Cheap battery maintainers????

[another_clean_sheet]

If it was me I would go with the one Suzublu recommended. Its rated max current output is fine for your needs

[MarkS]

Originally Posted by Dawn

Neither store is selling them at the moment so not an option.

My local Aldi are clearing their smart battery chargers for £7, normally £13.

Ring Aldi on 0800 042 0800, give them your postcode, and they'll locate the nearest store that has the smart battery charger in stock.

I've already got 2 in stock, part of my recent 'essentials' shopping.

[suzublu]

Originally Posted by another_clean_sheet

If it was me I would go with the one Suzublu recommended. Its rated max current output is fine for your needs

I didn't recommend it per se, it's just in Dawn's price range. What I do recommend is a Ctek, but outside Dawn's price needs

[another_clean_sheet]

Originally Posted by suzublu

I didn't recommend it per se, it's just in Dawn's price range. What I do recommend is a Ctek, but outside Dawn's price needs

Sorry Ron for misquoting you

[suzublu]

Originally Posted by another_clean_sheet

Sorry Ron for misquoting you

No worries Mike, just happy someone agreed with me for a change

[Terryf]

I use a 100 Watt solar panel on garage roof with charge controller. been using it for years winter and summer due to my low mileage.

[vacuman]

I bought one of these, under £23 delivered and UK brand. Very happy as it's go a quick connect option. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183580571967

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Dawn

I'm so confused. I have just been reading you need the right maintainer according to battery size. I've seen them from 0.8 up to 6amp. Which is right for a 2.5 then?

A 0.8 amp output is too low, 3 amps is sufficient and a 5 amp C-tek, as recommended by Suzublu, would be a wise choice because it's nicely over-engineered so will last for ever.

A few tips for you Dawn:

• Buying the cheapest of anything is usually a false economy.
• A flat battery will draw only about 3 amps so it's pointless paying for a 10 amp charger.
• You may think that you need it only during the Coronavirus emergency but believe me, you will use it again.

Simon

[Dawn]

Originally Posted by SD1too

A 0.8 amp output is too low, 3 amps is sufficient and a 5 amp C-tek, as recommended by Suzublu, would be a wise choice because it's nicely over-engineered so will last for ever.

A few tips for you Dawn:

• Buying the cheapest of anything is usually a false economy.
• A flat battery will draw only about 3 amps so it's pointless paying for a 10 amp charger.
• You may think that you need it only during the Coronavirus emergency but believe me, you will use it again.

Simon

Hi Simon, I totally understand that cheap isn't always the way forwards, but given the price of a C-tek and the fact I'm on 80% of what was already minimum wage then it's just not possible. The one vacuuman suggested looks a very good compromise. English sellers, good price, and it has a 4amp rating so should do the job. It is what I was looking for. I have a large and clunky charger and jump starter that is actually excellent and cost about £80 that I currently use, so this isn't for Covid - I'm looking at something that would be more of a maintainer for the MG as it doesn't come out much and I'm told the battery shouldn't just be charged, but cycled.

I shall order a Maypole later today I think. Thank you all!

[SD1too]

Thanks for your reply Dawn.

Originally Posted by Dawn

The one vacuuman suggested looks a very good compromise. English sellers, good price, and it has a 4amp rating so should do the job.

Agreed.

... and I'm told the battery shouldn't just be charged, but cycled.

"Cycled" means allowed to discharge fully then re-charged. This is exactly the wrong thing to do with a lead-acid car battery. Your informant may be thinking of NiCd batteries which were said to have a "memory effect" and were replaced by NiMh in mobile phones and other small appliances.

Car batteries should be kept fully charged at all times for the longest life. That's why the smart maintenance charger you are about to buy is correct for the job. It will re-charge your battery to its maximum capacity and automatically maintain that full level of charge.

Simon