Battery Charger

[gman47]

I purchased a battery charger from HF, item no. 42292. The box says "used for maintenance of wet or gel-cell batteries ...". Lo and behold, I read the instructions and to my dismay the instructions say "Do Not Use on gel lead-acid or AGM type batteries". I called HF tech support and they confirmed this charger is NOT to be used on the battery types indicated on the instruction sheet. They are in the process of changing the box labeling ....we'll see how that works. There are chargers available for charging both types of batteries but in the mean time, it's back to HF for a refund. HF has an ad for next week, Jan. 16. 17 & 18 listing this charger for $3.99 regularly $9.99. Now I understand why it's on sale... to get rid of the mislabled stock!!
Don't get caught and at save yourselves a trip back for a refund.

Follow up. Just talked with Shumaker Tech and the charger recommmended by TC will work on ALL type of batteries!

[Top Cat]

I don't know how you feel about Walmart but they have a Shumacker Battery maintainer. It is not that expensive and will keep the battery topped off. It will not over charge.
It will do the same thing as the Battery Tender brand , only less expensive.

EDIT;
Oh yeah, welcome to the madness ;)

[doublel]

I got a battery tender Junior. I think I paid $30 including shipping. I like that you can leave the leads hooked onto your battery for ease of use. :)

[cactusjack]

Personally, I wouldn't use a $3.99 (or even a $9.99) HF charger on my battery. That's just my opinion.

[gman47]

Thanks, TC. No qualms with WallyWorld. I'll check it out.
And, yes, I'm enjoying the Nomad-ness!! Lot's of good info. and a wealth of knowledge here in Nomadsland!!!!!!!!!

[dogdoc]

+1 TC in the frozen tundra. It works well and cost $20.

[zoom45]

I got the Wal Mart charger for the bike and it works great.
I bought a HF charger (The 2, 10, 55 amp) for the race car and that's the biggest piece of junk. I have taken it back for exchange (under warranty) about 8 times. It will charge a battery great about 2 times then it quits. I would go buy a good one but HF is on the way from work. Just stop in and walk out with a new one under warranty. LOL I do not recommend anyone buy an electrical item from HF.
Zoom45

[Top Cat]

Hey Doc, I see you FINALY fixed your PhotoBucket account

What is HF? I know it is a store but what is the actual name?

[doublel]

HF = Harbor Freight......the Walmart of hardware stores......I'm not saying that's a bad thing.

[zoom45]

www.harborfreight.com

They have some great deals on some things. I never had trouble with their air tools, tire changer or other mechanical things. I would stay away from the electrical tools unless you only use them once every blue moon.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I use the Schumacher Battery Tender at Wal-Mart for $19.99 and it is the best investment I have made recently. Has two sets of wires or pigtails that come with it. I attached the one that stays on the battery all the time and hides under the seat. When you finish riding you just plug the wire in from the charger.

One thing I have noticed since I have started using the charger is that when I first start up the Nomad keeps running without using the throttle. Before the charger was used when I started up the bike would die unless I was quick and gave it some throttle. Don't have that problem now since using the charger all the time. The battery is now always fully charged.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by zoom45

www.harborfreight.com

They have some great deals on some things. I never had trouble with their air tools, tire changer or other mechanical things. I would stay away from the electrical tools unless you only use them once every blue moon.

I have had good and bad results with HF stuff. If it's tools, I buy stuff from there that I may only need once, or very occasionally. This is especially true with their electric tools. Their air tools are okay, I haven't had one fail on me yet. If I want better quality hand tools, I buy Husky or Craftsman.

As with mosy everything, one rule applies..."you get what you pay for." You pay $3.99 for a battery charger and that's what you're going to get - a $3.99 battery charger. Sometimes it doesn't pay to go cheap.