Recommended Trickle Chargers?

[Nighowl2000]

I got a solar power one: www.amazon.ca/dp/B07JLWFPX6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_YMWDGCMS4WWHWD2X0XTC

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[Aherpa]

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----

I would recommend a trickle charger with a desulfator pulse. I have used the one below on my mower for years now. It used to need a battery every 3-4 years, this one is going on 6.

 

[jcsan18]

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.

That’s the one sold on the Ford Accessories site, correct?

 

[oreomuffin]

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.

What was the cause? My 2019 Outback had 2 replaced. Dealer had it for over a month and never found the source. I'm having similar issues with my Maverick. I'm hoping it's not as big of an issue.

I would recommend a trickle charger with a desulfator pulse. I have used the one below on my mower for years now. It used to need a battery every 3-4 years, this one is going on 6.

All Noco Genius chargers desulfate.

That’s the one sold on the Ford Accessories site, correct?

I only see the boosters on there now but that is the brand.

 

[psklenar]

What was the cause? My 2019 Outback had 2 replaced. Dealer had it for over a month and never found the source. ...

Oreomuffin,

When I took it in again in february 2021 for the 3rd dead battery (2 cells had failed) the service tech discovered a new (at the time) Subaru TSB recommending the replacement of the lift gate control module (inside the rear hatch) for several years of Outback's ... including my 2018. Apparently it was discovered to have had an unplanned constant/phantom draw. Very low, but ... enough that when a vehicle might not be driven for 4-5 days and temps were very cold ... could be enough to drain the battery completely.

Modern vehicles have so many electronic features these days, that yeah, I suspect the Maverick could have a phantom draw too. But obviously not for a rear lift gate.

pat----

 

[Decayed]

The mav actually has a pretty beefy battery because of the auto stop/start. For the size of the motor you could get away with something much smaller if not for the constant starter draw. I really wish there were some way to default that to "off".

 

[Z-Canuck]

Thank you for the information.
I don't drive my Lariat often and the auto Start/Stop stops working.
I was told the battery level got below 60%.
They recharged the battery, but reccomend that I use a battery tender. Any recommendations?

 

[oreomuffin]

Thank you for the information.
I don't drive my Lariat often and the auto Start/Stop stops working.
I was told the battery level got below 60%.
They recharged the battery, but reccomend that I use a battery tender. Any recommendations?

Who recommended that? The dealer? That’s bogus. Bring it back to the dealer, or a different one, and tell them it’s an issue. I’m working with my dealer and Ford on the same thing . The more of us that say it’s a problem the better.

 

[Z-Canuck]

Who recommended that? The dealer? That’s bogus. Bring it back to the dealer, or a different one, and tell them it’s an issue. I’m working with my dealer and Ford on the same thing . The more of us that say it’s a problem the better.

I agree that it's very frustrating.
We use my wife's Taurus for her elderly mother to get in and out of.
I use the Maverick a lot less because of this.
They also said to drive on the highway for half an hour or so to charge the battery.
They said too many things working in the background when the vehicle is not in use is draining the battery.

 

[desmobob]

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----

Because of parasitic drain killing the battery at random in my Subaru, I had it set up with a pigtail and plug in the grill for one of my Battery Tender units. I have two Battery Tenders: a small, wall-wart type and a larger version that can charge at a higher rate. I have pigtails and plugs on my snowmobile, lawn tractor, and motorcycle. I think the Battery Tender is a good product at a good price.

 

[mhw21zap]

Do you connect your Battery Tender under the hood to the positive post + sidewall ground on the frame?

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