Battery Tender Smart Maintainers and Chargers

Battery Tender (Deltran) is known for reliable, microprocessor-controlled maintainers that keep lead-acid batteries ready after weeks or months of storage. They deliver staged charging (bulk, absorption, float) and ongoing monitoring to prevent overcharge and sulfation—ideal for powersports, classic cars, and small engines.

Use it when

• You store a motorcycle, ATV/UTV, boat, mower, or generator for weeks or a full season.
• A vehicle has parasitic draw (alarms, ECUs) and sits more than a week between drives.
• You want set-and-forget maintenance with built-in safety protections.

Avoid or choose differently if

• You need a rapid same-day charge on a large automotive battery—choose a higher-amp (4–10A) charger.
• You need a jump-start—use a booster pack; maintainers are not jump starters.
• You have a LiFePO4 battery—use a Battery Tender lithium-specific model; do not use a standard lead-acid profile unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it.

How to choose a Battery Tender

Rule of thumb: charge time (hours) ≈ battery Ah ÷ charger A × 1.2 (for losses). For long-term storage, even low-amp models are sufficient once the battery is full.

Compatibility notes

• Chemistry: Standard Battery Tender maintainers support 12V and 6V lead-acid (flooded, AGM, gel). For LiFePO4, choose a Battery Tender lithium model with a lithium charging profile and BMS compatibility.
• Voltage: Match the charger to your battery (6V vs 12V). Many units are single-voltage.
• Connectors: Included fused SAE ring-terminal harness stays on the battery; use the quick-disconnect to plug in. Alligator clips are typically included for temporary use.
• CAN-bus motorcycles: Accessory ports often switch off with the ignition. Connect directly to the battery using the ring-terminal harness or use a brand-approved CAN-bus charger/port adapter.

Setup in minutes

1. Attach the fused ring terminals to the battery (positive first, then negative). Tighten to spec.
2. Route the SAE quick-disconnect to an accessible, dry location away from hot or moving parts.
3. Connect the maintainer to the SAE lead, then plug the AC cord into a grounded outlet.
4. Confirm indicator lights show charging, then float/maintenance. Leave connected for storage.

Safety and best practices

• Ventilate when charging flooded batteries. Avoid sparks and open flames.
• Never charge a frozen or visibly damaged battery. Allow cold batteries to warm above 32°F (0°C).
• Connect to the battery before plugging into AC; unplug AC before disconnecting from the battery.
• If a battery measures below ~3V, many smart chargers will not start. Pre-charge with a compatible charger or use a unit with recondition mode if available.
• Inspect the fuse in the SAE harness periodically; replace if blown. Keep connectors clean and dry.

FAQs

Bottom line

Install the fused SAE pigtail once, plug in after rides or before storage, and your battery will be ready when you are. Choose the output that matches your battery size and how quickly you need to recover a charge.