a trickle charger, don't even think about a trickle charger. They keep feeding current to the battery all the time and eventually ruin it.
You need to buy a battery maintainer. These devices sense when the battery is no longer accepting a charge and turn off until the battery needs more charge. There's nothing special about the Porsche that requires a different maintainer than any other car. Just get a high quality one so that it will work as intended and you will be fine.
I've used battery tender jr's on several cars and have been satisfied.
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08-30-2011, 01:33 PM
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 200
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I second the battery tender Jr...0.75amps works well on the Porche installed Optima battery and the flooded batteries in bothe my Ducati and Triumph.
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08-30-2011, 02:20 PM
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 245
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Hibernation
I know we are a ways from putting the boxters in hibernation, but this will be my first winter. If i put a battery tender on the battery, should you take the cables off the battery or just leave them on and turn the key off?
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08-30-2011, 07:28 PM
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#6
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Porscheectomy
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Seattle Area
Posts: 3,011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fullthrottle52
I know we are a ways from putting the boxters in hibernation, but this will be my first winter. If i put a battery tender on the battery, should you take the cables off the battery or just leave them on and turn the key off?
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Most people leave it connected. The cigarette lighter tenders require it, obviously. It uses less energy to disconnect it.
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08-31-2011, 03:57 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 868
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Ctek
I've used the CTEK battery maintainer for the past three winters and it's worked great. I don't disconnect the battery and I use the cigarette lighter adapter. Makes for quick getaways when a nice day comes by. I bought the CTEK with "Porsche" on the front so I paid too much.
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08-31-2011, 05:40 AM
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Arlington Heights, IL
Posts: 1,561
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You can buy the simple Porsche battery maintainer from Sunset for $47. I have 2 for the toys.
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08-31-2011, 03:43 PM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: California
Posts: 2
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Thanks!
Thanks to all for the responses. Just place my order for a battery maintainer today.
Happy driving!
-Dave
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09-02-2011, 01:18 PM
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#10
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Opposed to Subie Burble
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central CT
Posts: 1,197
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blue2000s
I've used battery tender jr's on several cars and have been satisfied.
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Just had to +1 this for anyone out there following this thread and for the original poster. I have a Deltran Battery Tender, Jr. that I use for all the vehicles we own, including my motorcycle. Worth the money, and not as expensive as it could be. You may have to buy the cig lighter adapater separately (got mine from Amazon), but it's cheap and worth it, as well.
Your car will thank you.
__________________
-O/D
1997 Arctic Silver Boxster, 5-spd
IMSR + RMS
Robbins glass window top
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09-02-2011, 03:17 PM
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#11
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Boxster Abuser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Posts: 199
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I like the Deltran Battery Tender. About $75
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09-02-2011, 05:08 PM
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#12
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Opposed to Subie Burble
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Central CT
Posts: 1,197
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Found mine at a motorcycle gear shop for about $50 on sale, but even at $75 it's worth it.
__________________
-O/D
1997 Arctic Silver Boxster, 5-spd
IMSR + RMS
Robbins glass window top
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01-04-2012, 02:43 PM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 4,810
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For those who are still in the market for a simple cost effective battery maintainer, I just picked up a Deltran Tender Junior complete with the cigarette lighter adapter
for $36.00 including shipping . It's virtually identical to the one Porsche offers for much less money .
Deltran Battery Tender Junior Charger 12V @ 0.75A Smart Maintainer - Xtreme Parts World
__________________
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