Trickle charger with no outlet. I need IDEAS

[RaceRedder]

Hi guys,

I need some ideas about maintaining my car battery. The car is parked in an underground parking lot with no outlets for a trickle charger and it will stay there for at least 6 months with just a few times of driving it.

What is the best solution to maintain my car battery?

Pull the battery out of the vehicle and charge/maintain it at home?

Buy a portable power station and connect it to a smart charger and maintain the car battery on location and once in a while disconnect the maintainer to top up the portable power station for another round?

Or just remove the negative and all will be fine?

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[timd38]

I would pull it and hook it to a battery maintainer.

 

[Dharri21]

If there is a spot with some sunlight they make solar battery maintainers and are cheap and easy on Amazon. We use them to maintain batteries at remote lifts stations and they work really well.

 

[RaceRedder]

If there is a spot with some sunlight they make solar battery maintainers and are cheap and easy on Amazon. We use them to maintain batteries at remote lifts stations and they work really well.

Unfortunately it is inside and underground.

 

[RaceRedder]

I would pull it and hook it to a battery maintainer.

Do you know what sockets I need to remove the car battery?

10mm for the 2 battery cables and a 8mm for the screw to keep the battery in place? Is this correct?

 

[Skye]

I'll explain one option, based on an apartment setup I had lived in previously.

At one location, I had an outside balcony and outlet.

Boat shops often sell plastic containers to hold batteries, with a cover. The objective is not to seal it off, but cover it from the elements. Additionally, it protects surfaces, in-case the battery leaks. An option would be to purchase a small storage container at an outlet or hardware store and put the battery in it.

Place the battery in a vented storage container, outside on the balcony. Attach the tender, leaving the head end and connectors in the container. Run the cord outside to the outlet. If needed, you could drill or cut relief holes in the container, allowing the lid to close and secure, while allowing the cables and any gases, out.

If ^ this is not an option, I'd disconnect the battery and leave it where it's secured in its tray. The battery will rest as it does in the store on the shelf.

 

[RaceRedder]

I'll explain one option, based on an apartment setup I had lived in previously.

At one location, I had an outside balcony and outlet.

Boat shops often sell plastic containers to hold batteries, with a cover. The objective is not to seal it off, but cover it from the elements. Additionally, it protects surfaces, in-case the battery leaks. An option would be to purchase a small storage container at an outlet or hardware store and put the battery in it.

Place the battery in a vented storage container, outside on the balcony. Attach the tender, leaving the head end and connectors in the container. Run the cord outside to the outlet. If needed, you could drill or cut relief holes in the container, allowing the lid to close and secure, while allowing the cables and any gases, out.

If ^ this is not an option, I'd disconnect the battery and leave it where it's secured in its tray. The battery will rest as it does in the store on the shelf.

Why outside on the bslcony and not inside at home?

 

[Skye]

Why outside on the bslcony and not inside at home?

A byproduct of the charging process on many batteries is hydrogen gas. If charging, I'd rather keep the unit in a well-ventilated place and away from any other sources of ignition (hot water heater or furnace).

If not charging, the unit could be stowed potentially anywhere. I'd prefer away from all sources of ignition, and in a plastic container, vented, in-case of any leaks.

Some do keep their batts in the home and have done so for years without issue. I'm the one in a million that will get a call from the FD while I'm out.

 

[R3tro GT]

I am in the same boat. I don't feel comfortable having a Battery in my apartment

 

[timd38]

Do you know what sockets I need to remove the car battery?

10mm for the 2 battery cables and a 8mm for the screw to keep the battery in place? Is this correct?

Sounds correct.

 

[Skye]

Some additional thoughts on safety:

- Never buy a used charger or tender

- Only purchase from a known vendor or business

- Install and use the device per the instructions

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