Float Battery Charger

[Bob_Roller]

Just got an email from Harbor Freight, it's an advertisement with coupons, they have a motorcycle battery float charger for $4.99US using the coupon .

Anyone in the US/North America that has a store near you, I can send you the email and you can print the coupon and take it to your local store .

Send me a PM with your email address if you are interested .

I've got four of them in use now, so far no complaints about them .

I'm using them on the generic AGM type batteries from Staab Battery .

[montmil]

Saw 'em last Saturday at HF as I was picking up another free 9-LED flashlight. OK. I did buy some stuff, too.

Wondered then if the HF "float" chargers would be any good. I'd almost bet my $35.00 Battery Tender was made next door to the HF production line somewhere in China.

How long have you been using them, Bob?

And a Harbor Freight "P.S."   I had read somewhere on some forum that HF had quit accepting their nice 20% off your most expensive purchase coupon because of "a corporate decision". Not true at my HF.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

I've had the chargers in use since July of this year .

I've been checking the battery voltage weekly, these chargers fall just under the voltage range that AGM batteries are supposed to have .

The range on my four chargers is 13.18-13.25 volts .

I think the recommended voltage is a little over 13.3 volts for AGM's .

I've got a battery maintainer from Harbor Freight for the Z-3, it seems to keep the voltage right at 13.35 volts, don't know if it would work on a motorcycle battery or not .

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/battery/15-amp-three-stage-onboard-battery-charger-maintainer-99857.html

[Semper Gumby]

I had to get the big 2.5 amp out model Deltran to keep my PC680 up to snuff.  I was shocked to find out last winter that the standard 1.25 amp Deltran wouldn't cut the mustard!

[Ben_Carufel]

Those of you using a Battery Tender, Yuasa, or other charger with the SAE-type two pin connectors:



Would you be interested in a small retractable reel which has that two-pin SAE connector? With, say, 15 feet of wire? And with a small shelf that you could mount the battery tender on up on the ceiling next to the reel? That way wherever you park a bike or car that uses a tender, you could just have the plug dangling from the ceiling for whenever you park...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I had to get the big 2.5 amp out model Deltran to keep my PC680 up to snuff.  I was shocked to find out last winter that the standard 1.25 amp Deltran wouldn't cut the mustard!

IMO (for what it's worth), AGM batteries are completely different from lead/acid.  I don't think I would bother with a float charger on one.  I don't even own one.  My Odyssey PC680 likes 10 amps for 30 minutes or so, maybe once a month.  I never have to charge it during the riding season, and I normally forget all about it all winter until it is time to prep the bike for the new season.

[suecanada]

I'd be interested in a retractable SAE chord!
Hey, Rob, how long do you think we'll get out of the PC680s? Will there be warning like on an old lead acid type? Or just kaflump!!!
LRB's PC680 is heading into 6th year next summer. Always on an Odyssey special maintenance tender. Is it time to consider a new one?

[Ben_Carufel]

I'd be interested in a retractable SAE chord!
Hey, Rob, how long do you think we'll get out of the PC680s? Will there be warning like on an old lead acid type? Or just kaflump!!!
LRB's PC680 is heading into 6th year next summer. Always on an Odyssey special maintenance tender. Is it time to consider a new one?

R65.org folks will be some of the first to know, if I can make it happen!

I run a PC680 in my race car. I've killed one before by letting it become far, far too discharged. However, I've heard of them lasting 10+ years if properly maintained. Sounds like you're keeping yours up properly.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'd be interested in a retractable SAE chord!
Hey, Rob, how long do you think we'll get out of the PC680s? Will there be warning like on an old lead acid type? Or just kaflump!!!
LRB's PC680 is heading into 6th year next summer. Always on an Odyssey special maintenance tender. Is it time to consider a new one?

Sue, I have heard that AGM batteries do not give the gradual warning signs that we are used to with lead-acid batteries.
I carry a set of motorcycle-sized jumper cables with me at all times.  If I ever get stranded, I could probably get it started with a jump, and just keep the revs up high enough to get me home, or to the nearest store with a battery that would fit.

[suecanada]

One thing I have done to make me feel better about not running down the battery when doing non-high rpm rides like long interstates is to put in the upgrade to the alternator to 400 watt output mfg. by Euromotoelectrics John Rayski. Motorrad Electriks unit by Rick Jones just as good too! I did run a battery down years ago when I didn't realize how much draw down occurred in city riding. Over time it just wore the battery out. Below 4000 rpm is the no-go critical rpm I have heard.
Those maintenance chargers are the bees knees!

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Sue,

My PC680 is the same age as yours so I guess we are the test cases!

Yeee-hawh!   8-)  

(Keep using the Odyessy Bat charger though if it is still working.)

[suecanada]

Maybe Bill we should plan to attend the Gathering of the Clans  next summer and both of us put in a new PC680 together!! Two PC680s sent to General Delivery, Ferguson, NC? OR we could just wait till we are grounded but I sure hope not on the side of the road!

I bet we have 2 more years on our 680s though.

[msbuck]

I've had a PC680 or two...I tried it first in my Laverda because it's so dad-gum hard to get to the battery for any maintenance.  I remember it lasted a LONG time, but I'd have to dig through my records to find out how long.  Last time I put one in the R65 it didn't last as long as I had hoped.  Although, I'm not riding near as much as I used to.  That has to have some effect on it.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'm not riding near as much as I used to.

Is retirement getting in the way???

[msbuck]

I'm not riding near as much as I used to.

Is retirement getting in the way???

   Ha ha!  Yes, it is!