Deltran Battery Tender

[RoadZombie]

As a journeyman electronics technician, I have to side with Mud on this one. That's why our generators here at work have battery heater pads that kick on at 40 deg F...even with float chargers installed. Although, heat is equally detrimental to a battery.

[Mudpuppy]

Originally Posted by RoadZombie

As a journeyman electronics technician, I have to side with Mud on this one. That's why our generators here at work have battery heater pads that kick on at 40 deg F...even with float chargers installed. Although, heat is equally detrimental to a battery.

Ok well you know way more than me then.. But from what I know it would be extreme heat like sitting in 90 degree sun.. That is why they say don't leave your cell phone or other electronics in the car right? The cold or the high heat will destroy them..

But I have lost several batteries to the winter cold but never have I lost a battery to the summer heat..

I would have to assume it is due to the fact that in winter the garage gets almost as cold as outside and in the summer its not the case.. it may be 90 outside but the garage is shaded and stays cooler plus the sun isn't beating on the bike.. and i don't ride in winter but i would assume if the bike is running the cold doesn't really affect the battery because its being charged - like a trickle charger.. and same in the hot sun when i am riding - i am riding so its being charged so it wouldn't affect the battery from the heat?

[Gas Man]

But what about newer AGM batts?

[RoadZombie]

It's still a lead acid battery, so the same does apply. I believe they are a bit more "hearty". Check this page out: http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm. Lots of good info!

[telecast]

That's good info, thanks for the link!

It's pretty well known that heat is the enemy of anything electric or electronic. More heat = shorter life span. It doesn't matter if your talking about an electric motor or the voice coil winding in a speaker, too much heat is death.

But we also know that cold temps will take a weak battery out pretty quickly, and the lower the charge, the more likely it is to freeze.

I take my battery out and put it in the basement on the lower shelf of the workbench. It gets charged before storage, and it'll get checked here in the next week or so, then checked/charged again before it goes back in the bike.

Battery tenders are great if you just want to set it and forget it, but if your battery is good and stored inside they can add up to a waste of electricity.

[Mudpuppy]

good info for sure..