Solar Battery Tender

[jaxbobg]

Just ran across this item at Wingstuff while ordering some other parts.

Have any of you bought one of these, how well does it work, is it worth the money? I'm sometimes 5 or 6 days on the road and thought it might be nice to have.

There is a 5-watt solar charger http://wingstuff.com/products/34106-...-solar-charger

and a 15-watt charger http://wingstuff.com/products/34108-...-solar-charger

Seems like this could be a really good item to take along on road trips.

[87Trike1200]

I had a low wattage solar charger from Harbor Freight that seemed to work OK. I think it might be THIS one. It's only 1.5 watts, but is smaller, less expensive, and might work for your application (?). Just a suggestion - I realize 5 watts is more powerful - but for a float charge (or as a preventative measure), the little one might do the trick.

I have no idea if (or how long) it might take to revive a "dead" battery. Obviously, if you use the cigarette lighter adapter (as opposed to a direct connect to the battery), be sure the socket is "live" when the ignition is off.

Good luck with your application...

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Just curious ... why would you need a battery tender on a trip? Maybe camping?

[87Trike1200]

Forgot to mention - mine was used on a GMC van that spent most of its "life" parked in the driveway... It was used just to keep it "topped off".

[jaxbobg]

Just curious ... why would you need a battery tender on a trip? Maybe camping?

Don't know. Never had a problem with the battery while on a long road trip. Don't feel much like camping at my age, though years ago it was a lot of fun.

Just that I've never seen this before and was curious if anyone used one. The trike stays in the garage at home so the solar doesn't do me any good there.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

I wasn't being critical, I use a tender in the winter ... LOL .. even though I ride the tri unless there's ice on the road, or the snow gets too deep ... ... I'm always game for good ideas ... in 45+ years of riding, never had an issue with the battery on a trip. Lots of times when weather prevents me from riding for awhile in the winter.

Although ... When I first got the BMW K1200LT, I did run the battery down lots, it had a position on the ignition switch that kept "camping" lights on ... during the day, I wouldn't know they where on. Next morning I would be looking for a hill to push it down to jump start it. So if space is not a big issue, I can sorta see where a solar powered charger would be helpful. Although the new mini power supplies seem a bit more practical, probably smaller to.

[hogcowboy]

I could see using one if you brought a laptop or iPod along and was using your bike battery as a power source. The solar could keep it charged as well then.

[87Trike1200]

Hadn't thought of this until now (my brain was stuck on solar - ). This might be a worthy gadget for around $50 ($45 + $5 ship). Not only comes with jump start cables, but is also an emergency power supply for cell phones etc. Comes with 2 - USB ports plus the 12v outlet for jump starts. (Click Here)

Being a "gadget person", I have one but haven't used it yet except to test it out. Seems to work well and is small enough to carry it around. It uses a Lithium-ion battery so it holds a charge well, but if not used, I would check the charge 2 or 3 times a year to be safe.

[jaxbobg]

Hard to believe! Is it true that Lifebox Ultra Charge has adapters for phones, laptops, etc AND can jump start your vehicle up to 10 times on a fully charged battery?

Oh, yeah, and it only weighs about one pound.

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Ya gotta love technology