Battery Maintainer

[Spyderal11]

Can you with the right accessory run a maintainer through the outlet in the trunk that looks like a cigerette lighter plug in. That should be easier than coming off of the battery. Your thoughts would be appreciated.:dontknow:

 

[NancysToy]

Can you with the right accessory run a maintainer through the outlet in the trunk that looks like a cigerette lighter plug in. That should be easier than coming off of the battery. Your thoughts would be appreciated.:dontknow:

On the RT you can, because the outlet is powered all the time. On the RS (normally) you cannot, as the outlet is powered only when the engine is running.

 

[boborgera]

Can you with the right accessory run a maintainer through the outlet in the trunk that looks like a cigerette lighter plug in. That should be easier than coming off of the battery. Your thoughts would be appreciated.:dontknow:

Yes you can, If that outlet is live all the time.

 

[NancysToy]

Yes you can, If that outlet is live all the time.

Not on the RS!

 

[Spyderal11]

maintainer

I have a 2011 RT Limited so it should work ok?

 

[mdimaline]

what kind of accessory would you need and where could you buy it or do you need to makeit yourself....thanks

 

[boborgera]

what kind of accessory would you need and where could you buy it or do you need to makeit yourself....thanks

Most tenders come with accessory plugs, Or you can get one to fit at just about any store that sells cell phones, or has a CD/record department .

 

[Bob Denman]

I have a 2011 RT Limited so it should work ok?

Perfect! :thumbup:
I believe that there has been some discussion regarding hooking up the plug on the RS models so that it is hot all of the time also...

 

[ARtraveler]

I believe that Battery tender brand comes with the necessary plugs.

 

[NancysToy]

I have a 2011 RT Limited so it should work ok?

Yes, you just need a cigarette adapter that fits your charger cable. Many chargers come with such an adapter already.

what kind of accessory would you need and where could you buy it or do you need to makeit yourself....thanks

You need an adapter cable from your particular charger to a cigarette plug. The Battery Tender brand chargers use an SAE cable. Powerlet makes one, as do others. Check your local motorcycle shop.

 

[NancysToy]

Perfect! :thumbup:
I believe that there has been some discussion regarding hooking up the plug on the RS models so that it is hot all of the time also...

No, that one is normally only hot when the engine is running. It can be changed, but the trunk must be removed, the switched accessory wiring harness disconnected and the unswitched harness located and connected, then the 3 amp fuse switched from the switched to the unswitched fuse box slot. It is easier to connect a pigtail at the battery, or just use alligator clips on the jumper terminals under the seat.

 

[Dragonrider]

I had the same "option" with my BMW K12 - the issue is that other circuits may be powered by the charger... Be SUREyou know which ones.

I wired the connector directly to my battery, and, since I have a Corbin seat, just leave the connector peeking out.

 

[Bob Denman]

No, that one is normally only hot when the engine is running. It can be changed, but the trunk must be removed, the switched accessory wiring harness disconnected and the unswitched harness located and connected, then the 3 amp fuse switched from the switched to the unswitched fuse box slot. It is easier to connect a pigtail at the battery, or just use alligator clips on the jumper terminals under the seat.

I knew that the information existed... I just wasn't aware tht it took more effort than would normally be considered as "acceptable"... pps:
But then... I figured that you'd know for sure! :thumbup:

 

[boborgera]

Quite true.
But,
the occasional & unintentional spark from the act of connect/disconnect that close to the gas tank makes me a bit nervous.

Rare, but it can happen. In my younger, And reckless days I was boosting the battery on my Dune buggy and holding both clamps. [like i've done many times before]
when i removed the clamps the whole battery blew up. Acid and plates all over.pps:
I was warned that could happen, but i never believed it .
I think the gel batteries are safer.:dontknow:

 

[Yeochief]

I use the Deltran Battery Tender Junior (5 year warranty and can be left on hot for extended periods without damaging battery) on my 2009 RS. My neighbor, an electrical engineer who owns three motorcycles which he maintains and rides regularly recommended it. The unit is switched, it includes alligator clips and a pigtail which connect by way of a two connector similar to those that connect trailer light systems, completely insulated and capable.


I connected the pigtail to the battery terminals and fed the pigtail through the opening where the positive jumper terminal is under the seat. There is plenty of wire to connect, and when disconnected and capped the pigtail wraps down beside the jumper post. Out of the way and not getting pinched.


When I park the Spyder, I pop the seat, connect the battery tender and switch it on, no danger of sparking. Getting ready to ride, turn off the battery tender, unplug the pigtail, put the cap back on and tuck it away, close the seat and ready to ride.


I'm not familiar with RT setup, but suspect it is similar to the RS.

 

[ThreeWheels]

I use the alligator clips that came with my Battery Tender.

I pop up the seat, hook up the alligator clips to the positive and negative jumper cables and then plug in the tender.

When I want to go riding, I reverse the procedure, first unplugging the tender from power and then removing the alligator clamps.

This may seem like a PITA to some, but during the riding season, the bike is never idle long enough to need a battery tender.

In the winter, I probably go through this maybe 4 times, so I don't find it tough at all.

One thing though, if you use the rear cigarette light and make a converter, do NOT use the plug salvaged from a cell phone charger. Those things all have chips and voltage controls in them. Use a quality Marinco plug.

As always, my free advice comes with a double your money back guarantee.