[MikeNC]

Anybody use a weathertech charger? 2017 Honda Accord | Battery Charger - 4 Amp 12V/6V Switchable Battery Charging Unit | WeatherTech.com

Due to some recent health issues, I’m not driving nearly as much as I used to. So my 2015 v6 often sits in the garage (so at least it’s out of the elements) for up to 4-5 days a week. The other 2-3 days is a bit of a mix of a couple of 30-45 minute trips and short (10-20 minute) errand trips. So far the battery has been fine - car has always started up clean and quick with a slight touch of the button (even when parked for more than two weeks).

But I’m thinking a maintenance charger might be a worthwhile investment. The weathertech one specs sound good, and the price is fine. I love their other products, but there are lots of optional products out there too.

I do have a NoCo GB70 in the trunk for in a pinch jump starts. But now I’m more concerned I’m just not running the car enough every week to really keep the battery up, so something safe and reliable that I could just connect in the garage and leave there until I next drive it would be nice. The weathertech does mention long term storage use, so sounds safe to leave connected for several days if I’m not going out for awhile.

Appreciate any feedback, advice or alternate suggestions!

 

[SoCalTouring]

My Accord Touring is only driven once or twice a week and thus far I have had zero issues with it starting or the battery (which is three years old) performance fading. My prior car also was rarely driven and it didn’t impact the battery or starting either...Just something to consider before you spend the money on a charger.

 

[yst]

Sure, the maintenance charging will prolong the life of the battery. But don't forget to check the electrolyte level - the plates should not be exposed. If the level is low - use distilled water to add to a proper level.

 

[Lashlee]

I've used a battery tender wall wart style of trickle charger in the past on my motorcycles during the winter with excellent results so I don't think there would be a downside of using the WeatherTech version. If you were to place it in long term storage one that varies the voltage on occasion might be a better option, but at a much higher cost.

 

[MikeNC]

Thanks everyone. I realize I may be worrying about nothing, but for $60 it might be a worthwhile purchase anyway (and Weathertch does have lifetime warranties which I notice several other much more expensive units do not).

All my previous cars typically got driven daily and it’s only now that my car sits for days at a time, so it’s not something I’ve ever even had to think about before.

<a quick P.S.> I did go ahead and buy a charger just to have it (I have an old one, but it is literally a ~30 year old fixed amperage constant charger - used to use it with the battery for an 60hp outboard boat motor that did not have an alternator). But I went with a NoCo G3500 because it turns out I have a credit with Amazon, so was able to order it for just $19.99 - figured for that price I might as well get one and have it available on the shelf in the garage anyway (and I'm not sure I even want to plug in that really old one either - it's gotten pretty beat up over the years - maybe time to recycle that).

 

[GPz1100]

The unit in the OP looks like a rebranded deltran model (battery tender). They don't offer a 4amp model under their own label but this might be just like the 3A version they only sell through costco. Just ordered one. Our accord gets used every 3-5 days but mostly short local trips. The occasional 200+ trip happens maybe once every 3-4 months.

Anyone have suggestions where to route the pigtails so they'd be hidden but accessible without opening the hood each time?

 

[VFR4Lee]

The unit in the OP looks like a rebranded deltran model (battery tender). They don't offer a 4amp model under their own label but this might be just like the 3A version they only sell through costco. Just ordered one. Our accord gets used every 3-5 days but mostly short local trips. The occasional 200+ trip happens maybe once every 3-4 months.

Anyone have suggestions where to route the pigtails so they'd be hidden but accessible without opening the hood each time?

Just behind the grill? Maybe zip tie it where you can get it with a finger, but it's not in plain sight?

I'm using a cheapo maint charger from Harbor Fright.

 

[GPz1100]

Grill is a great idea. However it appears there's a radiator in the way

For temp use I ran it under the car (by the front tow hook). Ideally I'd to play connect/disconnect quick and easy without having to bend down under the car. The other car in the garage i just keep the hood open slightly but this doesn't work for a car parked outside in the driveway.

 

[VFR4Lee]

Well dang. I thought there would be room to run it up there somehow without roasting it on anything.
I suppose it would be too much trouble to install it behind the H on the front. You would have to convert the H to a little door. I think I saw a car plugged in like this in somebodys driveway. Anyway, nevermind. :laugh

 

[GPz1100]

I look more closely next week after we dig out from the 8-15" of snow they're promising.

 

[powermad]

My other rig sits on the street for weeks at a time so having my maintenance charger hooked up is out.
For now I just disconnect the neg cable so I don't have to jump start it. Just have to reset the radio every time.
I have an electronic battery shut off that I can mount the switch inside but have never gotten around to it. Same issue with the radio though.

Recently I was given a 12v solar charger. Output of 350mA

Since I added a 12v power point wired to batt source I am going to swap the clips for a plug.
Then I can just plug it into the dash and stick it on top of the dash under the sun screen.

And yes, it even charges on overcast/rainy days.
Don't recall the brand but a quick trip down google shows them being under $75