Portable Battery Chargers

[cadfael]

Does anyone else keep a battery charger in the back of their smart? I drive it every day so, don't worry about the battery failing due to non-use. My 08 got the upgrade just before I bought it, however, I still suffer flashbacks to it not starting in the dealer lot when it had the old battery and, would just feel safer having a battery charger w/me at all times. If anyone else does this, can you recommend any brands/types and, will it lower the gas mileage sitting back there (those things are heavy!)? THANKS!

[mike-in-sa]

I bought a solar panel charger from harbor frieght for about $20. Hooked it up to my jetskis to keep them up. IF I were worried I would wire one into the smart and just leave it on the dash. But Im not worried. Jumper cables might be a better option.

[mvaldes]

If you just want something small to keep your battery "topped off," the Battery Tender Junior easily fits in the palm of your hand and weighs about 6 ounces. I use them on cars that are sitting in the garage while the Smart is being driven. I've also used it on the Smart when I know I'm going to be away for a bit. It works well and sells for only $20-25.

[jimvw57]

well, some people wear a belt with their suspenders, just in case.

Last week I had a Prius pull up next to me and ask if I had jumper cables.... Think about that one.... Electric car (or a hybrid anyhow) looking for jumper cables?? whats wrong with that picture??

i have taken a jump box with when I go camping to power the electronic gadgets the kids haul along.

[PerryA]

I assume you're talking about a battery-powered, rechargable unit to jump start the car and not simply a charger.

If you're looking for a charger to keep things topped up - especially during long periods of sitting unused, I have used a 1 amp motorcycle battery charger. It gives a slow trickle charge. Batteries are better charged slowly.

I taked to someone who put a trickle charger on a timer to keep his motorcycle battery charged during the winter. Just set it to come on every night for a couple of hours. Could work for a car that's sitting idle as well. Most chargers have automatic cut offs so they won't overcharge your battery, so it's probably not a real problem, but if you prefer, you can set up a timer.

If you watch your battery charge and top it off when the car sits idle for long perioids, you shouldn't need a jump battery. I have a ScanGauge and it can display the battery voltage. It's a good multi-tasker. Check out other posts on the subject. A simple battery level indicator could help you feel a little more comfortable.

[jimvw57]

A Battery tender is designed to keep the battery charged without overcharging for months, like over the winter or such witout messing with a timer.
A jump box is basicly a deep cycle battery that can handle sitting idle for a long time without discarging and still maintain enough of a charge to handle starting a car. They are usually a completely sealed batterey so acid won't leak out if they are turned over by accident.

[Z06-LITE]

I have Deltran Battery Tenders on my three special interest cars that see little use. They are hard wired to the batteries and I plan to put one on the Brabus I just picked up. I won't be driving my Smart but once or twice a week, so I think the battery tender is a good idea.

[SmartDigger]

or you can follow this helpfull hint from Evilution Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia