I'm in the market for a battery maintainer. Not a charger(I have one),but one that'll keep it charged between uses. I have an '85 Hi-Lux and the '88 4rnr. I alternate driving them both but sometimes the battery will die on one of them. I've been looking at buying the Deltran Battery Tender but the reviews are split. Either ppl love 'em or curse them. A lot of ppl complained that they crapped out and when they tried to get it fixed or replaced, Deltran wants u to ship it back on your dime, charge u a 'analysis fee', and then another fee to fix it. Most buyers said it was cheaper to buy another one. So I ask u my T4R brethren, do any of u have any experience with the Deltran Battery Tender(Jr)? TIA

I use a 14V solar charger that I set in the windshield. It was only $24 on Amazon and works great.

I have this one ----->
Schumacher SP-200 2.4W Solar Battery Maintainer
http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-SP-...dp/B004ZC3TFC/

Works great and it fits easily below the seat or in the pouch behind the seat for simple storage.

I do not have experience with Deltran, But if you want quality these guys make some great stuff.

Odyssey batteries - Battery Chargers

I saw those on Amazon Brian, does it plug into the cig lighter or..? And the Odyssey chargers look good. Would the one amp be enough? I don't need it to charge, just to maintain. Thank u for your responses.

I just saw ur edit Brian. Does it have a method of charge control? Can I leave it for extended periods of time like the others?

It comes with a cigarette lighter plug and a detachable plug for direct battery clamps.

On a 3rd gen you have to modify the c-lighter so that it has continuous power or nothing will happen once you remove the key. With the key removed and this device you can only charge via a c-lighter that is 24x7 enabled. Most stock vehicles disable that circuit once you leave the car.

I ran a new power/ground wire and have a cigarette lighter socket in my glove box which I mainly use for electronics.

I do like the idea of free energy(after initial cost)to keep it charged. However after reading up on it, there seems to be no method of charge control. I wouldn't be able to leave it alone for extended periods of time(like a vacation). Phooey!

I've tried all sorts of battery chargers/maintainers over the years. By far, the ones I prefer are the BatteryMinder's: Battery Chargers, Maintainers & Desulfators by BatteryMINDers

The Battery Tender Jr works OK for me.

How long have u had it? This is the one I was thinking of getting. It is also the one(JR)with the most complaints. I did find a YUASA that had good reviews but cost double.

can't go wrong with a schumacher

I'll just say this; the only battery charger company I have a connection to, is Schumacher.

I still use the BatteryMinder.

I bought this one last fall for my '48 Chevy and no complaints so far.

http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-B...ery+maintainer

Definitely liking the price on the B&D. I see Schumachers name keep coming up in a good way. Anybody try the YUASA? I'm leaning towards that one at the moment. Stellar reviews but pricey...

Yes. I've also used lots of Yuasa batteries over the years. Either in my own bikes, or in those I was just working on. I still prefer the aforementioned BatteryMinder.

I have no affiliation to that company, I just use whatever works best.

Yes, they are good. I have both the Battery Tender Plus and the Battery Tender Jr. The Plus I've had for over 7 years and is currently hooked up to the Raptor. The Jr is around 6 years old and is currently hooked up to a motorcycle. Couple others I use is a CTEK (at least 10 years old) on the Viper and a Griots Garage brand (at least 8 years old) on the 4Runner. I keep all my cars on a float charge (keeps the batteries happy)when they're parked at home. No problems with any of them and they all do their job great.