Recommended Trickle Chargers?

[psklenar]

My 2018 Subaru Outback is on it's 3rd battery (all replaced under warranty). They think they finally found the phantom draw that was killing the batteries over long weekends during the winters. Good.

Now I'm seeing a couple of references to the Hybrid Maverick's 12v battery having to be jumped. So ... I want to get ahead of the issue and be prepared ... are there any trickle chargers that folks would actually *recommend*? There are so many options available that it's honestly a bit overwhelming to wade through.

Related ... is there any way to safely "mount" a connection in the grill or someplace where I can lift a cover and jack in the charger plug vs having to pop the hood every time I want to hook up the trickle charger?

Thanks,
pat----

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[Brian_J]

Battery tender brand. Just zip tie the pigtail somewhere accessible.

 

[kpomeraning]

We use noco genius chargers at work for our van and plow truck and have been very satisfied.

 

[Rob Cactus Gray]

It seems strange to have these issues. My 2011 Prius is on its original 12V battery at 153k mile and never been jumped.

 

[Penasco]

My 2018 Subaru Outback is on it's 3rd battery (all replaced under warranty). They think they finally found the phantom draw that was killing the batteries over long weekends during the winters. Good.

Now I'm seeing a couple of references to the Hybrid Maverick's 12v battery having to be jumped. So ... I want to get ahead of the issue and be prepared ... are there any trickle chargers that folks would actually *recommend*? There are so many options available that it's honestly a bit overwhelming to wade through.

Related ... is there any way to safely "mount" a connection in the grill or someplace where I can lift a cover and jack in the charger plug vs having to pop the hood every time I want to hook up the trickle charger?

Thanks,
pat----

Isn't the Maverick Hybrid 12v battery is under the rear set?

 

[Blue_serotta]

Wow. This thread is very helpful. I’m wondering if some electronic issues exist, and will they be addressed through recalls soon. In the meantime, I’ll be considering the non-hybrid option of the Mav for my next truck. Thanks so much.

 

[TruckVille]

I bought a couple of these and use them for different things. I keep one on my garage queen, 2019 Bullitt, I have one on my electric start emergency generator, and I put it on my Mav when I got it. Every new car I've had needed a weekend on the trickle charger. After that, they stay charged.
Amazon.com: Battery Tender Plus 12V Battery Charger and Maintainer: 1.25 AMP Powersport Battery Charger and Maintainer for Motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs - Smart 12 Volt Automatic Float Charger - 021-0128 : Automotive

 

[icegradner]

It seems strange to have these issues. My 2011 Prius is on its original 12V battery at 153k mile and never been jumped.

Yup, the AGM battery should last a long time. Likely some electronics aren't shutting down properly causing draw on the 12v system.

 

[zookeeper]

+1 for the Noco Genius. Trickle chargers are great too if you actually like the engine start-stop.

 

[TCK]

I have used battery tenders on my classic falcons, my Harley, my Vespas….never let me down. I have three hanging from my garage roof ready to go

 

[BILLNOROVILLE]

It seldom freezes here so I only have battery tenders on my motorcycles that sit for weeks during the winter. I have never put one on a car. My cars sit in the garage where even on cold days gets down to maybe 45.

Didn't Ford built 25,000 Mavericks since Sept. Bound to have some bad batteries, I think. Maybe Ford thinks the battery supplier is the QC. QC now days is usually mostly sampling I think.

 

[psklenar]

Isn't the Maverick Hybrid 12v battery is under the rear set?

Yes it is. But there are "jumping" posts under the hood and that's where I plan to hook up the trickle charger.

pat----

 

[psklenar]

Everyone, thank you very much for the multiple recommendations for Noco and Battery Tender!

pat----

 

[oreomuffin]

+1 for the Noco Genius. Trickle chargers are great too if you actually like the engine start-stop.

Noco Genius also works with a wider variety of batteries (FLA, AGM, and lithium), 12v and 6v, has ring clips built-in, force mode for dead batteries, the quick connect is much more robust and you get a lot more information on the state of the battery. I've never used a Battery Tender brand but if you want to use the charger for multiple uses I'd go with the Noco. I have a 2 and 10amp and they are fantastic.

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